Question 1

Our Puppy Adoption Process

Accepted Answer

From October 2020, the price for a Kari Labradoodle puppy is $3,900 (inc. GST), regardless of gender, colour, or size.Each Kari puppy receives two thorough health checks from our vet before joining their new family. You will also receive:A full pedigree outlineDetailed notes on feeding, health, exercise, training, and groomingLifetime support from Kari LabradoodlesAll Kari puppies come:Vaccinated (first vaccination administered)Wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeksMicrochippedPet Insurance 60 days comprehensive with KNOSEDesexing Contract managed by SpaySecure  (puppy to be desexed before 11 months of age)Registered with the Australian Labradoodle Association (ALA)Socialised and introduced to toilet trainingProtected against ticks and fleas for one month upon collectionCovered by a two-year health guarantee for life-inhibiting hereditary conditionsHow to Adopt a Kari PuppyTo get started, visit our Puppy Application Form page and submit your online application.What Happens After You Apply?Once we receive your application, we will help you select an upcoming litter that suits your needs.You will be placed on our waiting list and receive updates on confirmed pregnancies, x-rays, and expected arrival dates.When we confirm that a puppy is available for you, a non-refundable $800 deposit is required to secure your puppy.The final payment of $3,100 is due before collection at 8 weeks of age.If your circumstances change, please notify us before the puppies turn 5 weeks old so we can move you to another waiting list.We keep you updated with weekly photos and videos via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Puppies are allocated to families after their 6-week health check and vaccinations, as this is the best time to assess temperament and select breeding-quality puppies.If you live nearby, you can visit and meet your puppy after 6 weeks of age. Our priority is the health and well-being of the puppies and their mother, so visits are not permitted earlier.If needed, we can arrange transportation to airports across Australia. Shipping costs are at your expense, and we can provide a quote upon request.We look forward to helping you welcome a Kari Labradoodle into your family!

Question 2

Our Health Testing

Accepted Answer

Complete Health Testing our Breeding DogsEach of our potential breeding dogs undergo a series of complete and comprehensive testing once they have matured and reached 12 months of age.  These tests take about 6 weeks to complete and have the results returned, from there we ensure that only the dogs are reach the or better the breed standards are upgraded into Kari Labradoodle breeding dogs.  By doing this we are working towards continual improvement and protection of this wonderful breed of dog.are health tested to meet breeding standards. We can not absolutely guarantee that your dog will be free from disease for its lifetime - no breeder can, no matter the breed because some diseases are simply not able to be tested for. But we guarantee that your Australian Labradoodle puppy from Kari Labradoodles has a history of parentage genetic testing that as well has skeletal and structure testing that means we are as confident as we possibly can be.  We follow the strict guidelines of the Australian Labradoodle Association to protect the Australian Labradoodle breed and do do our utmost to provide sound, quality pets for their families.Some of the diseases we test for in our breeding dogsAchromatopsiaAutosomal Hereditary Recessive NephropathyCentronuclear MyopathyCone Rod DystrophyCystinuriaDegenerative MyelopathyExercise Induced CollapseGeneralised PRA 1MucopolysaccharidosisMyotubular Myopathy x LinkedNarcolepsyNeonatal EncephalopathyPhosphofructokinase (PFK) DeficiencyPyruvate Kinase DeficiencyProgressive Rod Cone Dystrophy - (PRA)rcd4-PRA - (Late Onset)Skeletal Dysplasia 2Stargardt DiseaseVon Willebrand's Disease type 1Retinal Dysplasia/OSDAll our breeding dogs also undergo hip and elbows x-rays and are scored using Lavelle's & Pennhip testing methods.  An acceptable result for us must surpass the breed average and exclude hereditary hip and elbow dysplasia. 
We will exclude any dog from breeding if they have ongoing issues such as recurring ear infections, base narrow teeth issues or allergies.
​Our goal is to provide our families with the best pet possible.Kari Labradoodles Health GuaranteeAll of Kari Labradoodles' breeding dogs are fully health tested following the requirements of the Australian Labradoodle Association (ALA).   We test, screen and grade hips and elbows of every breeding dog in our program as well as full DNA screening.  Hip and Elbow screening must meet the minimum requirement outlined by the ALA - AVA screening for hips must not exceed a combined hip score of 15 (by an approved AVA Radiologist) and only an elbow score of 0 is permissible.  PennHIP screening must not exceed 0.60 on either hip.The results of these tests allow us to make informed decisions on breeding pairs to ensure our puppies are healthy. Kari Labradoodles provide a 2 year Health Guarantee for life inhibiting genetic and hereditary health conditions. Our support is ongoing and we are happy to assist where possible. Please ask for a copy of our Health Guarantee Contract.

Question 3

Grooming

Accepted Answer

Although the Australian Labradoodle has a low to non-shedding coat, they still require regular grooming and brushing.  Start brushing your puppy when you bring them home with a soft brush and lots of treats.   By making brushing an enjoyable experience as a puppy will ensure you have a calm and content adult dog during all your grooming sessions. 
 
The amount of brushing will depend on whether your Labradoodle spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, though brushing on a regular basis will help towards avoiding and limiting matting that can occur with a fleece, wool or hair coat.  Brush to the skin and in the direction of the hair.  It is recommended to give your Labradoodle a thorough brushing out before a wash and then follow up with a  blow dry, this ensures no water is trapped in the coat and again lessens the risks of matting.

Between the ages of 9 to 15 months your Labradoodle’s coat will change.  The puppy's undercoat at this time will need to be stripped out with regular brushing using a slicker brush or shedding rake, to avoid matting caused by loose hairs being caught in the adult coat. Your puppy's softer puppy coat may change in texture as the adult coat comes in and can lighten in colour.  This is often a good time for a full clip. Normal grooming and brushing will result in removal of hair from the coat and this is not considered shedding. 
 
We clip our dogs every 8-12 weeks,  because a shorter coat is easier to maintain and to identify any Paralysis Ticks. We do recommend clipping if you live in a high risk area for Paralysis Ticks as an addition to your preventative treatment.  You can invest in good quality clippers and attempt this yourself (YouTube have some great tutorials on dog clipping) or contact a professional groomer.  
 
With a wool or fleece coat comes the advantage of having a dog with low ‘doggy odour’.  Depending on if you have an indoor dog or an outdoor dog who plays in the grass, dirt and swims may dictate how often you wash your Labradoodle. Again, start young with treats and make bath time enjoyable and offer lots of praise for good puppies.
 
Nail clipping is a regular practice when you find your dog tired out. Again start early and just clip the nails on one paw.  Your puppy will quickly learn it is not something to be frightened of.  Ask your Vet for a demonstration during your first visit for the correct clipping method. 
 
Monitor your Labradoodles' ears and keep the ear canal as free of hair as possible. The hair inside the ear and the long floppy ears can trap moisture and cause ear infections in any dog breed. Your Vet can recommend an ear solution to use to gently clean any waxy deposits from the ear canal.

Question 4

Puppy Proofing your home

Accepted Answer

There are lots of potential hazards lying around the home that could cause problems for your puppy.  Puppies are lively and curious creatures that like to chew with their new teeth and because they are small, they are able to get into spaces that you haven’t even thought of.

Chemicals Secured: Make sure that all chemicals and detergents are safely locked away and that the cakes of soap are not in a place that your puppy can get his teeth on to it.

Remove Small Items: Don’t leave plastic bags lying around that he can get twisted up in and ensure that small objects such as sewing equipment and toys are not left on low level tables or cupboards.

Toilet Lid Down: Keep the toilet lid down to stop the puppy from playing and drinking in the water.  The lid may fall down and hurt or trap him and the bowl cleaners and blocks are poisonous for animals.

Remove Houseplants: Houseplants can be both irresistible and poisonous to puppies.  Remove all houseplants or place them in hanging baskets outside of your puppy’s reach.

Garage Safe: If you plan on having your puppy in the garage, the garage has many hazards as many chemicals are left on the ground or placed at a low level.  In particular, rat poison, anti-freeze, mothballs, fertilisers and insecticides are all attractive for puppies but all can prove fatal.

Crate Training: Plan carefully the place where puppy will spend most of his/her time, a playpen or smaller enclosed area is best to begin with everything will be new to puppy. Crate training is a great idea and puppy will find a crate a safe and inviting place to rest.  Choose wisely where your new puppy sleeps and ensure you have suitable dog bedding to sleep in. A pup is unlikely to go to the toilet in its own bed or crate (the small confines of the crate teaches a pup to hold on).  You can also consider a restricted space such as a laundry or bathroom.  Your pup has been sleeping outside with its litter mates before going home with you, so if your sleeping choice is outside, make sure the bed has lots of blankets and is placed in a draught free area.

Puppy Crying: Be prepared for your puppy to cry for 20 plus minutes when you put it to bed the first few nights.  If you know it has been fed, and been to the toilet, then be strong and resist going to your puppy while it is crying or you quickly teach your puppy that crying will get attention.  Try placing a blanket or sheet over the crate or sleeping place for puppy, this will teach him/her that it is time for sleeping now.

Non-Tipping Bowls: Non-tipping food and water bowls are a must and will alleviate a lot of mess - we will provide you with puppy's food for their first few days.

Chew Toys: Chew toys are great for a good play/game before rest or bed time.  A tired puppy should fall asleep quickly.

Children Onboard: If you have children in your family, make sure they are aware of your boundaries and rules relating to the puppy.

Question 5

Puppy's First Night

Accepted Answer

When your puppy first gets to his new home, show him to his toilet area and allow him to have a bit of a walk around.  Then, if you are planning on crate training your puppy, put him/her inside the crate for some quiet time.  There he/she will feel safe and will be able to look around the new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed with new people or other pets.

At night, keep the puppy in his/her crate next to your bed for the first week or two.  He/she will feel secure in his/her own area and you can sleep with the knowledge that your new puppy isn’t getting up to mischief.  Give him/her a chew toy and a familiar smelling towel or blanket and every now and then, hang your arm over the bed so he/she can smell and lick your fingers until he/she falls asleep.

If your puppy will sleep in another room, give him/her a night light and a ticking clock or soft music. On the first night, he will be likely to cry as your pup misses the litter mates.

Most puppies will need to be taken outside during the night and again early in the morning.  If possible, set your alarm so that you wake up at the same time allowing the puppy to learn his/her night time toilet routine and reduce the incidence of soiling the bedding.

Question 6

Socialising

Accepted Answer

Socialising is the time during which a puppy develops relationships with other people and animals in its environment and allows it to get used to household noises and activities such as vacuum cleaners, music and car travel.  Some people will encourage you to wait til your puppy is vaccinated before you socialise your puppy.

This is too late.

The more your puppy is put into lots of different situations the better. 
Ensure that you don’t put your pup on the ground, or in the company of another dog until your puppy is vaccinated.

However, the more sounds, smells etc that your puppy is exposed to in these formative weeks, the better socialised and better mannered your puppy will be. Visit parks, lakes and festivals and even bring him in to a pet store where he will be spoilt rotten and learn to be in a different environment without being shy or fearful.

Make your visits short, but stimulating for puppy, get a foldable playpen with a floor or a rug just for puppy and allow him/her to be exposed to lots of different activity and noise.  I cannot emphasise enough the importance of early socialisation in ensuring you have a calm well adjusted puppy.

Question 7

About Labradoodles

Accepted Answer

The Labradoodle is a crossbreed or hybrid breed dog; a cross between the Labrador and the standard Poodle. Size and appearance can vary, but generally the breed is a medium-sized dog with a cheerful, good-natured temperament and equipped with a thick, wavy or tightly curled coat of hair.

Labradoodles were first developed in Australia and are a real Australian success story, having been adopted with enthusiasm by the United States and many other countries around the world. The cross breed was developed solely for the purposes of producing a companion animal; a hypoallergenic breed that would shed less hair.

It was in 1989 that the first attempts to formally breed a Labrador Poodle mix took place. While the Labradoodle is a crossbreed and is not recognised by any of the major kennel clubs, the breed has been described as one of the best companion types available. Highly affectionate and loyal to their owners, Labradoodles are extensively used as therapy work.

Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles are graded on generations to indicate how far away they are from the original pairing. This can be a first generation, a poodle x labrador - (L01) - through to a full Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle - (AL) and anything in between. With a first generation, a puppies coat, appearance and temperament are all unknown commodities. The puppy could have a Labrador coat or a Poodle coat, which means it could have straight shedding hair or curly non-shedding hair. With a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle is an Australian Labradoodle bred from Australian Labradoodle parents and grandparents. Because they are multigenerational, their coats, temperament and appearance are more predictable.

Labradoodles are known for their easy going and gentle nature, paired with a high level of intelligence and awareness. They are energetic animals and are exceedingly patient with children, making them ideal companion animals for either the elderly, the handicapped or young families. The breed is very responsive to good, clear and constant training and will require a great deal of exercise to remain mentally and physically stimulated.

Because the Labradoodle is still a young cross breed, size and weight vary, sometimes wildly. Standard Labradoodles tend to grow to about 50cm or more. The average standard Labradoodle should weigh in the vicinity of 23 to 45kgs. Labradoodles will generally live to the age of 12 to 14 years.

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