Links, articles, and info
HOW TO PICK A BREEDER/PUPPY
Q: Where does Arctic Texan Labradors fall on this matrix?
A: We fall mainly under "Hobby Breeders" with many shared elements of "Reputable Experienced Breeder"
Q: How can I tell a breeder is telling the truth about their breeding program standards?
A: Ask lots of questions! A good breeder is thrilled to answer them and tell ALL about the efforts they go to in breeding healthy, well-balanced puppies. They embrace transparency and happily provide documentation of all claims of titles, registrations, health clearances, genetics, and more.
GENERAL:
https://www.akc.org : for information on raising puppies, breed-specific information
https://thelabradorclub.com/ : The Labrador Retriever Club of America, authority on All Things Labrador in the U.S., and steward of our Breed Standard, including health testing recommendations for common health issues
https://shoppuppyculture.com/ : Puppy Culture, read more about this wonder program for raising resilient, well-adjusted, and confident puppies!
https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/the-puppy-culture-dvd-early-development-in-puppies : Puppy development and Puppy Culture synopsis from a world-renowned positive reinforcement dog trainer
www.dogtrainingrevolution.com/ If Steve from Blue's Clues were a dog trainer... check out Zak George's positive reinforcement approach to training. All evidence and research based, none of that archaic, disproven "dominance based" stuff.
FEEDING:
https://www.petfooled.com/pet-fooled-part-1.html : PET FOOLED - an excellent documentary on the challenges and pitfalls of the pet food manufacturing industry, as well as the benefits and advantages of raw feeding our carnivorous pets. Watch for Part 2! **PLEASE WATCH 'PET FOOLED' PRIOR TO CONTACTING US WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT WHICH FOODS WE RECOMMEND**
http://drjackie.freeservers.com/articles/mar28-1999_food_even_a_dog.html : more shocking information on commercial pet foods
https://truthaboutpetfood.com/ : an explanation of definitions of pet food ingredient names and origins of ingredients
https://truthaboutpetfood.com/the-list/ : "The List" - Susan Thixton's highly respected list of 'Foods She Would Feed Her Own Pets'
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/04/15/raw-food-diet-part-3.aspx : If you're just starting out feeding raw, or considering it, here is a wonderful article outlining some of the pitfalls and misconceptions about raw
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/bone-food-values-for-raw-feeding-dogs/ : calculating bone content or bone alternatives in a prey model raw diet
Rating manufactured pet foods:
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/
https://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
HEALTH AND GENETICS:
https://www.ofa.org/ : Information on all breed specific health testing; all Labrador health testing recommendations come from the Labrador Retriever Club of America, the breed's authority and steward of All Things Labrador in the U.S.
https://www.vdl.umn.edu/sites/vdl.umn.edu/files/eic_interpretation.pdf : Information on Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/195/ : information on Copper Toxicosis (copper storage disease) in Labradors
https://www.blueknightlabs.com/color/coatcolor.html : learn more about coat color inheritance!
www.rawfeedingadviceandsupport.com/dcm-and-taurine#:~:text=So,%20making%20sure%20there%20is,plant%20proteins%20may%20be%20helpful.&text=In%20a%20varied%20PMR%20diet,also%20have%20lots%20of%20taurine. : Great article on diet-associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM; congestive heart failure) and taurine in raw and processed diets!
PUPPY CARE:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeder-puppy-socialization-early-neurological-stimulation/ : information on Bio-Sensor (Super Dog) method
https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/dogs/clipping-your-dog's-claws : trimming your puppy's nails
TRAVEL:
https://sleepypod.com/safety : the only vehicle safety harness to PASS stringent crash testing per the Center for Pet Safety.
www.centerforpetsafety.org/ : Center for Pet Safety website
https://www.dogjaunt.com/ : great site for info on traveling with pets (geared for small pets, but very useful nonetheless!)
MILITARY:
https://www.petsforpatriots.org/pcs-and-your-pet/ : Tips on PCSing with a pet
https://www.military.com/pcs/pcs-your-pet.html : More PCS tips
https://www.dogsondeployment.org/ : Assistance for military members going on deployment who need help finding long-term care for their pet