Thank you for your interest in obtaining a puppy from Roundmeadow Labradors. Below you will find the step-by-step process we follow:

1. You will be placed on the Waiting List once we receive your application and non-refundable check in the amount of $50.



2. We will contact you from time to time:
   • When the female is in season
   
   
   • When she has successfully bred (10 to 20 days after first sign of season)
   
   
   • At the time of her pregnancy test (if tested at 34 days after second successful breeding date)
   
   
   • At the time of her x-ray (if one is taken at 8 1/2 weeks of gestation)
   
   
   • When she shows signs of nesting, restlessness, no appetite, about to whelp
   
   
   • When the puppies are born
   
   
   • ONCE THE PUPPIES ARE BORN, YOU WILL BE CALLED, AND EMAILED, IN THE ORDER THAT WE RECEIVED YOUR APPLICATION AND FEE. THE ORDER THAT YOU WILL PICK YOUR PUP IS THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU WERE PLACED ON OUR WAITING LIST.
   
   


3. At the time we call to let you know exactly what puppies are available, it is then your responsibility to get a deposit of $400 (the full purchase price is $800) to us as soon as possible in order to reserve your puppy. The $50 fee is deducted from your deposit payment.



4. Once your deposit is received and a Purchase Agreement is signed, you will have full visitation rights. You can come by at any time you like, as often as you like (after noon each day ... this allows us to do our chores before you arrive). We need you to help us socialize the puppies. The puppies can be handled from day one. We suggest that you bring with you on one of your visits an old bath towel to rub on mom. You can then place the towel in a plastic bag until your puppy comes home. Use it as bedding in the crate for your puppy on the first few nights . . . having mom's scent close by will surely help during the transition.



5. The puppies will have their dewclaws removed at four to five days of age. Their eyes and ears are closed until about fifteen days of age. At this time, they will be moved from the whelping area to the Puppy Nursery.



6. At three weeks of age, color-coded collars will be placed on the pups. This will allow you to keep an eye on a particular pup's progress. The collars also allow us to watch the pups for unusual behavior or any possible medical problems.



7. Also at three weeks of age, we will start to feed the pups wet-down solid puppy kibble. The white cotton mats will need to be replaced more often. Up until this time, mom will clean the pups, but when we start feeding them puppy food, it is up to us to do the cleanup. As they grow and eat more at each feeding, you may notice the whelping box may not be as clean. Please excuse us as it is hard to keep up at times.



8. When it is time for you to choose your pup, please be sure to let us know what collar color you select. Usually, this occurs between four and five weeks of age and will be done in the order that you were added to the waiting list and according to the order in which your name appears on the Litter Record.



9. Prior to taking your pup home, contact your veterinarian regarding his/her schedule for your pup to receive further inoculations.



10. On nice, mild temperature days, you are welcome to take the pups out to play. They will love it and you will, too.



11. At six and one half weeks of age, each pup will receive his/her first series of inoculations, worming and a microchip prior to taking the pups to the North Carroll Veterinary Service, Inc. in Hampstead, Maryland (410-239-3713) for a very thorough, complete physical examination, including a random puppy fecal analysis. Each pup will be examined individually and we will discuss his/her weaning experience, sociability and health. If all is well individually, the pups will be ready to go to their new homes at seven weeks of age.



12. When you take your pup home, it is suggested that you crate train. We will give you a CD on your first visit to the Kennel which will introduce you to this training tool and touch on other behavioral training, as well. We also encourage you to enroll in a professional training class for you and your pup.



13. The pups are currently eating Purina ProPlan Large Breed Puppy. If you choose not to continue using this food, we recommend that you feed your pup a large breed puppy food, with a "meat" as the main ingredient (listed first on the packaging). Start with one cup of kibble in one bowl and water in another per feeding. Pour water over kibble until you are sure the pup is drinking water freely from the water bowl. Allow twenty minutes to consume. If the pup is done in less time, increase the amount. If the pup is not finished in the allotted time, decrease the amount. DO NOT LEAVE FOOD FOR THE PUP TO EAT AT LEISURE. Give two feedings per day, one in the morning and one at dinner time. As the pup matures, increase to double the amount you give the pup during its most active time period (if crated during the day, do not increase the morning feeding). Do not leave food or water in the crate. At four (males) to five (females) months of age, CHANGE THE FORMULA TO LARGE BREED ADULT. Large and giant breed dogs are susceptible to Osteochondritis (underdevelopment of the cartilage in the joints, i.e., the shoulder and knees). Their bones grow at a rapid pace and the cartilage cannot keep up.

We wish you years of enjoyment with your new pup and hope that you will keep in touch and visit often.

Don and Arlene Renninger