van Dalen Labradors

More than 30 years of experience have shown us that there is never too much care and prevention when you are talking about breeding dogs. We've developed a system that we follow with every single litter.

To ensure both the emotional and physical well being of our dogs and puppies we follow a strict procedure before, during and after each breeding.

Health and nutrition is the base for a well balance reproductive system. We feed our dogs and puppies with Premium brands. Each dog has its own diet based on age, activity, reproductive stage, preferences, etc. The moms have never ran out of milk and the puppies are weaned at a top weight.

We keep strict control on vaccinations, de-worms, heart worm prevention and any other health control our dogs may need to keep them fit and happy.

All our breeding stock have been checked and cleared for inherited deceases through OFA, CERF and DNA. We check Hips, Elbows, Cardiac, Eyes and Patella. We also do DNA testing for PRCD-PRA and EIC.

We make sure all our bitches are up to date with vaccines, de-worms, and that they are in perfect health condition before mating.  We choose the best stud available to ensure the improvement of breed. It is a requirement that all breeding stock used by us are health checked and certified to be free of Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Heart decease, Eye deceases, luxating patella (Knees). At least one of the parents are Clear for PRCD-PRA and EIC, which guaranties that the puppies will not suffer Progressive retinal atrophy or Exercise induced collapse.  IF an outside stud is used, we require the stud owner to provide at least the clearances established by CHIC, Hips, Elbows, and Eyes, and then cardiac clearances. We base our breeding in the study of both, the father and the mother's, pedigrees.

We practice socialization and brain stimulation immediately after they are born. The puppies are in our house and are handled often. A video camera system helps us keep an eye 24 hours when necessary.

The puppies are started on puppy food around weeks 3-4 depending on the size of the litter. The puppies are completely weaned at 5 weeks and outside potty training begins. Each pup is evaluated for shyness and handled more often as necessary. Temperament testing and show evaluations takes place at this time through week 8.

By the time the puppies are ready to go at 7 or 8 weeks, they are well advanced in potty training. They are crate trained and they are on dry food only. They also have their shots up to date, and they are dewormed at 2 weeks, and every 2 weeks after that. Every puppy gets a microchip implanted before he or she leaves or home.