I was doing some reading of different post on Facebook. One of my new found favorite places to go on Facebook is Badass Breeders. It is a great community of new and experienced breeders trying to figure it all out. A post I was reading that got me thinking a little was regarding a puppy as a “calm” puppy.

In reality, there is no such thing as a “calm puppy”. If you are looking to get a pup that will lay on the floor, go outside to go the bathroom and not chew or bark you are in for a great surprise!

Puppies, are not calm anymore than a child is calm. You might want your 7 year old son to be quiet and still. It is about the same as asking a puppy to be quiet and still ! It isn’t going to happen. There are moments of quiet and still, but that is exactly what it is, a moment. That being said, I have described puppies as “calm”. I guess I know what I mean when I say a puppy is “calm”. When I say “a puppy is calm” I am referring to other breeds or other litters . I have a reference point for what I am saying…but a customer may not. What I am saying is a calm puppy might not be within missile range of what a new dog owner or someone that has a older dog and has forgotten what it is like to raise a puppy might be thinking “calm” means.

Australian Labradoodles are generally great dogs that love their people. They are attentive and want to please, but they can be naughty, just like any other dog. Calm is more a product of age and training than anything. Young pups will turn into teenagers who are going to press your boundaries and patience. Than at about 2 years of age, they will become adults and put much of their puppy ways and teenage ways behind them. It just takes time.

If you are looking to be a new puppy owner, consider this and the commitment that is required. A puppy is a multi year commitment in which you are choosing to bring a new family member into your home. You are dedicated no matter what, so the best thing you can do to lower the “ no matter what’s” you have to go through is to :

1) Get a pup that comes from health tested parents. Pups that come from health tested parents have had certifications on particular body parts that can be problematic with the breed and have been given the OK.

2) Get a pup whose parents has had genetic testing. It doesn’t take much of a internet search to fing Labradoodles that are sick from genetic diseases that could of been avoided if genetic testing had taken place. A dog can carry a genetic disease and it is harmless to the dog. But if that dog breeds to another that has a copy , the pups can inherit that disease. Genetic testing ensures you are getting a healthy pup that is free of whatever disease the parents have been tested for.

3) Train your pup and give it plenty of exercise. A pup that is cooped up all the time will be destructive. A pup that has training and discipline gets a lot of freedom and opportunities that pups that are not trained don’t get. Just ask my dogs, they will tell you! Just remember, a good healthy dog is a product of health testing, training and time.

Thanks!