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September 27, 2019

The International Labradoodle Association – doing business as the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) – has issued some clarifying facts regarding the breed and the ALAA in light of recent media coverage of Labradoodles .

It’s no doubt that the founding of the Labradoodle nearly 30 years ago came out of a desire to produce a dog that had therapeutic, service dog qualities. It is important to recognize the advanced development that the Australian Labradoodle has had over the last 15 years.

“The goal of the ALAA is to assist in ALAA Breeders to produce the healthiest family pet for the benefit of the breed and our pet families,” says Alex McEwing, the ALAA President.

There are various types of “doodles” today that are not an ALAA Australian Labradoodle. There are standards that differentiate the breed with a stringent vetting process that include health testing requirements and submission of a dog’s pedigree. Submissions are then verified by the registry standards of the ALAA ‘s proprietary database of over 70,000 dogs. In addition, the ALAA requires all of its members to DNA profile their dogs through Paw Prints Genetics. This identifies them permanently and tests genetic diseases identified as at risk for the Australian Labradoodle. The ALAA breeder is also required to submit regular eye exams, hip, elbow testing and a genetic DNA panel.

In addition, the recent acceptance of the ALAA Australian Labradoodle into the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animal), CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) program ensures tracking the health history of the breed. It is the first time a non-AKC breed was accepted into the tracking program which allows a dog’s health records to be available to other breeders and the buying public.

“This is not only historical but shows the commitment the ALAA has to excellence in breed development and improvement,” stated MaryPat Thate, ALAA, Vice President.

People who seek allergy friendly Australian Labradoodles with endearing personalities and high sociability with humans should contact the ALAA to find a breeder right for them. https://alaa-labradoodles.com/.

You put a lot of thought into keeping your dog healthy: quality food, routine checkups, plenty of fitness. But what about his teeth?

Oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important factor in your dog’s overall health. If they have a toothache or sore gums, they are dealing with pain and stress that you may not even know about. Left untreated, bacteria introduced by the problem can enter the bloodstream and affect your dog’s heart, kidneys or liver. Veterinarians report that an estimated 85 percent of dogs over age 4 are suffering from some form of periodontal disease, a painful oral condition that can lead to tooth loss and infection. The good news? All of these problems are preventable with regular dental cleanings and professional checkups.

Like regular grooming or the daily jaunt outside, dental care should be something your dog comes to expect each day. But it won’t happen overnight; most dogs take some time getting used to someone poking around in their mouth. Most owners need to warm up to the idea, too! Ideally, introduce dental care when your pooch is still a puppy. But don’t stress if you just realized that your adult dog’s teeth need some attention. Just take a slow, patient approach, and remember that lots of love and treats go a long way in winning him over.

Most experts agree that daily brushing is ideal, but if that’s unrealistic, aim for three to four times per week. And don’t be an overachiever: If your pup’s patience only lasts for you to brush half their teeth today and the other half tomorrow, that’s fine. Just remember which half you did each day!

How to Help Your Dog Clean its Own Teeth

Unfortunately, dogs can’t care for their teeth themselves, but they can help by gnawing on the right product. A good long chew can help scrape away plaque and dirt, and most dogs are happy to comply. Natural choices include rawhide or a knucklebone. Knucklebones are a softer bone that’s gentler on the teeth. Never give harder items, such as hooves or bones from steak, rib or ham shank as these can fracture teeth!

Some dogs won’t bite on these natural choices, but many do enjoy chewing artificial bones or chew toys. Try a variety to see what your dog likes. Always choose rubber or nylon toys with a rough or bumpy surface, large enough so that it won’t present a choking hazard. A chew toy should be somewhat flexible, not rock hard.

Dogs love to eat, and crunchy food and chew treats can help with your overall efforts. Look for the “VOHC-approved” stamp on any dental-cleansing product, which means they meet the tooth cleaning protocols established by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. While these items won’t replace the need to brush, they can help reduce unwanted buildup.

You probably don’t want to share your toothbrush, so once you’re ready to begin brushing, get her some supplies of her own:

–Doggie toothbrush: A human toothbrush works well; choose a soft one in a size to match her mouth. Canine toothbrushes are more angled and also come in a fingertip style, which slips over the end of your finger. Choose the kind you both like.

–Canine toothpaste: It’s unlikely your dog will learn to spit, so she needs a toothpaste that’s safe to swallow. That rules out human formulas, which contain abrasives and detergent that she shouldn’t ingest. Plus, she’ll prefer the poultry or seafood options of canine toothpaste.

–Wipes or pads: When there’s no time for full brushing, wiping her teeth and her gum line will whisk away some bacteria and food. You can use a canine dental pad, available at most pet stores, or a simple gauze pad wrapped around your finger.

So you’ve gathered your supplies and you’re committed to forming good dental habits. Your next goal is convincing your dog.

Tips for Getting Your Dogs Ready for Dental Care

1. Do not rush it– Don’t expect your dog to sit and open wide. He may think tooth brushing is right up there with having a bath. Depending on your dog’s age and background, it can take several days to several weeks to gain his cooperation.
2. Get familiar with their mouths–Spend some time handling their mouth. Turn your finger into a treat by dabbing something tasty on it — like peanut butter, meat baby food or nonfat yogurt. Let him lick at your finger, while you gently rub his teeth and gums. Reapply the tasty treat as needed, trying to move their lips aside to expose more of the teeth. They’ll also need to be used to having you handle their muzzle. Gently place one hand under his lower jaw and the other on top, and rest your hands like that for a few seconds. Gradually work your way toward manipulating his mouth by parting his lips, then gently easing his jaw open.
3. Choose a time of day that works–Once your Dogs have given everything the OK, choose a time of day that’s quiet and unhurried, then bring out the brushing gear.

Let’s Begin – Barksdale Dental Care 101

1. Let your dog sniff and lick the toothpaste and toothbrush.
2. Move your dog’s lips aside, then rub the visible teeth with either your finger or the toothbrush. A touch of toothpaste may spark his interest.
3. Gradually increase the number of teeth you brush, reapplying the toothpaste as needed. Remember to brush along the gum line. A circular motion works best.
4. Once that’s going well for a few days, try gently opening his jaw to brush the back teeth. Don’t worry if it’s too difficult to brush the inside of his teeth; with most breeds, periodontal disease is more common on the outside of teeth.
5. Conclude with a special reward — play, treat or affection — even if the process didn’t go well. You want your dog to form a positive association with brushing, so a happy ending this time may make him more agreeable next time.

Next Steps—Choosing Your Dog’s Dentist and Preparing for Their First Trip

You’ll need to take your pet to see the veterinary dentist at some point, so read on for ways to make that a smooth experience. Whether it’s for a professional cleaning or because your dog was up all night with a toothache, make his trip to the dentist as comfortable as possible.

Start by researching which veterinary dentists are in your area. Unless it’s an emergency, ask your vet or other pet parents for their recommendations. If it’s convenient, make a dry run to let your dog say “hello” to the staff, sniff out the waiting room and sample a treat. This lets you both check out the place and helps your dog feel more agreeable about future visits.

When you set up your appointment, find out anything you’d like to know: if you’ll be able to stay with your pet, if they accept your veterinary insurance (if you have it) or any other questions on your mind. Be sure to ask if you need to follow any instructions before his visit. If he’s having some dental procedures — even a cleaning — he may be given an anesthetic, so proper preparation is important.

You may have dental anxiety, but your dog doesn’t have to know it. Your faithful companion has become a master at reading your emotions, so if you act nervous come appointment day, he’ll worry, too. Hop in the car and head to the office as you would any other fun outing. And tuck a reward in your pocket. If his teeth hurt, bring something soft like baby food or peanut butter.

During the appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions and gather as much information as you need. If you’re uncertain about something, go home and do some research, or consider a second opinion.

Good dental care, both at home and from a professional, is a big part of keeping your dog healthy. With some patience and dedication, it can easily become a part of your lifestyle.

“Therapy dogs provide companionship, love and comfort to people on a volunteer basis.  With their handlers, they visit various facilities to meet people who may feel cut off from human companionship, who may profit from tactile sensation of petting an animal or who may need some good memories stimulated by seeing a friendly canine face and a wagging tail. Scientific studies have proven that petting and interacting with a dog lowers stress hormones and blood pressure and helps relieve depression. Besides the physical benefits, dogs make people smile and laugh, forgetting some of their own troubles for a while.  Therapy dogs contribute much to improving the quality of life for the elderly, the ill, and the emotionally frail.” Barksdale Labradoodles on Therapy Dogs.

Barkley Beau is a fourth generation Australian Labradoodle. He is a Therapy Dog, registered with Therapy Pets Unlimited.  Barkley lives in Ladd Park with Jerry and Cheryl Anderson.  He joined the Andersons on February 9, 2015, when he was 9 weeks old.  When Cheryl and Jerry picked Barkley up at the breeder, Al Gordy, Barksdale Labradoodles, in Magee, MS they met Barkley’s grandfather, Smooch, who was a certified therapy dog who had been recognized in MS for his service.

When Barkley was 4 months Jerry and Barkley began puppy training with Laura Dickson, the trainer at Pets Mart in Brentwood.  Barkley’s first test was for AKC Puppy Good Citizenship.  Jerry and Barkley began training with the goal of taking Barkley to visit patients at the Veterans Administration (VA) and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospitals. Jerry and Barkley spent nine months of weekly training in preparation for the evaluation.  In April 2016 Jerry and Barkley passed the Therapy Pets Unlimited evaluation. It took another year to get the VA registered with Therapy Pets Unlimited.

Since April 2017 Jerry and Barkley, Team Doodle, have visited patients at the VA in Murfreesboro.  They regularly visit two memory units, a hospice unit, and a long-term care unit.  Jerry knew Barkley would be fine in his volunteer role but didn’t know how he himself would handle it emotionally.  The joy and happiness on the Veterans’ faces give Jerry a real sense of pride in what Barkley is accomplishing.  Veterans and staff alike look forward to Team Doodle visits.  Cheryl’s sister, created Team Doodle shirts which Jerry dons for each visit.  Team Doodle visits the VA two to three times a month for two to two and a half hours, visiting 15-20 veterans every visit.

Their VA Routine

If a Veteran is in a wheelchair Jerry tells Barkley to” visit” and he will put his head on the Veteran’s legs. If the resident is in bed, the command is “up” and Barkley puts his paws on the bed and lays his head on his paws. At one visit at the end of June with a Veteran in bed, Barkley put his paws on the bed.  The Veteran began petting and baby talking to Barkley. When Jerry and Barkley left the memory unit the manager had tears in his eyes and reported the Veteran hadn’t responded to anyone in over two months.  Another Veteran formerly trained military dogs and in retirement trained Metro police dogs. At their first visit, Jerry commanded Barkley “up.”  Barkley responded by putting his paws on the bed. The vet said, “No, no Barkley. Jump.” Barkley jumped up in bed with him and laid down beside him.

Team Doodle also visit Wellington Place of Brentwood where they see between 12 to 15 residents. Just like the VA, the residents and staff look forward to the visits.

Jerry says “It is so gratifying to see Barkley bring so much joy to people. Barkley’s grandfather was a Therapy Dog.  Others in his line are serving as service and therapy dogs.”

What’s Next?

Jerry and Barkley are currently preparing for an evaluation with Pet Partners, another certifying Therapy Pet organization.  Once certified, Team Doodle will have the opportunity to volunteer at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Therapy dogs are being used in elementary schools, hospitals and even with high school students in stressful testing situations. Different from Service animals which are not to be approached while they are working, petting and hugging therapy animals is appropriate and encouraged.  Generally speaking, institutions do not allow uncertified therapy animals to visit due to liability.  Certified organizations provide liability insurance for their registered therapy animals.

Breed History

According to the Australian Labradoodles Association of America, the Australian Labradoodle breed dates back to the 1980’s and was initiated by Wally Conran of Royal Guide Dogs located in Victoria Australia. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. This journey was inspired by a vision impaired woman in Hawaii needed a Guide Dog which wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies. Of the 31 Labradoodles bred at Royal Guide Dogs, a staggering 29 made it through as Guide Dogs, an accolade of paralleled proportion for this “new breed’ of Guide Dog. During this time Tegan Park and Rutland Manor continued the development and selective breeding started by Wally Conran and began infusing several other breeds into early generations of their Lab/Poodle crosses, to improve temperament, coat, conformation, and size and assist Conran in his efforts.  DNA evidence of these dog breeds is still found in a few lines today, while others were bred out and not re-introduced into any other blood lines.

Currently the Australian Labradoodle is considered to be a cross between the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Labrador Retriever, while the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle only.

Benefits of Having an Australian Labradoodle

1. They are extremely sociable, intuitive and friendly
2. Calm temperament, suited to be the perfect family companions
3. Intelligent and easily trainable
4. Allergy friendly—their coats are non shedding

The Barksdale Labradoodle Difference

Today the “Barksdale” Authentic Australian Labradoodles are still bred toward therapy and service level temperament. We think that while aesthetics are important– the temperament remains of the utmost importance.

Potential “Forever Home” should always consider this; after all, the average lifespan is 14 to 15 years. We share the love of Labradoodles by establishing a controlled breeding program

For more information on the breed standard, here are the top qualities to look for in an Australian Labradoodle from the ALAA: www.alaa-labradoodles.com/BreedStandard.html

Black labradoodles are a lot smarter than you might think. Several studies have shown that dogs are highly intelligent creatures after all, so if you think dogs are just dopes, think again. Here’s what you should know:

Dogs Have Vocabularies.

In 2012, about 62% of American households included at least one pet, 78 million of which were dogs, and that’s just in the United States. For thousands of years, dogs have lived alongside humans, and as a result of the unique relationship, dogs have learned to read us so well that, like small children, they can actually infer meaning from our gestures and use that to solve problems. Researchers have found that dogs can actually remember and recognize over 150 words, and gestures.

Dogs Are as Smart as Two-Year-Olds.

Since dogs can remember over 150 words, and gestures, they have the approximate intelligence of two-year-old, human children. What’s even more incredible is that they have better math skills than two-year-olds. In fact, they could trump a three- or four-year-old in arithmetic.

Dogs Are Emotionally Intelligent, Too.

Believe it or not, dogs are emotionally intelligent, as well. Researchers from Goldsmiths College found that dogs are more likely to approach someone who’s upset than someone who isn’t. In other words, dogs have high levels of empathy, demonstrating that they have a higher emotional intelligence than other animals.

All those black labradoodle puppies for sale you find at Australian labradoodle breeders may seem as cute and dopey as they are lovable, but one day, they’ll grow up into highly intelligent dogs. It’s no wonder why 60% of Americans think pet owners lead more satisfying lives than non-pet owners or why 76% of dog owners say they have given toys or presents to their pets on Christmas. You don’t hear that about gold fish owners, do you? Don’t underestimate black labradoodles’ smarts.

If you’d like to know more about how smart black labradoodles are, feel free to share any question you may have in the comments.

Before you consider seeing what black labradoodle puppies for sale your area’s Australian labradoodle breeders have to offer, know that you stand at a very high risk of falling in love. People can’t help but adore their black labradoodles, and here’s the proof:

People Treat Their Dogs Like They’re Part of the Family.
People treat dogs like they’re part of the family, because — well — they are. About half of American dogs sleep in their owners’ beds, and another 87% curl up with their owners to watch TV. About one-third of dog owners even leave voice messages for their pets when they’re away, so that their pets can hear their voice. Even more incredible, 58% of dog owners include their pets in holiday portrait photos, and 70% sign the dog’s name on greeting cards. If that’s not enough to convince you, then consider the fact that more than 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named the primary beneficiary of their owners’ estate.

Dogs Consider Us Part of Their Families.
Black labradoodles feel the same way, too. They consider their owners part of their family, too. Researchers at Emory University have used MRI machines to measure the neural response of dogs to the smell of people, both familiar and unknown. The scent of a dog’s owner activates the reward center of its brain. In other words, the reaction is one that indicates a level of familial love for their owners.

Americans Spend Exorbitant Amounts on Holiday Presents For Their Pets.
Believe it or not, 76% of dog owners say that they’ve given toys or presents to their pets on Christmas. Four in 10 dog owners actually hung stockings for their pets, according to the PetFinder.com poll. Of course, dogs didn’t return the gifts, either, because they have no concept of holidays, because they are dogs.

No wonder why Americans describe themselves more as “dog persons” rather than “cat persons” by a 70% to 20% margin, or why 60% of Americans think pet owners lead more satisfying lives than non-pet owners. Dog owners can’t help but fall in love with their furry friends.

If you’d like to know more about how lovable black labradoodles can be, feel free to share in the comments.