Why An AUSTRALIAN Labradoodle?

This is one of our most asked questions!

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it is particularly important that you understand the difference between an American Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle! 

The Australian Doodle is more than just a mix of two breeds. There are actually six breeds that were originally mixed to make the Australian Labradoodle:

• Poodle: Highly intelligent, agile, friendly, hypoallergenic

• Labrador Retriever: Popular service dog, good for families with children, loves water

• English Cocker Spaniel: sporting dog, affectionate

• American Cocker Spaniel: smallest breed of sporting dog, not shy, easily trained

• Curly Coat Retriever: Used widely as a therapy dog, loving demeanor, active

• Irish Water Spaniel: Sheds very little, easy to train, eager to please
  

There are three significant differences to note when comparing the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle (also called early generation labradoodle, British Labradoodle, or simply a Labradoodle): coat, temperament, and consistency.

Coat: Due to gene inconsistencies, a vast majority of early generation labradoodles DO shed  their coats and therefore are NOT suitable for allergy sufferers. This is a common misconception that results in many animals being returned. Australian labradoodles are many more generations away from the shedding Labrador. Their coats have been developed over the last 40 years such that they do NOT shed and therefore have a very high compatibility rate with allergy and asthma sufferers. 

Temperament: While some early generation Labradoodles do have fantastic temperaments, they do tend to be more energetic and hyperactive, particularly when compared to the calmer, better balanced Australian Labradoodles. Australian Doodles are particularly intuitive, highly intelligent, easily trained, and are excellent with young children, making them an ideal family member. They still love to have fun and be silly outside, they're not party poopers by any means! 

Consistency: The American labradoodle has very little consistency in the litters of puppies produced. Australian Labradoodles, however, produce very consistent litters in coat (allergy compatibility) and temperament.  If you simply cross a poodle and a lab, the puppies will vary considerably in coat type, size, and temperament. Things get more complicated when you get to second and third generations, and the puppies can look more like a poorly bred lab or a poorly bred poodle rather than a cross. In Australian Labradoodles, because of how far down the generations we are, and as we continue to breed further, physical characteristics and attributes become more consistent and predictable. 

Puppy Potty Training Tips

Consistency is key! We can't say it enough!

• Puppies will need to go out every 30-45 minutes when you first bring them home. Yes, that is A LOT! Puppy bladders are so teeny tiny, and just like a potty training a toddler, they have to learn how to hold it.

• Crate training. Even if you don't plan to keep your dog crated when they get older, we highly recommend the use of a crate when you're potty training. It is not in the nature of a dog to use the bathroom where they sleep. Crating them teaches them how to "hold it"! Added Bonus: Crating your pup also ensures that they are safe when you can't supervise them. Puppies chew everything early on and crating them keeps them from chewing wires or swallowing harmful items that could cause intestinal blockages. * If you have a Willow Ridge puppy, we've already started working on this with your pup *

• Tons and tons of treats and praise! So you've just let your dog out of it's crate- take the pup immediately outside and as soon as they use the bathroom, give them a few treats and lots of praise and love.

• Don't give your puppy free reign of the house. Puppies are notorious for sneaking off to do their business! If you're going to be in the kitchen cooking, gate off the kitchen so they have to stay with you. If you'll be working in the office, keep them in the office with you. This will also help with typical puppy mischief such as ripping up papers or chewing on shoes and cords.

• Tether your puppy to you! Get a leash that you can attach to your hip so your pup is always by your side. Tethering has other great benefits we will cover in another blog post.

• Don't wake your puppy to go potty if he is taking a nap, but make sure you take him out as soon as he wakes up. Puppies go hard in their play sessions and will often be ready for a pretty long nap after. Be sure to take him out right when he wakes up to avoid any accidents.