I do hope you have had a wonderful X-mas. I would like to send you an update about Mara. Although it is only 10 days she is here with us, it seems like she has lived here forever. She is very happy, plays a lot, eats very well and is not afraid of other dogs. We took her to the beach and she had a great time. She is quite athletic and loves to run around. We are very very happy with her and is a friend of us all.

Best regards,

Inge and Family

Kim and staff,

I’m excited to give you an update on Milo.  He is the most hilarious dog we have ever had.  He is the center of attention WHEREVER we go.  As I am sure, many others experience the question, “OOOOHHH MY GAAAWWWDDD! What kind of dog is that?” from passing cars, people at pet stores, folks in truckstops (remember we’re truck drivers). It’s so funny how many folks are fascinated by his gorgeous coat and silly demeanor.

He has become quite the communicator.  He touches whoever is driving the truck, ever so gently on the leg if he needs to go out.  He will stare at you for what seems like an eternity when he wants water.  He loves to have the wind rushing through his hair when we leave truckstops or shipper’s and sticks his head out the window.  This may not have been a good idea but now we can’t keep him out of the passenger seat when we are going at slow speeds.  He loves to snuggle on our pillows and lays on me will all of his weight when he gives me morning kisses.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having him in our family. I wish our truck was bigger because I so want another one.  You picked the best dog for us.  You were right, he won’t be a guard dog anytime soon but we don’t mind.  He is sweet, quiet boy.  Of course, if we get him to talking, he loves to communicate with the sweetest “RUFF”.  I still trim him myself and have been complimented a handful of times from folks asking, “Who grooms your dog?”  His puppy coat is beginning to come out and so we enjoy brushing time where he can relax and have his “mommy” dote over him.  He’s almost 10 months old and 47.6 lbs.  He’s the perfect size!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and an even more joyous Christmas.  Blessings to you and your family!

Michelle and family

P.S.  The picture is from a small hike we did in Eastern Utah.  He’s so handsome!

What a joy! We love our puppy! We had a hard time choosing his name but came up with Westie and it fits. We got it because he is from the west coast.

He is feeling right at home!

Thank you,
Jen and Family

“Buying (investing in) an Australian Labradoodle has been the best decision we’ve made in many years. Choosing Manor Lake Australian Labradoodles, Kim & Molly, has been the icing on the cake. Our Milo is top of his game. He’s a comic relief, a loving companion and smart as can be. Thanks to you all for maintaining high standards as you grow your business.”

Michelle and family

The time is here again! The 10th Annual Southern California Doodle Romp is taking place on September 10, 2011 in beautiful Malibu, California.

All Labradoodle and Goldendoodle lovers are cordially invited to the 10th Annual Southern California Doodle Romp and Picnic. This is the largest gathering of Doodles in the world and we like to call it “Woodstock for Dogs” Come to Malibu and see every size, coat and color of Doodle frolic under a two acre Oak Grove while their humans enjoy a beautiful buffet lunch, a glass of wine and tell tall tales about their furry children. It’s the most fun afternoon you’ll ever have with your Doodle! There will be fun, silly contests that anyone can enter, a pet photographer, breeders, vendors, and fabulous things to bid on at our charity auction. Net proceeds benefit animal charities. Ticket price of $30 per person (doodles free!) includes lunch, beverages including wine, and any contest entries.

Manor Lake has attended the last two years, it’s definitely a fun event you won’t want to miss out on! To receive your invitation via Evite, please email doodleromp@earthlink.net.

What is a guardian family home exactly? A Guardian Family Home is a place where one of our Australian Labradoodle dogs or puppies chosen specially for Manor Lake’s breeding program lives as a wonderful family dog. Manor Lake retains all breeding rights for all males and females, and guardian family gets a pet for free. The dog or puppy will live with you and come to Manor Lake only when required testing needs to be done, when it is time to be bred or when she is ready to have her puppies – health testing and any reproductive costs are that of Manor Lakes’.

We select our guardian families very carefully – and our first qualification is to live within a 100 mile radius of Bellingham, WA. We also ask for a $500 deposit that is refundable upon reaching the Canine Good Service (CGC) award which you can learn about in one of our previous blog posts. To see other requirements click here and please contact Manor Lake if you feel you or your family would be a good match!

Patience is very important to hold on to. Every puppy is going to have accidents, just like a new born baby it will take some time for your new puppy to fully understand what an acceptable behavior is.

Be sure to praise good behavior. This part of the potty training process cannot be emphasized enough– if they go potty outside or on a potty pad be sure to praise them immediately. Through positive reinforcement your developing puppy will be able to have a better understanding of what is expected of them.

Do not punish your puppy unless you directly saw them doing something wrong. If your come across an accident your puppy left and you did not see them do it, simply clean it up and bring your puppy outside.

Consistency is our final and equally important potty training tip. Devepop a regular schedule in which you will take your puppy outside to go to the bathroom such as, when theywake up from a nap, after they eat and when you notice them sniffing around.

Happy potty training!

One, if you and your canine friend are headed to the beach on a warm day remember to not let your dog run right into the water unless they are familiar with swimming. If your pooch is familiar with swimming be sure to look out for strong tides– they can be dangerous for even the most expert dog paddlers.

Two, we thought this one was a gimme but ALWAYS be sure to have access to fresh water for your pup.

Three, try to avoid strenuous exercise on particularly hot days– it can lead to heat exhaustion.

Four, NEVER leave your furry pal in an unattended parked car. If the temperature outside is 80 degrees Fahrenheit the inside of your car can heat up to about 120 degrees.

Five, pups with short and or light colored hair can easily burn in the sunshine so be sure to apply sunscreen on their ears and nose at least 30 minutes before heading out into the sun for an extended period of time.

Six, if you are headed to the beach on a hot and sunny day take care to not let your pup drink the salt water– the salt can upset their tummies.

Hope you enjoyed our summer safety tips for 2011, enjoy your summer and safe travels to you and your furry companions!

Did you know that this Friday June 24, 2011 is Take Your Dog to Work Day?