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Guest blog post from Michelle Koester "As puppies head to their new homes I wanted to touch base on a common issue that breeders come across with new owners. REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS- MSL Puppy Bubbles Just Chillin' You see the breeders pictures and videos and the pups are all social. They are quiet in the pen. The breeder shows you videos of them being totally relaxed, happy, playful. All looks amazing and you bring your puppy home. Then reality hits. The puppy may cry in the crate for the first few nights making you tired and agitated. The happy social puppy is refusing to greet the half dozen overly excited friends you invited over to see your new puppy. Or the overly excited playful children you have at home. The puppy refuses to walk on a leash. Many are wondering how did my perfect puppy turn into a nightmare. So let’s discuss realistic expectations of when a puppy goes home. -First of all the puppy has been in the breeders home since birth. They had their mother and littermates. They had their routine, were taught expectations and were completely in their comfort zone. Now suddenly they are taken to a totally new environment. Picture yourself being dropped into an unknown country, in a different part of the world. You know only a few words of their language. Different sounds, smells, temperature, animals and people. Now in the middle of this we are switching up your routine, possibly decide to have a party with people you don't know, and ask you to do jobs you have no idea about. Overwhelming to say the least. This is what every puppy goes through when going to their new home. Stress manifests in different forms. From not eating, reluctancy to play, and greet people. Being apprehensive at the vet’s office or as strangers reach for them. Diarrhea, vomiting and depression can occur. So what can you as a new owner do to help your little one acclimate? - most puppies take 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new home. Repeat after me THREE to FOUR WEEKS sometimes even Longer! Not a 1-2 days. I can’t stress this enough about how much time is needed for a dog or puppy to feel comfortable in their new home! PLEASE limit guests during the first two weeks. We understand you are excited to show off your new baby but they need time to adjust. Plan on waiting 1-2 weeks before inviting people over. - ask guests to remove their shoes before entering the home to prevent germs from spreading to your new vulnerable puppy. -have guests sit on the floor/ground and wait until the puppy approaches them. NO squealing and grabbing the puppy, as this is very frightening to them. - set up a good routine - restrict the puppy to a small area of the house. This not only reduces them being overwhelmed but also allows you to watch them - don’t expect a 8-13 week old puppy to walk on a leash. Instead work at home with a leash where they are comfortable. Let them drag the leash, use treats to encourage them to walk with you - if your puppy is refusing to walk give them a good amount of time. - understand your puppy needs time to see you as family. Expecting an immediate bond is unrealistic. They will need to establish who the leader of the pack is in order to feel safe and understand the hierarchy of the family unit. - train your puppy. This not only helps you to bond but the puppy to look to you for direction and input. -Children are also big stressors to tiny fragile puppies, please keep an eye on children around the puppy at all times. The children may need to learn how fragile the puppy is and how scared it may be. - lastly, most importantly- BE PATIENT. Don’t declare “omg there’s something wrong with this dog”. Nothing occurs overnight. Outings should be planned after the puppy has received ALL vaccinations and then only at the puppy’s speed. So while you might imagine a fun walk around the lake in reality your puppy might only be able to handle walking a short distance that day. They may be curious and energetic, they may become overwhelmed. Watch the puppy for cues on how to proceed. Most outings for me take a long time, as I am often just standing still as the puppy cautiously explores the new environment. Patience is key! Remember if the puppy was wonderful at the breeder’s house but now is struggling, you as the owner, need to help the puppy adjust which takes time, patience and training. Have realistic expectations and give the puppy positive feedback and happy experiences. Each puppy is an individual, don’t compare your current puppy to past pets and judge their behavior based on how another dog handled things. Lastly, try to see thing’s from a puppy’s perspective and adjust situations accordingly. Love your puppy and they will love you 100 times more in return." Tucker Settling In With His New Family Michelle brings up so many good points about what to expect when you bring your new puppy home. I would just like to add a few things from Montana Skies Labradors' experience. -Although we expected to hear of some issues from our new puppy families about the puppies being stressed when they went to their new homes, we did not. Several of our families actually reached out to say how easily the puppies incorporated into their new homes. We were so overjoyed to hear this about MSL pups! The temperaments of our first litter of puppies have been so amazing! This is what we had hoped for when choosing the sire and then raising the puppies as we did. However, puppies usually do experience some level of stress when leaving the home they have known since birth. It is good to be prepared and ready to support your puppy throughout that transition. -Michelle mentions not taking puppy on outings until they have received all vaccines. At MSL, we use homeopathic nosodes so our puppies are able to get socialization without fear of disease from an early age. If you do opt for vaccinations, there are ways to get puppy out without risk of contact. You can carry your puppy into a store, park, etc. That will keep your puppy from contact with the ground, other dogs, and people but still let puppy see and experience things outside of Puppy's normal environment which is so important from an early age. -If you want more ideas on how to help your new puppy become comfortable and happy in your home, go check out BAXTER & Bella Online Puppy Training School. They have tons of information for you from getting set up for puppy to socializing and training throughout the years. Use code MTSKIESLABS for 25% off a lifetime membership. We have been using their training methods with the puppies and even Rosemary with very good results. Happy Puppy Rearing! MSL Puppy Tucker Meeting His New Big Brother

So you want that 8 week old, tiny, cute, take them out to go potty every 30 minutes, can't leave them alone for an hour, adorable, cuddly, puppy. You bring sweet little Puppy home and the reality of puppy training begins.... It's not too bad during the day because, after all, you want to spend every minute you can with your new little buddy. Going outside for potty breaks every 30 minutes becomes routine; just one more thing to do with Puppy. But......after a few nights of getting up several times to take Puppy out to go putty, you are really going to be tempted to train Puppy to go 8 hours every night without taking a potty break. Please do not ask your puppy to hold it overnight. I know, I know.....you really need your sleep. I get it! However, puppies should not have to hold their urine for 8 hours until they are at least 16 weeks old, which is when their bodies have developed enough to safely hold it without causing stress to their system and possibly causing health issues. Are puppies able to hold it for 8 hours before 16 weeks? Yes they are, or I should say, some of them are. However, just because they can, doesn't mean it's good for them. Let me offer you an alternative; Litter Training! Litter training is a new puppy family's answer to nighttime potty training. At Montana Skies Labradors, we use litter boxes for all of our puppies as soon as Mama is no longer cleaning up after them. It takes some time, but it is fairly easy to teach puppies to use the litter box. There are some great videos online showing how to do that so I won't go step by step here. I will give you some personal tips that I learned with my puppies. "Missed it by that much!" Make sure your litter box is big enough for your puppy to use until Puppy is 16 wks old. Find a place to put Puppy's litter box where you will not have to move it and Puppy can easily access it. We had to move ours a couple of times and each time it was like starting over. The puppies didn't at first connect the box with potty, they connected the place with potty. Obviously, the litter box will be in Puppy's sleeping area. We used an exercise pen with just enough room for the puppies to sleep and the litter boxes. It is not a good idea to use a litter box in a crate because you don't want puppy to associate the crate with potty. Reward Puppy for using the litter box just like you would reward Puppy outside. If you teach Puppy to use the litter box during the day, Puppy will begin to use it at night too. You should also continue to take Puppy outside for potty breaks during the day so that transitioning to outside won't be a problem when puppy is old enough to hold it. You can use pee pads to start, but don't be afraid to do away with them if they don't work for your puppy. Our puppies quickly learned that pee pads made the best toys. They are easy to drag around, thus enticing your litter mates to chase you. And, they are so satisfying to shred. Use something in the litter box that will not harm Puppy if eaten. Puppy will eat the litter, or, at least taste it. We used organic alfalfa pellets because I knew if the puppies ate them, they would do no harm. Plus it smelled good. Well, it did until it was time to replace it. Which, amazingly enough, for two washing machine trays used by 9 puppies, wasn't that often. Litter boxes can be a game changer when raising a young puppy. Eight weeks is a long time to get up in the night for potty breaks. If you are interested in exactly how to litter train your puppy, check out the video below. It may just be the answer you are looking for.

Guest post from Natasha Osborne at www.pathfinderagility.com Did you know that there are no certification requirements to be a dog trainer? That means that anyone with or without dog knowledge can train dogs and get paid by the public without any accounting for their background or methods. That doesn't mean there aren't some extremely talented trainers out there who aren't certified but choosing a trainer for your dog can also be challenging when there are no criteria or industry standards to follow. So what do you do? How do you choose? Training dogs has changed considerably over the last 30 years or more and continues to evolve as science teaches us more about our canine companions and behaviorists continue to learn more about how dogs think, learn, and process information. There still continues to be many approaches to dog training and everybody will claim that theirs is the best method, but not all methods are science based or pain free. The best rule of thumb is to choose somebody who is certified either through CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) or IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants). Both are certifying agencies who train dog trainers, require a background of up to 300 teaching hours, rigorous testing to assess knowledge, and continuing education requirements to maintain certification. As a CPDT, I have had to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of dog behavior and have also pledged to be a reward-based trainer who uses minimally invasive techniques. Reward based training does not mean that we throw treats at dogs like confetti and ignore bad behavior, it just means that we approach unwanted behavior by trying to show the dogs what we wish for them to do instead, and if we implement punishment, we do so generally by withdrawing something of value to the dog versus applying punishment to the dog (such as a shock collar or a pinch collar). Reward-based training works, but it does take time and commitment and, in our instant gratification society, a lot of people seek out the quick fix, often to the detriment of their relationship with their dog or with disastrous results down the road, when the dog becomes reactive or aggressive. Over the last month, I have completed 29 hours of continuing education - quietly tucked away in my office learning from behavioral professionals around the world and continuing to grow my knowledge base. Every three years I am required to complete 36 hours to become re-certified, but every year I end up doing more than that as there's always an endless amount of good and new information that interests me. If you're seeking out a trainer, look for somebody who is Certified. Find out what their background is, how they have learned to become a trainer, and what they may or may not specialize in. Are they reward based, or so-called balanced? Balanced trainers are implementing punishment and tend to use devices like shock collars or pinch collars to punish dogs into proper behavior rather than teach them the correct behavior. If you're not sure where to start, go to the CCPDT website and look for trainers that are certified in your area. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power and the better trained your dog trainer is, the better hands your dog will be in!

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. If you are a new Labrador owner, it is essential to understand the importance of training to ensure a happy and well-behaved furry companion. Here are some essential training tips to help you and your new Labrador puppy build a strong bond and develop good behavior habits. Start Early: Training should begin as soon as you bring your Labrador puppy home. Early socialization and training are crucial to prevent behavioral issues later on. It is easier to teach good habits from the start rather than try to correct bad behavior as your puppy grows older. For the first few days to a week, training should be kept to simply shaping behaviors using luring, distraction, and positive reinforcement. Teach puppy to take a treat nicely by offering a small treat enclosed in your fist. When puppy licks your hand it opens so puppy can get the treat. If puppy uses teeth, the fist stays closed. For the most part you should just spend a lot of time with your puppy. Let Puppy get to know his/her new environment, family, and other pets. Don't let puppy do things like jumping, biting, getting on furniture or anything else you don't want puppy to do, but don't worry about structured training. Just play, snuggle, and get to know one another. Positive Reinforcement: Labrador Retrievers are known for their eagerness to please, so positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play with a favorite toy work well during training sessions. Using a marking word such as "Yes" or "Good" will help puppy to connect the behavior you want with the reward. Rewards the behaviors you want Puppy to repeat will help your puppy associate training with a positive experience. Consistency is Key: Establishing a consistent routine for training sessions is essential. Use the same commands and gestures each time you work with your puppy to help them understand what is expected of them. Consistency will create a sense of structure and stability for your Labrador, making it easier for them to learn. Patience and Persistence: Training a new puppy, especially a lively Labrador, can be challenging at times. Remember that puppies have difficulty focusing for more than a few minutes. If Puppy is too wound up to focus, put him/her in a safe place, kennel or pen, and let Puppy calm down a bit and then try again. Don't overdue it or you will lose Puppy's attention. It is better to work on one thing for a short period of time and then move on to play time.  It is important to remain patient and consistent in your approach. Remember that learning takes time, and your puppy may not pick up on commands right away. Stay calm, be persistent, and celebrate small victories along the way. Basic Commands: Teaching your Labrador basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel are fundamental for their safety and well-being. These commands will also help you establish control and communication with your puppy, strengthening your bond. Professional Training Options: If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with training your new Labrador puppy, consider enrolling in a professional training program. Many trainers offer classes specifically tailored to puppies, focusing on short sessions of training interspersed with play. Ask your puppy's breeder for recommendations of trainers in your area. There are also online training programs that are a good way to get professional help when local classes are not available or hard to coordinate. At Montana Skies Labradors we highly recommend BAXTER & Bella Online Puppy Training School. It is a very well organized program with great videos, lessons, and unlimited access to professional help. It is a very affordable program, and if you use MTSKIESLABS at checkout, you can get 25% off the Lifetime Membership. In conclusion, training your new Labrador puppy is a rewarding experience that will strengthen your bond and create a well-behaved companion for years to come. By starting early, using positive reinforcement, being consistent, patient, and persistent, and teaching basic commands, you can set your puppy up for success. Remember that every dog is unique, so adjust your training methods to suit your Labrador's individual needs.

I had a prospective puppy buyer ask me what was the COI of this litter? I told her the genetic COI because that was what I had. She said she was looking for a very low COI because her vet told her the reason her last two dogs died of cancer was due to the breeder breeding dogs too closely related. That conversation started me down a rabbit hole that has kept me digging for many weeks. In this post, I will try to explain what I have learned about COI and why it is important for prospective puppy buyers to know what questions to ask when interviewing breeders of puppies they are interested in bringing into their home. COI is a measure of how inbred an individual dog is. In other words, how many common ancestors in the puppy's lineage. If the common ancestors are in the first few generations, the COI will be higher. Also, if there are a lot of common ancestors in the puppy's pedigree, the COI will be higher. It is expressed as a percentage. AKC recommends breeders strive to keep the COI for litters under the average COI for their breed. Why is this important for breeders and owners? A dog with a high COI can be at greater risk for health issues. That does not mean the dog will be unhealthy, just that if there are health concerns in the common ancestors in the puppy's pedigree, then the puppy may be more likely to be affected by those health concerns. In other words, let's say a breeder chooses to breed female dog "X" to her grandsire because said breeder wants to concentrate a certain trait in her puppies, if "X" and grandsire are healthy individuals with ancestors who lived long, healthy lives, the risk of health issues isn't necessarily higher than your average dog. However, if "X" and/or grandsire have a history of some health issue in their ancestry, then the risk of the puppies being affected by that health issue is much higher than your average dog. Why would a breeder risk that? Because, there is no better way to establish certain traits within a pedigree than to linebreed. However, a good breeder will weigh all the risks against the benefits. Usually, the breeder will have a great deal of experience and knowledge with the pedigrees she is linebreeding. Hopefully, said breeder will have an understanding of any health issues that have occurred in the ancestors of both dogs and whether they did, or did not live long, healthy lives. When a breeder uses linebreeding carefully, it can be a great benefit to her kennel. However, we don't know the exact effects of a linebreeding even under the most thoughtful planning so there can always be unforeseen circumstances. And sometimes, a breeder doesn't know what she is doing and linebreeds without the indepth knowledge required to minimize the risks. So , why would someone risk buying a linebred puppy? If a prospective puppy owner likes a certain type of dog, maybe they want to show, or enter field trials, and that kennel has been successful with their puppies in the activity the owner is interested in, the owner might be willing to take the risk and purchase a linebred pup from that kennel. That puppy buyer is trusting that the breeder has done their homework and made a decision that will minimize the risks as much as possible. Also, most ethical breeders have some sort of health guarantee for puppy buyers just in case the unforeseen happens. Then other buyers may not understand the increased risk that comes from purchasing a linebred puppy. Maybe they don't even know the questions to ask the breeder. They just want a puppy and they "fall in love" or the price is right and the purchase is an uninformed decision. Those are the folks who can be hurt the most by a breeder who is not making good breeding decisions. So, what should you know before you commit to buying a certain puppy? A well informed puppy buyer will have: 1. some idea of what the COI is, 2. how it is calculated, 3. whether the puppy they are interested in has a pedigree based COI or genetically based COI. Historically COI has been calculated using pedigrees from the sire and dam of a litter. So most of the COI averages you will see reported are pedigree based calculations. Most folks want to see a COI calculated from at least 10 generations of ancestors. Make sure you ask your breeder how many generations they used to calculate a pedigree COI. Unfortunately, AKC does not have a COI calculator, so looking up the pedigrees and inputting the data must be done manually. I can tell you....it is very time consuming! Some people say that COI is not important because the COI for most litters is inaccurate. One reason for the inaccuracy may be that there are so many errors in registered pedigrees. Without the availability of genetic testing sometimes the wrong dogs were reported to have sired the litter. Whether intentional or not, that would make the COI irrelevant. Another reason pedigree based COI calculations are not very accurate, is that only common ancestors across pedigrees are used for the calculation. The common ancestors within the dam's or sire's pedigree are not taken into account. Therefore, the COI could be grossly under estimated. Also, to get a true idea of the COI based on a dog's pedigree, you would need to go back to the founding members of the breed which isn't often done, that is why the COI is an estimate. Many breeders now prefer to use a genetically calculated COI because it is far more accurate than a pedigree calculated COI. Genetic COI can be calculated for each individual in a litter and is a very accurate picture of that individual's percentage of inbreeding. Genetic testing can also give us a picture of what genes and traits are concentrated in an individual. Of course, the average puppy shopper, and even many breeders, will not know how to decode all of the information found in a genetic test result, but there are organizations that can help with that. Also, we do not have genetic tests for all canine health issues so we cannot test for every health issue that affects dogs. Even without complete understanding of genetic test results, a puppy buyer can get a good idea of the health of a puppy from the genetic COI. For instance, the puppies from our current litter have a genetic COI ranging from 9%-16% with most of the puppy's at 11% and under. What does that tell a prospective puppy parent? The average genetic COI for Labradors is 16%. Therefore, all of the puppies in this litter are at or below the average for Labrador Retrievers. Also, both parent's and all of the puppy's came back clear for all of the health issues the genetic tests screen for. So, a Montana Skies Labrador's puppy family can be fairly sure they have a healthy puppy that, if managed well, should live a long, healthy life. How can you, the prospective puppy parent, use the COI and genetic test results to help you find the puppy of your dreams? First, find a reputable breeder that is conscious of canine health concerns and willing to answer your questions about their puppies. That may be harder than you think, but there are many good breeders out there who are only too happy to talk healthy puppies with you. Once you find a breeder, or two, or three, make up a list of questions you would like to ask them. Include all of the general questions about registration, color, temperament, etc. and then make sure you add the following: 1. What kind of testing have you done for the sire and dam? 2. What lab did you use? 3. What specifically were the parents tested for and what were the results? 4. Ask to see a copy of the results. 5. Do they offer any testing for the puppies? 6. What is the COI for the litter? 7. Was the COI calculated by pedigree or genetically? If pedigree, how many generations were used? 8. What is the average COI for the breed? A good breeder who loves their dogs and is proud of the hard work they put into breeding the best puppies they are capable of will be more than happy to answer all these questions and offer more information according to their experience. Take the time to find a good breeder that you trust. Hopefully, one who will provide a lifetime of support for you and your puppy. After all, by purchasing a puppy, you are making a 12-15 year, or more, commitment. It only makes sense to take some time and make an informed decision. Then you can spend the next dozen or so years enjoying your new family member.

Are you in search of a new furry companion to join your family? Look no further than Montana Skies Labradors! This boutique breeder of Labrador Retrievers is dedicated to providing top-quality puppies while offering a unique breeding program that sets them apart from other breeders. Established just 6 months ago, Montana Skies Labradors has already made a name for themselves in the breeding industry. Their breeding program focuses on producing healthy, well-tempered Labradors with excellent conformation and intelligence. Each puppy is carefully bred and raised in a loving home environment, ensuring they are well-socialized and ready to join their new families. What sets Montana Skies Labradors apart from other breeders is their emphasis on genetic diversity and health testing. They carefully select breeding pairs based on health clearances and genetic testing to reduce the risk of hereditary health issues in their puppies. This commitment to responsible breeding practices ensures that each puppy is as healthy as possible, giving new owners peace of mind. In addition to their breeding program, Montana Skies Labradors also offers education and information for Lab owners. Whether you are a first-time Labrador owner or a seasoned pro, they provide resources and support to help you raise a happy and healthy dog. From training tips to nutrition advice, their team is dedicated to helping you give your Labrador the best possible care. For new puppy owners, Montana Skies Labradors also promotes training options to help you and your new furry friend get off to a great start. Whether you prefer group classes or one-on-one training sessions, they can connect you with reputable trainers in your area to ensure your puppy reaches their full potential. If you are in the market for a Labrador Retriever puppy and want to experience a truly unique breeding program, look no further than Montana Skies Labradors. With their dedication to quality, health, and education, you can trust that you are bringing home a puppy that is truly special.

Welcoming a new Labrador puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. As a new Lab owner, it is important to consider training options to ensure that your furry companion grows up to be a well-behaved and obedient pet. At Montana Skies Labradors, we understand the importance of proper training for your new puppy. Our boutique breeding program is dedicated to producing high-quality Labrador Retrievers with excellent temperament and intelligence, making them ideal candidates for training. When it comes to training your new Labrador puppy, there are several options to consider. One popular choice is enrolling in a puppy training class. These classes provide socialization opportunities for your puppy and teach basic obedience commands in a group setting. Additionally, working with a professional trainer one-on-one can be beneficial for personalized instruction tailored to your puppy's specific needs. Another training option to explore is positive reinforcement training. This method focuses on rewarding good behavior with treats or praise, rather than punishing unwanted behavior. Positive reinforcement has been proven to be effective in teaching puppies desired behaviors while strengthening the bond between owner and pet. Consistency is key when it comes to training your Labrador puppy. Setting a regular schedule for training sessions and sticking to it will help your puppy learn and retain commands more effectively. Patience, praise, and persistence are also essential components of successful training. In addition to formal training options, incorporating daily exercise and interactive playtime into your puppy's routine is important for their physical and mental well-being. Labs are active and intelligent breeds that thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. As a boutique breeder of Labrador Retrievers, Montana Skies Labradors is committed to providing resources and support for new puppy owners. We believe that by investing time and effort into training your new Labrador puppy, you are laying the foundation for a happy and well-adjusted companion for years to come. Whether you choose to enroll in a training class, work with a professional trainer, or implement positive reinforcement techniques at home, the key is to be patient, consistent, and loving towards your furry friend. With dedication and proper training, your Labrador puppy will grow into a well-mannered and obedient member of your family.

Are you looking to welcome a new furry family member into your home? Montana Skies Labradors, a reputable boutique breeder of Labrador Retrievers, might just have the perfect addition for you. With a focus on showcasing their unique breeding program, providing valuable education and information for Lab owners, and offering top-notch training options for new puppy owners, Montana Skies Labradors stands out among the rest after being in business for 6 months. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. As a breed, they are highly intelligent, easy to train, and possess a strong desire to please their owners. With proper care and attention, Labrador Retrievers can thrive in various environments and excel in activities such as obedience training, agility, and even therapy work. At Montana Skies Labradors, the breeding program is carefully curated to produce healthy and well-rounded puppies with excellent temperaments. The focus is not only on physical health but also on nurturing the emotional well-being of each puppy. This approach ensures that every Labrador Retriever that comes from Montana Skies Labradors is set up for a happy and fulfilling life with their new family. In addition to offering high-quality puppies, Montana Skies Labradors is committed to supporting new puppy owners every step of the way. From providing resources on proper nutrition and grooming to offering guidance on behavior training and socialization, the team at Montana Skies Labradors is dedicated to ensuring that each puppy transitions smoothly into their new home. If you are considering adding a Labrador Retriever to your family, look no further than Montana Skies Labradors. With their focus on quality breeding, comprehensive support, and dedication to the well-being of their puppies, you can trust that you are bringing home a truly exceptional companion. Contact Montana Skies Labradors today to learn more about their exclusive Labrador Retriever puppies for sale and take the first step towards welcoming a new four-legged friend into your life.