FAQ

We encourage prospective families to spend time learning about how we raise our puppies and our placement process before enquiring. When ready, the first step is completing our puppy application, which helps us understand your lifestyle, expectations, and what you’re looking for in a dog.

We look for families who value preparation, realistic expectations, and a lifelong commitment to their dog. We prioritise homes that understand puppy development, are open to guidance, and appreciate ongoing breeder support. As part of our process, we like to ensure that all family members are ready for a puppy, which is why we interview both parents. We are always happy to answer questions and help determine whether one of our puppies is the right fit.

No. Puppies are placed thoughtfully, not strictly by list order. Our priority is always to match each puppy with the most suitable home based on temperament, lifestyle, and long-term fit. Waiting list order only becomes relevant if a litter has fewer puppies than expected. In that case, families who are not matched are simply moved to the next planned litter.

The beauty of our programme is its transparency. By following along on our Instagram,(https://www.instagram.com/didgeridoodles_puppies/) families are able to see the full journey of our dogs and puppies — from everyday home life to early development — giving a genuine picture of how our puppies are raised. Our puppies are raised in a home environment where they are gently introduced to everyday sights, sounds, and routines from the very beginning. We focus on calm handling, appropriate early exposure, and allowing each puppy to develop at their own pace. From day 3 to day 16, we incorporate Early Scent Introduction (ESI) and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). These gentle, age-appropriate exercises are designed to support early neurological development, build resilience, and help puppies better cope with new experiences as they grow. All activities are carried out carefully and with the individual puppy’s wellbeing as the priority. Our priority is raising well-adjusted puppies with strong early foundations before they ever leave us.

Yes. We believe breeder support shouldn’t end at pickup day. We are always happy to offer guidance and support as your puppy settles into family life and continues to grow.

Puppy matching takes place later in the process, once individual temperaments begin to emerge. This typically happens around six weeks of age, when we carry out our temperament assessments and gain a clearer understanding of each puppy’s personality. At the application and interview stage, we take the time to get to know your family, lifestyle, and home environment. Using this information — alongside our knowledge of the puppies and their development — we carefully match each puppy to the family they are best suited to. This thoughtful matching process is something we have developed and refined over many years. We know our dogs, and we take the time to truly know our families. Our role is to make informed, loving decisions that support a smooth transition and long-term success. For this reason, we ask families to trust the process. We simply ask for your preferred sex, and from there we take care of the rest. This approach allows us to make meaningful matches based on temperament and suitability, rather than appearance or early impressions. It’s a calm, considered process designed to help each puppy settle naturally into their new home. We invite you to read our reviews to see how often families tell us we just get it right.

The Australian Labradoodle is widely regarded as a naturally robust and healthy breed—thanks to thoughtful, ethical breeding practices and the intentional avoidance of exaggerated physical traits often seen in show-focused lines. Bred for temperament, function, and overall wellbeing rather than appearance alone, this breed enjoys a lower incidence of many hereditary conditions. Here at Didgeridoodles, we take health testing very seriously. Every breeding decision we make is backed by extensive screening to give your future puppy the best chance at a long, healthy life. Genetic Testing We partner with trusted laboratories like Embark and Pet Genetics to run DNA tests on all of our breeding dogs. These simple tests help us screen for the following conditions: • DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) – A progressive spinal cord disease • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – A genetic eye disorder leading to vision loss • VWD (Von Willebrand Disease) – A blood clotting disorder • EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse) – Causes muscle weakness or collapse after intense activity • HNPK (Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis) – Affects skin on the nose • SD2 (Skeletal Dysplasia 2) – A form of dwarfism • NE (Neonatal Encephalopathy) – A serious brain disorder in newborns • CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy) – Affects muscle strength and tone • IC (Improper Coat) – Ensures proper coat type in Australian Labradoodles Hip & Elbow Scoring We use BVA scoring (British Veterinary Association) to assess joint soundness: • Hip Scoring/Elbow Scoring- Testing on all our breeding dogs here at Didgeridoodles What You Can Expect with Your Puppy: • Full veterinary health check • Microchipped • Wormed at 3, 5, and 7 weeks with Panacur • A three-year genetic health guarantee • Raised in a loving, busy home environment with other family dogs and everyday household sounds • Socialized with cuddles, kisses, and lots of playtime • Early introduction to grooming and the grooming experience • We incorporate Early Scent Introduction (ESI) and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) in our puppy rearing—proven techniques that support brain development, confidence, and resilience from a young age. • Weaned onto a raw diet and introduced to healthy treats. We’re proud of the care we put into every puppy—and we’re here to help you welcome a happy, healthy companion into your life.

For the wellbeing of our dogs and puppies, visits are handled thoughtfully and at appropriate times. We are always happy to share updates, photos, and videos, and to answer questions throughout the process.

Curious about the size of Australian Labradoodles? Here’s a quick guide: • Miniature: 13 - 16" at the shoulder, weighing10 - 14kg—similar in size to a Cocker Spaniel. • Medium: 16 - 19" at the shoulder, weighing 14 - 19kg—comparable to a Springer Spaniel or Labrador. • Standard: 20" and above at the shoulder, weighing 20kg+—similar to a Golden Retriever or Standard Poodle. Our puppies will be Medium size, as we're committed to maintaining this perfect balance!

Temperament is shaped long before formal training begins. By prioritising careful breeding decisions and early development, we aim to give our puppies the best possible foundation for calm, adaptable family life.

You need to keep on top of it with a groom appointment every 6 – 8 weeks costing around £50 each time. But with your brush and some detangling spray it's pretty easy, but definitely keep on top of the brushing. • Labradoodles can have very thick coats, and daily brushing will cut down on matting and knotting • The longer you leave the coat to grow, the more care you will need to keep it tangle free It is important to get your labradoodle puppy used to brushing at a very young age so they get used to the grooming when they are older!

Simply clean often and if in doubt get the Vet to clip them on your visits. Groomers can help too! If they get irritated, we can suggest a soothing ear lotion! Usually, itchy ears are due to poor gut health. We recommend Nutripaw pre, pro and post biotics treats as part of their healthy regime.

Our Feeding Programme From the very beginning, we’re committed to giving our puppies the very best start in life — and that begins with nutrition. At weaning, our pups start on Nutriment Weaning Formula, and as they grow, we gradually transition them onto Nutriment Raw. A raw diet provides balanced, natural nutrition packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. This supports strong bone development, a glossy coat, healthy digestion, steady growth, and overall wellbeing — all incredibly important for growing pups. We recommend to continue raw feeding throughout the first year. Then, around 12 months of age, you can choose to transition your dog. There are many excellent brands available, and we’re always happy to offer guidance. Our adult dogs thrive on a Canagan wet and kibble mix, which provides a nutritious, protein-rich diet to keep them healthy, energetic, and in peak condition. We also add salmon oil to our adult dogs' meals, as it supports skin and coat health, joint mobility, and overall wellness. Whatever you choose to feed, we always recommend looking for high protein content and premium ingredients to support your puppy’s growth and your adult dog’s long-term health. This feeding programme works wonderfully for us, but you’re welcome to do your own research and choose what suits your dog and family best. We’re always here if you need advice!

Once your application has been accepted and the interview stage is complete, a deposit is required to secure your place. • Deposit: The deposit is paid upon acceptance after the interview stage. This deposit is non-refundable, however it may be transferred to up to two future litters if your circumstances change. • First payment (Week 2 from birth): The first instalment is due at week two of the litter. This payment confirms and locks your place within that litter. If, for any reason, you need to postpone before this payment is due, you will be moved to a future litter without penalty. • Final payment: The remaining balance is due prior to the puppy’s collection date. All payments are made via bank transfer. This structured approach allows us to plan responsibly for each litter while offering families flexibility when needed.

A Guardian Home provides a stable, caring environment for one of our breeding dogs. As a Guardian, you’ll offer love, care, and training while enjoying the joy of having a family pet. Once the dog’s breeding career concludes, we cover the cost of spay/neuter surgery, and the dog becomes fully yours in every way—a cherished, lifelong companion.

Experience the joy of raising an exceptional Australian Labradoodle, carefully chosen for their temperament, health and traits. Once their breeding career is complete, your dog will enjoy life as your devoted family pet.

To join the program, after which you'll enjoy the following benefits and responsibilities: ​ ​What You Provide: • A loving, safe, and stable home • Premium dog food, grooming every 6–8 weeks, and regular vet care (non-breeding related) • Ongoing training, socialisation, and exercise • Open communication with us regarding  health, if female, heat cycles, and care • Immediate contact in case of emergency or unexpected health issues ​ Our Promise to You: • We cover all breeding-related expenses, including health testing, insurance and help with dog obedience tra • We handle spay surgery once her breeding role is complete • Flea, tick, and worm prevention • We provide pet insurance during breeding years • We contribute to training and ongoing support • ​And if you're ever away, we’ll help find loving care—no kennels, ever