Where are your puppies born?

In the house, in the dining room between the living room and the kitchen and across from the main bedroom! They literally see and hear me every day. The puppies are in a high traffic area to become well-socialized and it really makes a difference. They are always in the highest noise level are of the house so they do not panic at every sound. The puppies live in this area of the house so that they can be loved, held, talked to and looked at all day, every day and night. Why is this information important? So you can see that EHF puppies are truly family puppies. They haven't been born out in the barn or in the yard or in a kennel out back. Our puppies are truly part of the family - literally!

What do I get in your puppy pack?

Each puppy from Event Horizon Farm comes with his or her own puppy pack, including food, some puppy approved toys, a first collar, coupons for our recommended products and a individual binder full of information on your new pup. This binder contains information on the mum and dad, copies of his/her papers and certificates, troubleshooting information, training information, housebreaking information, supplies list and a catalog list.

What is the difference between American Labradors and English Labradors?

I am often asked if EHF has English labs or American labs.  Common perception is that English labradors are not hyper whilst American labradors are definitely hyper. Labs as a whole are part of the sporting group of the AKC, and as members of that group, all labs do have a lot of energy. Labs that are bred as part of a quality breeding program (whether they end up in the conformation ring or the field or even both) usually do not have problems with their energy levels. Labs with high energy and endless drives are generally from breeding programs designed to make the most amount of money with the least amount of effort (puppy mills are a great example of this). There is no way to promise a non-hyperactive labrador but the more you deal with a reputable breeder with known bloodlines, the better quality dog you will receive and the happier you will be with your new dog's genetic behaviors.

Why is it so important to obedience train my puppy?

If you do not take up the role of leader (or Alpha dog) in your house, your dog will. If this happens, you will end up with an unruly, disobedient, out of control, (often aggressive) monster of a dog. By training your puppy, you take the leadership position in your pack; and you earn the respect of your puppy. This is what creates a devoted bond between dog and human.

How do I puppy proof my house?

Puppy proofing a home is very similar to baby proofing a home. Coffee tables should be cleared off, especially as your dog gets older (bigger), as that tail can and will become a lethal weapon to anything breakable (and many things heretofore thought unbreakable!).

Electrical wires must be either put up or anchored against the wall. This is particularly important as they will become hazards as puppies learn to run. More than one lamp bit the dust in my house until I figured out that if the running mass of a puppy hit an exposed electrical cord, it was not the puppy that was going to move...it was the lamp.

Cords are also very dangerous if not put up or anchored, because they will become chew toys if your puppy is not watched very carefully. If you are lucky, your puppy will only get a shock, but more likely, you will lose your new best friend.

Baby gates are also a good investment for a new puppy. These gates will allow you to block off certain areas of your house, therefore preventing accidents and falls.

Why does my puppy still chew on my things instead of the toys I bought for him?

You have to teach your puppy what to chew on and what not to chew on. He does not know the difference until you help him learn the difference. Take away the inappropriate item (your shoe) and replace it with his toy (a squeaky ball) and when he starts to play with the right thing, reinforce the good behavior with praise.

Why does my dog keep going potty in my house?:

Because your dog is not being watched on a constant basis. If need be, use your leash and tie your dog to your waist and keep him/her with you at all times. If you are dragging them along while they are sleeping, then you can put them in their crate. Being tied to your waist with a leash is better for the socialization of your puppy than being kept in a crate. The attachment will help your puppy bond with you and it makes your puppy responsive to you while you are training him. For more information on pottytraining, see our potty training page.

Why does not my puppy sit when I tell him to sit?

Puppies and even adult dogs do not automatically know what each command means. They do not understand that when you say sit, it means stop running around me and put your puppy butt on the ground;. You must teach them the meaning of the word as part of your training. That means that at first, you have to either make (or trick) your puppy/dog into following your command.

For example, you already have a tight leash, then you give the command to sit;. Pull up on the leash and push his little puppy butt to the ground, thus making him sit. Once his little puppy butt hits the ground, lavish praise on him. Do this a few times, then try just giving the sit command. If your puppy sits, lavish even more praise on him. If he does not sit, show him again how it is done. Continue this until the task is mastered.

Try this method with every command you want your puppy to follow.

Can I take my new dog/puppy running with me?

As a puppy, your labrador will automatically get as much exercise as they can handle and therefore do NOT need to be forced to exercise. As an adult at a minimum age of two years old, it is safe to start taking your dog out to join you on your jog. However, just as you were not able to start out jogging 10 miles at a time, neither will your lab be capable of such a feat. Your dog will need a chance to build up his/her endurance so they will not be hurt. It is better to start this training in cooler months to help your dog's endurance levels rather than in the heat of summer. Most important is to remember that a gradual buildup of your workout is absolutely necessary - if you show patience, your lab will be fine and you will have a healthy exercise companion.