Great…. after you have looked at our site and feel you have enough information and would like to give one of our puppies a forever home please fill out our application form. We like to know a little about you and your work/home life to help us place the right puppy with you. We like interaction, pleasant and engaging conversation so if you just give us a “how much” or “are you selling pups” we simply won’t reply.
We review your application then contact you regarding what availability we may have coming up, this is unless you have a specific litter in mind of course. We can only estimate a time frame for when we can expect you to get your puppy. Nature plays a big part and seasons can be unpredictable.
Yes you do but we call it a holding fee.
We spend a lot of time talking to\emailing customers and we really want you to be certain we are right for you and you are right for one of our puppies. In times gone by we held a waiting list without a fee but this just didn’t work as many people moved on elswhere, so all the time spent chatting and the admin involved was simply wasted. Once we approve your application we will notify you and kindly ask that you submit a holding and consultation fee of £250. Choosing your puppy will be done in order of fees received. We generally take 6 names for the master list and 2 reserves. We reserve the right to hold back a puppy/puppies for our breeding programme from any litter.
No it is not. It covers the processing of your application, time spent communicating and updating you prior to receiving your puppy. We ask that all fees be paid by bank transfer. If you change your mind it will not be refunded, we do however understand the difficulty if a serious illness arises and that taking a puppy on may not be appropriate. In these circumstances of course we would gladly refund however we would need proof as we wouldn’t want an illness being used just as a reason you could get your money back. If we cant provide you with a suitable puppy within a 12 month period we will then refund you your holding fee.
The time it would be a problem would be if there was’nt a pup suitable for your requirements upon temperament testing. Our aim is primarily to fit pup to family and this is the reason we like to know about your lifestyle etc in the application. Some puppies are easy to fit but depending on your family situation and what you want from your puppy it’s not always the case. For example if you require a puppy for a special needs child/adult it would need to have a calm disposition, be happy to be handled without exceptions, not be phased by noise or be nervous…we would ideally like all pups to be that way and generally Australian Labradoodles are but sometimes it’s just not the case. Within the litter there may be your ideal pup but the opposite gender you required and for us right pup right family is everything!! It really is best to be open minded as any Australian Labradoodle you get will undoubtedly be the centre of your world.
Keep an eye on our facebook or web page for honeymoon information, then when pregnancy is confirmed/failed we contact all families privately waiting for the announcement. Dates when due will then be provided. If pregnancy fails then we can discuss other litters expected.
Once we have newborn arrivals expecting parents will be notified by email/watsapp before it’s announced on our pages. Dates of meet and greet, collection and when to book your puppy in at the vets for examination and vaccinations will be discussed.
We try to ESTIMATE expected size, colour and coat type but on maturity pups can be smaller or larger than anticipated simply due to genetics and generations of different sizes within the lineage. Colour can also fade or darken once the adult coat comes through and of course as they get older (just like us) they may get lighter hairs appear. We simply cannot 100% guarantee an exact size, weight or colour only estimate as a guide from the parents.
We have a meet and greet around 6 weeks of age. We do a watsapp group for our families where we share pictures, videos and useful information. Questions anyone has can be answered in one place , we give hints and tips on all things puppy related. Its great for all new owners to share their excitement, which names they are considering and generally get to know the other owners. This carries on for the lifetime of your puppy and then its great for us to see your videos and pictures as they grow into the delightful dogs that they are. We have strict rules when visiting, before stepping onto our premises we like to disinfect under your footwear, ask you to sanitize your hands before you handle the puppies and if you already own a dog we politely ask that you come in clean clothes. This may seem extreme but parvo can be spread by people not just dogs and we want to take as many precautions as we possibly can to protect our brood from disease and infection of any kind. We try to limit visits within a day as pups get tired easily and mum would get stressed too so we ask that you please be mindful of this. If you live a great distance away we do video calls so you can see them up close and get to talk to us about anything you wish.
Generally, around 7 weeks of age after temperamant testing is done.
They will be microchipped in our name as this is the law and then once collected we transfer free of charge into your name.
This really helps identify your puppy’s personality. We follow a guide by the Author Sarah Hodgson. See below.
1. Observe.
You can tell a lot about a puppy before you’ve even said hello. Watch the puppy, for up to 30 minutes when possible, if they’re playing with other puppies in order to observe their personality. Do they prefer jumping into group activities (A), hanging in the midst of the activity (N), or staying on the sidelines (P)? Are they stealing the bones (A) or submitting when approached (N or P)? After you’ve observed the pup for a few minutes, assign them a score in the first column.
2. Play.
When you first take a puppy aside, play with them, offering both treats and toys if permitted. Do they squirm to get away from you, look anxiously for their littermates, or engage and climb on you like a long-lost friend? Rate their energy level and persistence: Are they hyper or demanding (A), easygoing (N), or just wanting to be petted (P)? Bring out some toys. Do they show interest in them? Do they share willingly, instigate tug-of-war (A), or covet the object immediately? Coveting is an early sign of possessiveness, which may lead to aggression.
3. Cradle.
Cradle the puppy in your arms. Do they relax (P), wiggle a bit, and then relax (N) — or kick like crazy (A)? Which action matches your expectations? See how quickly the puppy recovers after being put down; recovery is measured by how quickly they return to you and willingly takes a treat or engages with a toy.
4. Call back.
While holding out a treat or a squeaky toy, call to the puppy as you back away from them. Do they race after you while jumping or nipping your ankles (A), follow happily (N), or hesitate and need coaxing (P)?
5. Tuck and pat.
Kneeling on the floor or sitting in a chair, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet them in long, gentle strokes as you praise them softly. Do they wriggle free as they nip (A), wriggle and then relax (N), or simply melt in your embrace (P)?
6. Bend over.
Stand up, stretch, and relax. Now go to the puppy and lean over to pet them. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you’re so large and they’re so small. Do they jump up to your face (A), cower in confusion (P), or just relax and let it happen (N)?
7. Hold the back leg.
In this exercise, you’re testing the puppy’s reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently lift the back-right leg 2 inches off the floor and hold it for a count of 5 seconds (although either leg would do). Do they react defensively? If so, they’re definitely an A type with high pain sensitivity. An N puppy may lick or place their mouth on you gently, whereas a P puppy will show concern.
8. Startle with sound.
When your prospective puppy least expects it, tap two metal spoons together behind their back, then drop them 3 inches from where they’re standing. Gauge their reaction: Do they startle and freeze? How quickly do they recover to explore the spoons or take a treat from your hand? If the puppy shows intense spoon interest, score A; a nonchalant glance, an N; and a fear reaction noted by cowering or withdrawal, a P.
9. Do the crash test.
Stand and wait until the puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground and exclaim “Ouch!” Does the puppy race over and pounce (A), come to sniff or lick your face (N), or cower and run in fear (P)?
10. Uplift.
Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling their midsection. Hold them there for at least 5 seconds. Do they wriggle and bite furiously (A)? Do they relax and look around (N)? Do they look fearful and constrict their body posture (P)?
After completing the tests we see how many of each letter (A, N, or P) the puppy scored.
• All A: This interactive puppy is bright and self-assured. Raising them will take concentration, consistency, and time. Their favorite expression: “What’s next?”
• All N: Easygoing and contained, this puppy will be pleasant and self-assured, though perhaps not motivated to follow your agenda when it conflicts with their own. Their favorite expression: “Is this necessary?”
• All P: This puppy has weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, they’ll be shy. Their favorite expression: “It’s been three minutes — do you still love me?”
• Mix of A and N: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show slightly more impulse control when stimulated. Their favorite expression: “Let’s do it again!”
• Mix of N and P: This puppy will be easygoing and gentle, yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive pup. Because they’re more composed, they’ll be an ideal puppy for a calm house with or without older children. Favorite expression: “Another back-scratching, please.”
Active puppies are smart and full of fun, which means there will suddenly be a whole lot of life going on under your roof. Spirited and intelligent, active pups are adored by owners who have the time and determination needed to train and socialize them. (Not ideal in a home with small children).
Neutral puppies are relaxed and undemanding — sort of the regular dudes of the dog world.
Passive and shy puppies appreciate love and support but are fearful of change, so they do best in consistent environments and with people who have the patience and time for extra socialization.
The decision was made between ourselves and our veterinary surgeon not to carry on vaccinating due to varied strains of the vaccine and different lepto injections. Some are just not compatable and in the past when owners thought their vets did have a match they actually didn’t so pup had to restart the course which meant having to stay indoors longer and having an unecessary extra jab. Also there are two different lepto injections available, lepto 2 and lepto 4. We do not use lepto 4, there have been cases where pups have had horendous reactions and some deaths so we deciced it wasn’t worth the risk to our pups.
- A 2 year genetic health warranty.
- A strict pet contract of sale signed by both parties agreeing that you spay/neuter within 10 months of purchasing the dog,
- Dogs pedigree once proof of spay/neuter is given.
- Microchipped
- 4 weeks free pet plan insurance
- supply of puppy food
- scent blanket
- toy
- Lifetime of support
Absolutely!! They get a thorough check and you recieve a certificate of health.
Here at Willowbrook we choose not to spay/neuter early. All breeders have their own personal thoughts and process regarding this and we feel there is no right or wrong decision, we do however have a very strict ‘ no breeding contract ‘ in place that requires you to agree to sterilize your puppy by their 10month birthdate with no exceptions!. if you are found to breech our contract you will be expected to pay us a £10,000 breeding fee. A signed agreement will be in the pet contract stating this.
Our Australian labradoodles for 2024 are £2550 plus the holding fee. This is to be paid on the 8 week collection day.
This is at 8 weeks of age not even a day earlier!!
We have an appointment system generally around 45mins apart. We like all pups to leave on the same day and before lunchtime. Taking a puppy on an evening or tea time is not ideal as they need time to settle in their new environment and it wouldn’t be fair only having a few hours before being left for bed.
Most definitely! We have a Willowbrook Aussie WhatsApp group where ALL past and present owners chat, share hints, tips and ask advice.
We are always happy to help and chat providing a lifetime of support and advice. 💝