• Action: Review training videos recommended by Mark Sr. to access the videos.

https://yatesfamilylabradors.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Puppy-Starter-Training.pdf 

• Action: Ensure you’ve signed up for Yates Family Labradors’ recommended puppy package. This package includes essential items for the first few months of puppyhood, such as food, toys, and a crate. Mark will have reviewed this with you by the time you put down your second and/or final deposit.
• Important Note: We will send you home with this package during the 6-week family visit day.

• Action: Schedule your puppy’s first wellness check with a trusted veterinarian within 10-14 days after bringing your puppy home.
  • The first round of vaccines includes DHPP 1-Year and Resp/Bordetella IN Bi-Annual. Your puppy will also be microchipped.
• Recommended Veterinarians:
  • North Oatlands Animal Hospital (Our go-to and main vet):
    19275 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175
    Phone: (703) 777-7781
  • Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic:
    4038 Cherry Hill Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
    Phone: (703) 528-9001
  • Caring Hands Animal Hospital – Rockville:
    825 H Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
    Phone: (240) 205-8300

This day is meant for each family who has placed a deposit on a pup in the litter to come to our home to meet us, the dam, and the litter. No families will be picking out their pup yet. It’s a day full of Q&A and puppy cuddles.

• Feeding Recommendations:
  • 8 weeks to 6 months: 3 times per day, approximately 1½ cups per feeding of Purina Pro Plan Puppy 1st Year or an equivalent nutritious brand.
  • 6 months to 12 months: 2 times per day, approximately 2 cups per feeding of Purina Pro Plan Puppy or equivalent.
  • 12 to 18 months: 2 times per day, transitioning to approximately 2 cups per feeding of Purina Pro Plan Puppy for 2-Year-Old or Sport.
  • Adult Feeding: Follow veterinarian’s recommendations for weight management.

• Action: Mark will notify you when to expect the email from the AKC with instructions to register your puppy’s AKC papers and microchip.
• Important Note: Wait for a text from Mark before completing the process on your own.

• Action: Safely expose your puppy to various people, sounds, and environments to build their confidence. This can start after your puppy’s second round of vaccines (per your veterinarian’s recommendations) and with other vaccinated dogs in a controlled environment.

• This is the big day! Families will come to select their puppy and take them home.
  • Each family will be given their own time to come and pick out and take home their pup.
  • You will have the opportunity to interact with the puppies and choose the one that’s the best fit for your family.
  • Please be respectful of the time given in case there is the next family coming after you.
  • Please bring a collar, leash, and any additional supplies you’d like to have ready for your puppy’s first journey home.
  • We’ll provide all necessary paperwork and a final overview of care instructions before you leave with your new family member.
  • Final Payment: Final payment is best accepted in cash to prevent any technical issues with Venmo or Zelle.