Frequently Asked Questions

To keep it short, a silver Lab is actually a chocolate Labrador with a gene that dilutes (or lightens) their coat color - this is referred to as the Dilute Gene.
Silver Labs are not the only breed of dog with this dilute gene; several others can have it as well. 

Silver Labs are also not "rare" as some claim. They have become much more readily available and breeders are not difficult to locate. The health testing performed on them, however, varies among breeders (which is true for all colors of Labs).

*For a more detailed explanation of silver Labs, including some info about the 'controversy' of silver Labs - see this post:  Facebook 

ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction) are "exercises" performed when the puppies are very young as one more way we attempt to give them the most sound start in life as possible.

ENS was developed by US military to improve the performance of their working dogs. ENS exposes each puppy in their early days to very mild stressors to 'kick start' their neurological system. Puppies that had ENS performed on them were observed to have stronger hearts and adrenal glands, greater resistance to stress and disease, and were also observed to be more active and exploratory than littermates who did not have ENS.

ESI trials showed puppies exposed to this training earned scenting titles much earlier than puppies not exposed to this. Research supports ESI actually increases the cells of a dog's olfactory system. ESI introduces a new scent to the puppies each day during their early days to enhance their long term scenting ability.

*Check out our Facebook page for videos of us performing both ENS and ESI! 

In the case of hardworking reputable breeders, the price of certain puppy breeds these days often has direct correlation to the cost that the breeders have poured into the parents and the process. 

Reputable breeders operate under many recommendations and/or regulations now compared to many years ago; and the list of requirements or recommendations grows each year. Genetic health testing, skeletal examinations (such as through OFA), registration processes, food costs, veterinarian care, and so much more go into raising healthy sound puppies. 

These costs are all at an all time high for breeders just like everything else right now, and these costs all take place before all the work, effort, and energy of raising a litter of puppies even begins. 

The costs of puppies should be referenced against the genetics, pedigrees, health testing, training, and hands on care given (care including ENS/ESI, potty training, etc.). If you are interested in a puppy of any breed, research all the potential health issues with that breed and compare what one breeder has tested for versus what another breeder has tested for. All tests are not the same so ask questions. Many tests that Labradors are screened for are not even diseases known to affect Labradors - so when a breeder states that their Lab is clear of certain diseases, it can sometimes be a bit confusing. 

If you are really just shopping for a lower priced puppy, and aren't interested in any health testing, the price of that puppy should at least reflect less testing by being much lower than others that are well tested, pedigreed and such.

I encourage you to research the Labrador breed and ask questions! Breeders should be willing and able to provide answers to your questions!

The pedigree of a puppy is essentially its genealogy and family tree. It gives you a glimpse at the relatives and genetics that puppy may possess. Having titled dogs and ancestors in the pedigree supports that a puppy with that same lineage can also have the same intelligence, agility, and/or other skills if given the opportunity. 

Additionally, if a breeder has put forth the time, cost and effort it takes to earn titles for their dog, it also suggests they will put that same effort into a litter of sweet puppies.

Every dog breed is predisposed to certain health issues, including Labradors. Sometimes health issues can be genetic and/or hereditary. Other times health issues are environmental and caused by daily life factors that are outside of the breeder's control. While breeders cannot test for or prevent every single illness or disease, and new tests are routinely being developed, health testing a dog at least for issues common in that breed enables breeders to determine what health factors a dog may genetically carry and potentially pass on to their puppies. This helps breeders aim to breed only healthy dogs and produce healthy pups.

For an exact up to date list of what our puppies come with please send us a message!

Short answer - yes! Dogs are classified as carnivores and have a digestive anatomy extremely similar to wolves. While dogs can scavenge on other foods and do have the ability to digest plant matter, such a diet is not ideal for them and the nutrients are not nearly as bioavailable (usable) to their body. In the wild, most canine species who turn to plant matter for nutrition only do so when meat sources are not readily available.

Having said that, raw feeding is more than just throwing some meat and bone in a bowl and hoping for the best. There are many guidelines to follow to keep your pet safe and healthy, which is why it can be good to work with a professional if you are new to raw feeding. 

Many canine nutritionists and veterinarians do support raw feeding, but often, the ones who are against it have seen results in their profession of improperly fed raw diets (nutrients not balanced correctly, sanitary safe handling of meat not practiced, hazardous bones fed, etc.).