| Our Golden Labrador Journey |
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Our love for the Golden Labrador began years ago in CA. when we began a search for a dog to
train as a Service Dog in balance or "mobility" assistance for me. In our search we found that the
major training organizations for Service work believed that the Golden Lab was among the best for
this purpose. It has the calm, loving, "la~de~da" way of looking at the world from the Golden but the
slightly more intent way of "zeroing in on" a need or a bird, plus the physical strength of the Lab.
Well, we were convinced. The only problem was, which you have probably noticed in your search,
is that they are difficult to find...especially a well bred puppy. Since then, we have researched
different aspects of crossing these two breeds. We have worked very hard to find quality Labs and
Goldens for our program. At this point we are trying to have several litters a year if and when
requests have filled a waiting list or a specific need arises.
We are excited about working with several training groups in different states providing or donating
pups from our litters to be trained for someone who needs assistance. These puppies are doing great
Tennessee, California, Indiana Illinois, Ohio and the east coast. Some will be working with young
people with Autism, some hearing assistance and some mobility. We also have search and rescues in
California and Arizona.
Our goal became to breed a wonderful Golden Lab cross puppy that could be a family member, a
companion, hunt /field or work in service or therapy. We've committed to keep the price of a puppy
within a range that is affordable. Many hybrid dogs are priced extremely high and since ours may go
to service or therapy homes we will not be charging those prices.
A vet will tell you that a hybrid or a mutt is probably the healthiest dog around. This may certainly be
true within the first generation pup. Parents being ~ Purebred to Purebred!!! When one breeds a
mixed/hybrid dog with a purebred or another mix/hybrid it begins to weaken the genetic strength or
the “vigor”, hence the hybrid or mutt is no longer expected to be healthier. We adopt out our pups
with a spay/neuter contract.
Something to be aware of when searching for a hybrid pup might be.......the combination of the two
individual breeds. Are the parent's breeds compatible? Are each breed's character and their size a
compliment to the other. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in size
and body type as well as their general appearance, muzzle, teeth etc. Their temperaments are also
similar in that both breeds are kind, gentle, eager to please and intelligent, sporting dogs that love to
work. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the AKC breed standard for both the Golden
and the Labrador retrievers at:
(copy and paste)
http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/
http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/
By the way....Mix breeds are now eligible to enroll in AKC Canine Partners this allows them to
participate in AKC events such as Rally, Agility and Obedience.
This is very new, for more information:
http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/index.cfm
We use a pre-socialization technique (ENS) that begins at day 3 until day 16. By day 16 the pups are
getting around well and can see pretty well, so we change to a more of an environmental
socialization. By moving them around from room to room every so often, we are exposing them to
different sounds, like hair dryers, vacuums and TV’s. They will also feel different textures and smell
new smells. We hope they will be better prepared for an ever changing world. Then at about 6
weeks they begin their outdoor excursions..........and the investigating begins. They see big trucks
pulling horse trailers, tractors, lawn mowers etc. Best of all, they love playing with the hose and
water. They also play
tug-o-war with sticks and crunch on leaves and are exposed to horses, cats and children (of course :-)
All of our own dogs are our companions and friends. They are raised in the house, so their
temperaments will reflect that. As new pups they sleep in crates in our bedroom for months and
months until they are "trustworthy chewers" and can be left unattended while we sleep. As adults our
dogs take turns sleeping in various places throughout the house. Some prefer crates, some have their
favorite chair, the kitchen tile of the cool cement in the garage.
All are very good quality, lovely dogs with health records and championed/show pedigrees.
One comment I get a lot is ~ "do you breed this mix on purpose?"
The answer is certainly a resounding……YES!!
I've waited my whole life to live on a ranch with horses, dogs and kids.
We love, yes.......LOVE doing what we are doing ~
Loving God and family AND spending the rest of our lives with our grandson and our dogs!
These puppies are a gift and a joy we will always, always be grateful for and never tire of!!
Mark & Laura
| Available |
Service Dog Thoughts
By Kyle Fiechter, eHow ContributorThe Best Dog Breeds for Autistic Children
updated October 07, 2011
Autistic disorder (or "classic" autism), according to the CDC, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that
usually involves "significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors
and interests" in people who manifest the disorder. One way to help autistic children develop social skills
and reduce "stimming" (self stimulating behaviors -- such as spinning, shouting and hitting) is to pair them
with a specially trained dog. According to the Autism Assistance Dog website, the ideal breed of dog for
the autistic child is the breed that fits your home situation: if allergies are an issue in your home you should
choose a hypoallergenic dog; if your child displays violent tendencies and more severe meltdowns, a
larger, solid dog is needed.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are a good breed of dog for autistic children due to their even temperament; they are good-natured
and friendly. They are peaceful with other animals and responsive to training. Good training is important
with these dogs (as with all assistance dogs), however, as they can be rambunctious and full of energy. It
is important that the trainer picks a dog that has a calm temperament and is peaceful.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have a welcoming bark and a kindly expression, consistent with the breeds cheerful and
trustworthy temperament. Retrievers have a robust and solid build -- important for children who have
violent tendencies. Nineteen year old Dale Gardner, as reported by the "Sunday Times," "found faces
scary" as a child who suffered from autism and would misread people's facial expressions. When his
parents gave him Henry, a golden retriever, his social interactions improved. "Henry had such a calm and
friendly face and he never looked angry. I could look at him and it took away the stress of talking to
people." Golden retrievers have a lot of energy, however, and must be chosen carefully by breeders and
given lots of exercise.
Poodle
Some dog breeds that are not thought of as typical therapeutic breeds can prove to be quick learners with
even temperaments. Poodles are chosen by Autism Service Dogs of America as service dogs, as they are
"ideal because of their temperament, ability to train and their love of people," says Pris Taylor, executive
director of Autism Service Dogs of America. They are also more hypoallergenic than other breeds,
according to the Autism Assistance Dog Blog, making them ideal for owners with allergies.
By Kyle Fiechter, eHow ContributorThe Best Dog Breeds for Autistic Children
updated October 07, 2011
Autistic disorder (or "classic" autism), according to the CDC, is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that
usually involves "significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors
and interests" in people who manifest the disorder. One way to help autistic children develop social skills
and reduce "stimming" (self stimulating behaviors -- such as spinning, shouting and hitting) is to pair them
with a specially trained dog. According to the Autism Assistance Dog website, the ideal breed of dog for
the autistic child is the breed that fits your home situation: if allergies are an issue in your home you should
choose a hypoallergenic dog; if your child displays violent tendencies and more severe meltdowns, a
larger, solid dog is needed.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are a good breed of dog for autistic children due to their even temperament; they are good-natured
and friendly. They are peaceful with other animals and responsive to training. Good training is important
with these dogs (as with all assistance dogs), however, as they can be rambunctious and full of energy. It
is important that the trainer picks a dog that has a calm temperament and is peaceful.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have a welcoming bark and a kindly expression, consistent with the breeds cheerful and
trustworthy temperament. Retrievers have a robust and solid build -- important for children who have
violent tendencies. Nineteen year old Dale Gardner, as reported by the "Sunday Times," "found faces
scary" as a child who suffered from autism and would misread people's facial expressions. When his
parents gave him Henry, a golden retriever, his social interactions improved. "Henry had such a calm and
friendly face and he never looked angry. I could look at him and it took away the stress of talking to
people." Golden retrievers have a lot of energy, however, and must be chosen carefully by breeders and
given lots of exercise.
Poodle
Some dog breeds that are not thought of as typical therapeutic breeds can prove to be quick learners with
even temperaments. Poodles are chosen by Autism Service Dogs of America as service dogs, as they are
"ideal because of their temperament, ability to train and their love of people," says Pris Taylor, executive
director of Autism Service Dogs of America. They are also more hypoallergenic than other breeds,
according to the Autism Assistance Dog Blog, making them ideal for owners with allergies.