NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RETURN ANY DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS, AT ANY TIME ON OUR PUPPIES/DOGS... We also reserves the right to 1st and 2nd pick of any of our litters. If deposits are paid by paypal the paypal fee will be added, paypal charges that fee, that is not paid to us and not part of the adoption fee. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DEPOSITRECEIVED FROM _________________, THE AMOUNT Of  $____.00, WHICH REPRESENTS A PAYMENT, HELD AS A DEPOSIT ON (1) ONE _________________________, ________ IN COLOR. WITH YOUR DEPOSIT PAID, THIS PUPPY WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE MARKET FOR SALE TOWARDS ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: SUCH AS, THIS DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE AS PAYMENT FOR HOLDING THE PUPPY, AND CARING FOR THE PUPPY UNTIL IT LEAVES THE BREEDERS HOME.
YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE REFUNDED ONLY IN THE EVENT OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DEATH OF YOUR PUPPY BEFORE LEAVING THE BREEDERS HOME. BE ASSURED, YOUR BREEDER WOULD NEVER INTENTIONALLY SELL YOU AN UNHEALTHY !!!IF THERE IS ANYTHING ' SERIOUSLY WRONG' WITH YOUR PUPPY BEFORE HE/SHE LEAVES OR UPON VET CHECK, YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE REFUNDED IN FULL OR YOU MAY CHOOSE TO ROLL IT OVER TO ANOTHER UPCOMING LITTER. PUPPIES ARE PLACED IN THE ORDER DEPOSITS ARE RECEIVED, WE CANNOT TAKE SOMEONE ELSES PUPPY AWAY FROM THEM IF ONE PUPPY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PLACEMENT.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE (7) SEVEN DAYS AFTER WEANING TO PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE, BY CASH/MONEY ORDER ONLY, AND PICK UP YOUR PUPPY. UNLESS AN AGREEMENT IS MADE BETWEEN YOU AND THE BREEDER, THIS PUPPY WILL THEN AFTER 7 DAYS, BE PLACED BACK UP FOR ADOPTION, WITH NO REFUND DUE TO YOU. YOUR REMAINING BALANCE, IN CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY , IS  $_____.00.ALSO, IF YOU HAVE PAID FOR YOUR PUPPY IN FULL, AND FAIL TO PICK UP THE PUPPY BY ITS NINTH WEEK OF AGE, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND.YOUR PUPPY WILL RECEIVE SEVERAL DEWORMINGS WITH LIQUID WORMER, AND HIS/HER FIRST VACCINATIONS. BREEDER SUGGESTS MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN THE SAME DAY OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER PICKING THE PUPPY UP FOR AN INITIAL VET EXAMINATION AND TO GET YOUR PUPPY SET UP ON HIS/HER VACCINATION SCHEDULE.

I UNDERSTAND I WILL BE ABLE TO VISIT/PICKUP MY PUPPY AFTER THE FIRST VACCINATIONS ARE GIVEN TO THE LITTER AND PROVIDING THE BREEDER IS INFORMED BEFORE HAND AND PROPER ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE, AS TO, CONVENIENT TIMES, ETC. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT IRELAND FARM'S HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUND MY DEPOSIT/PAYMENT IF THEY FEEL THE NEED TO DO SO. Right of Refusal Ireland Farms reserves a right of refusal of a dog or puppy to any owner for any reason whatsoever. If we do not feel comfortable placing a dog or puppy with someone when they are ready to take their puppy, we can refuse the adoption. Such refusal can occur even if the full purchase price has been made. If such refusal is made, however, Ireland Farm's will refund the entire purchase price within 30 days. Such refund is limited to the purchase price and does not include any incidental damages such as travel costs, time and/ or inconvenience.Deposits must be made by Cash, Money Order, bank check, or Paypal. Sorry no personal checks accepted.

 Accepted and AGREED TO BY:

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​General Puppy Info
HEALTH ISSUES:
When you pick up your puppy he will have been de-wormed two or more times (at 3, 5 and 7 weeks) and will have had his first 6-week puppy shots (for distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus type 2, coronavirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus). He does NOT have a full level of immunity at this stage so try to minimize his exposure to strange dogs and places they've been. He will still need three more puppy shots, normally at 3-week intervals, and rabies which is normally done at 4-5 months. Thereafter, follow your veterinarian's schedule for routine exams and vaccinations. We do recommend you take him to your vet within several days for a thorough examination to ensure you and your vet are satisfied with your puppy's condition. We highly recommend you carry the puppy in and out of the vet's office until he's had all four puppy shots; there's no way of knowing what diseases have just walked through the vet's office!
Heartworm preventatives: It is important to start your puppy on a monthly or daily heartworm preventative by 3-4 months of age (except during the worst of winter when there are no mosquitos). Heartworm infestation can kill your dog, and the preventative medication can be dangerous to give to a dog or puppy already infested with heartworms. Every dog should be heartworm tested every spring before starting a preventative medication. An alternative to using the heartworm preventative is to put the dog on a yeast & garlic treatment throughout the bug season; it will help in repelling all kinds of instect ... fleas, ticks, mosquitos, even some flies. Consult with your veterinarian during your first visit.
Kennel cough vaccine (bordetella): We recommend vaccinating for the airborne, highly contagious kennel cough syndrome every six months, particularly if your dog is exposed to other dogs such as in a boarding kennel, at dog shows, puppy obedience classes, or trials.
Internal Parasites: Since stool sample analysis is not always conclusive (worms may not be evident during certain stages of cycling), We recommend automatic de-worming every six months, or at least annually, with a quality wormer (such as Strongid-T) available from your veterinarian. Avoid "over-the-counter" wormers which may not be as effective and may unpredictable with side effects.
Ear cleaning: Labs have a tendency for dirty, moist ears (due to ear carriage and frequent swimming). This results in a perfect environment for ear infections, both bacterial and yeast, as well as infestation by ear mites, which love dirty ears. Using a good routine ear cleaner (such as Epi-Otic or Oti-Clens) every week or two will greatly reduce the incidence of ear problems. Frequent shaking of the head, or smelly or reddened ears indicate ear problems which may require a vet check and antibiotics.
Toenail clipping: Long nails are uncomfortable, can crack off and bleed, and look bad. Learn to clip off the growth tip (taking care not to cut in too quick) every 2 weeks, or have a veterinarian do it for you periodically. If the dog has good round, upright feet, walking frequently on concrete or asphalt will often keep nails worn down so that clipping is not necessary.
Teeth: Your puppy will be teething, loosing baby teeth and getting permanent teeth, between 3-6 months of age. Watch for the occasional adult tooth trying to come in with the puppy tooth still in place ... it may have to be pulled. Provide plenty of safe, acceptable things for the puppy to chew, such as nylabones, chew ropes, natural sterilized bones, and occasional rawhides. These satisfy the Lab's lifetime desire to chew and carry things in his mouth as well as helping to remove tartar. Brushing the dog's teeth with a "doggy" toothpaste as often as possible is a great deterrent to tooth decay and the resulting "doggy breath". There are special toothbrushes for dogs, but a regular toothbrush works fine once the puppy is accustomed to the process; do not use toothpaste made for people.
General grooming: An occasional bath and periodic brushing (with a "slicker brush") is all that is normally needed to keep a Lab looking good. Bathing too often, not rinsing soap out well, and over-using flea products, can cause a dull coat and dry, itchy, flaky skin. Use a good dog shampoo ... never a shampoo made for people. And remember, good nutrition is essential to good coat. Omega fatty acid supplements can be helpful for dry skin, even for some minor allergies.
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FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS:
Your puppy has been raised on Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula. This is an excellent quality food. This food can be purchased at most pet and feed stores. If you want to switch to another food, make sure to do so gradually by mixing some of both foods for 4-6 days. An 8-week old puppy normally eats between 2-3 cups of food per day, which should be divided into 2-3 daily meals. As he gets into the rapid growth stage of 4-6 months, you may need to increase the amount of food, and changes in temperatures and exercise can alter caloric needs. But remember a lean dog is healthier than an overweight dog, and puts less stress on his joints. But, on the other hand, if you don't give your puppy enough nutrition during this growth spurt, you may forever stunt his development of bone and substance. Unfortunately, most veterinarians are used to seeing only the lankier, field trial/hunting type of Labrador; many of them have advised my puppy buyers that the puppy was too FAT when, in fact, it wasn't at all. Labs from show bloodlines simply are stockier, with more substance. We advise you to feel your dogs ribs on a regular basis and judge for yourself ... or ask your vet to feel his ribs if you're uncertain. If you can feel the ribs with a little bit of pressure, he is fine; if you can't feel the ribs, he has too thick a layer of fat and you should cut back a bit on the food (or treats????). You should NEVER be able to see the ribs!
Overeating is also a common cause of diarrhea, particularly with puppies, although the stress of going to a new home, and a change in water, frequently causes some diarrhea for a new puppy. If it continues more than a day or two, you should consult your veterinarian. A puppy with diarrhea can dehydrate very quickly, potentially becoming a life-threatening condition. If you or your vet feel that your puppy is growing at a faster rate than normal or is too heavy, switch immediately to the "adult" formula if you have been feeding a puppy formula and adjust the amount. Research shows that excessively rapid growth and excess weight are very hard on bones and joints. We recommend continuing with two feedings per day throughout the dog's life ... one huge meal is just too much volume at one time and leaves the dog hungry again.
It is wise to get your puppy used to eating at designated mealtimes rather than leaving food available all the time. Give him about 15 minutes to eat in the same, quiet spot, then pick up the bowl. His crate is an excellent place to feed the puppy. Avoid times when he is too sleepy or too distracted to eat.
Lastly, ALWAYS have fresh water available for your dog.
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INTRODUCTION
Your Labrador Retriever has been bred for superior intelligence and a loyal, cooperative disposition. The combination of good genetics, loving care, and proper correction and training results in a dog that is capable of going far beyond the "family pet". It produces the ideal intelligent companion that becomes a significant part of your lives for many years to come.
It is no accident that Labrador Retrievers have recently become the all-round #1 most popular dog in this country. For years, they have been renowned for their hunting ability. Their superior nose, intelligence and disposition have resulted in the breed becoming more in demand as police investigative dogs and drug detection and customs dogs than any other breed. They are also being trained and used extensively as "seeing eye dogs" and "therapy dogs". But, more importantly to most of us, the breed, if properly cared for and trained, is unsurpassed as an intelligent, loyal companion.
We are confident that, with a little conscientious effort, your new puppy will bring you many years of enjoyment and companionship. Remember, Labrador Retrievers are "people-dogs". The more time they can spend with you, the happier, calmer, and better behaved they will be ... even at a very young age. Talk to your puppy, raise him as you would a young child ... with love, kindness, consistency, and firmness when needed. If you do, you will see him attain that level of devotion and intelligence that exemplifies Labrador Retriever.
Your puppy will be adjusting to his new home for the first several days. Be patient and gentle if he is shy at first. He needs to get to know you and trust you and feel secure in his new home. Be tolerant and understanding if he cries the first night or two ... he is simply feeling lonely. He will be happiest when he is near you. Avoid excessive isolation, even with an older puppy or adult dog. Some time alone is good, and it's important for him to learn to accept being alone and trust that you will come back. But an ignored Labrador may very well become destructive, simply out of boredom and unhappiness.
A young puppy, like a baby, takes lots of naps during the day. Let him sleep when he needs to and prevent young children from over-handling him for a while. Also, make sure to protect him from other dogs in the family, who may be either over-friendly or under-friendly to the new arrival! His own crate is an ideal solution, both for giving the puppy a safe haven of his own as well as expediting the housebreaking process.
The following contains numerous tips that we like to pass along to new puppy owners, and we are always available for questions that might arise ... even years in the future. We love to hear how our puppies are doing, and pictures or visits are always greatly appreciated. There are also numerous good books, videos, and magazines that can be very informative, covering a wide variety of topics from health to all types of training such as basic obedience and good manners, formal training for obedience, show, and field competition, and hunting. Some are geared to overcoming specific problems and understanding the way a dog's mind works. How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With, by Rutherford & Neil (Alpine Publications) is an excellent book for around $10.00 (many also used at Amazon.com), and several books by Richard A. Wolters are very good for training a hunting companion. There are beautiful, informative books devoted to the Labrador Retriever, focusing on the origins of the breed, traits, the AKC standard, hereditary factors, etc., and The Labrador Quarterly (Hoflin Publishing, Wheat Ridge, CO) is an outstanding publication geared primarily to Lab breeders and exhibitors.
Unless you are planning to show your dog in conformation, we strongly recommend that you spay/neuter her or him to avoid the problems of heat cycles, distracted males, and unwanted, unplanned puppies. Every potential parent should have hips x-rayed clear, and be in top-notch health ... and should be a quality specimen of the breed with proper temperament. No bitch should be bred prior to 18-24 months of age, nor prior to the 2nd heat cycle, and should be cleared for brucellosis. And the pedigrees must be carefully examined to avoid poor breeding, in-breeding and possible hereditary problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as PRA, cataracts, retinal folds, epilepsy, allergies, cardiac problems, etc. For a variety of reasons, many wonderful dogs should be bred.
Although we hope that your puppy will happily live out his entire life span with you, circumstances sometimes arise where you must find another home for him. If this should ever occur, we ask that you call us first as we may be interested in buying him/her back, or may have a wonderful home just waiting for a dog like yours. If no one can find a suitable home for him, we will take him back and care for him until a permanent solution can be found. We do not want to see any of our puppies, young or old, left at a humane society shelter, nor dumped somewhere in the country, nor put into an unsuitable environment.
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Your puppy is reliant upon you to provide a safe environment for him. Of primary concern is adequate shelter that offers protection from excessive heat as well as protection from the cold. Heatstroke can be a life or death situation, particularly for the very young or elderly dog. Make sure his shelter is well-ventilated or air-conditioned in summer months, and that shade and plenty of fresh water is always available. Rather than a doghouse, a wonderful, inexpensive option is installing a "doggy door" from the fenced yard to a utility room, kitchen or any other room that can be closed off from the rest of the house and "puppy-proofed".
As much as dogs may love to run, it is an unfair risk to your dog as well as to the family that loves him to ever allow him to run free without supervision. Even the best trained dog who never leaves his property is tempted on occasion by a squirrel, cat, or another dog. Too many "trusted" companions are shoveled up off the roads and highways every year, and we do not want to see your puppy become one of the statistics. Also, many dogs are stolen and then sold to researchers. Consider having your dog microchipped as a permanent means of identification. Animal shelters and most vets have scanners and can trace a microchipped dog back to his owner; also, responsible research facilities supposedly scan and will not use microchipped dogs.
Providing an adequately fenced area for your puppy is imperative. It does not have to be a huge area; a long, narrow run allows more exercise than a square-shaped kennel. Many fencing materials are available, some quite inexpensive that you can install yourself. Just make sure that gates are securely latched and locked. Another option called "invisible fencing" is now on the market; it should keep your dog in, but obviously will not keep strange dogs or predatory animals out. Chaining a dog is NOT a safe or humane method of confining a dog, particularly large dogs that need exercise or puppies who may panic and get tangled.
In the home, keep dangerous or sharp objects out of reach. Electrical cords near the floor can be tempting and deadly. Even an open hot oven door can cause serious burns. Virtually all substances considered poisonous to humans are also poisonous to dogs, such as cleaning fluids, cleansers, fertilizers, cement, lime, caulks, fireworks containing phosphorus, insecticides, rat poisons, etc. Note that anti-freeze is particularly tasty to dogs ... and extremely deadly even in very small amounts. And some foods that are fine for humans are poisonous to dogs (i.e., chocolate, onions). Also consider your house and yard plants as potentially dangerous ... puppies love to chew and many common plants are poisonous.
When you are not able to keep an eye on your puppy, the safest place for him is in his outdoor run or in a crate.
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EARLY DISCIPLINE and TRAINING
Bad, unruly dogs are almost always the result of lack of training, or inconsistency, neglect, or abuse on the owners part. In as little as 5 to 10 minutes per day you can have a well-behaved, happy dog that the whole family, friends, and relatives will enjoy.
Do not allow your puppy to do anything now which you would not like him to do when he is full gown. Some think it is so cute when a little guy jumps up on your legs and rough-houses and chews you hands. But it is rarely appreciated when a 75-pound adult continues the same habits! Avoiding bad habits is much easier than breaking them, whether it be begging for food at the table, barking, jumping on people, or sleeping on the couch.
A sharp, loud "no" is sufficient reprimand for a puppy. Women with soft, sweet voices need to work at getting enough sternness in their voices so that the pup can distinguish between the happy voice and the unhappy voice. They learn fast and are eager to please you, and tone of voice often means more than the command words themselves. An effective form of more serious reprimand is the "scruff scold". When scolding the pup, hold him by the scruff of the neck (on both sides) and make him look into your eyes and pay attention. This maneuver is similar to the mother dog's discipline in the wild and helps establish you as the "leader of the pack". As soon as the offending behavior has stopped, praise him. Always remember to use a happy voice and praise warmly when your puppy does well.
Chewing things in the house is rarely a problem if you make an effort to avoid the problem. Remember, the puppy will be teething and needs to chew. So have plenty of acceptable things for him to chew, such as chew/play ropes, kong toys, treated natural sterilized bones, nylabones or gumabones. I keep a good selection of safe, tried-and-true toys and other supplies on hand for puppy buyers ... most considerably cheaper than pet shops. Avoid anything he could swallow, such as bells inside rubber toys, etc. Also avoid regular meat bones (particularly chicken or pork bones), all of which can splinter and puncture internally if swallowed. Note that rawhide is fine for puppies but older Labs who are aggressive chewers can virtually inhale rawhide, sometimes resulting in vomitting and/or even life-threatening intestinal blockage. Best to build the puppy's attachment for some of the safe, durable chew toys rather than spoil them with too much rawhide. For a while, you may want to remove temptation by picking up expensive shoes from the floors. But if you watch the puppy and direct consistently, he will quickly learn that certain things are not for him.
Young puppies all "play-bite" at your hands, just like they did on their littermates. You can quickly teach them not to bite by not allowing them to get your hands in the mouth. When they do, scold with a warning sound or command such as "easy" or "careful". You also can pinch the puppy's lip a little to reinforce the idea.
Sometimes people have so much fun playing with a puppy or young dog that they forget how important it is to teach him to enjoy calm, quiet affection. A "live-wire" puppy can greatly benefit by holding, cuddling, and petting the puppy while praising him with a soothing, quiet voice. Limiting the amount of rough-housing with young children also helps calm down a young puppy. (And they love having their bellies softly rubbed.)
Jumping up on you can be stopped by always bending near to the pup's level and petting him when he approaches. That way you are also ready to hold him back and push him to the ground if he does leap ... and scold him with a command such as "off".
And ALWAYS recognize with praise and petting when the puppy (or adult dog) comes when called to come. Many people actually unknowingly train their dog not to come. A perfect example is when the dog is roaming too far away, or is investigating something not appropriate, and the owner calls "come". The dog stops what he's doing and starts to come; the owner (now satisfied), turns away and ignores the dog. Eventually, the dog learns that "come" must not mean come all the way to me, and he learns to ignore you just as you ignored him.
You can begin teaching your puppy a few things right away, but remember his attention span is very short and he gets sleepy quickly. Start calling him by his name right away to get his attention. By as early as 8 to 10 weeks, you can begin short training sessions (5 minutes once or twice a day) for simple commands such as "sit", "down" (lie down), "stay", "come", etc., as well as getting him accustomed to a soft collar/leash. And get him used to staying still for having his ears cleaned, his feet handled and toenails clipped. There is nothing wrong with reinforcing his good behavior with little treats as well as praise during these sessions.
Patience and consistency are keys to successful training and a happy, well-behaved dog. If you feel you are losing your patience, or the puppy is not concentrating at all, stop (preferably on a good note) and try again later. Remember, reinforcing good behavior is more effective than punishing poor behavior. You'll be amazed how quickly he'll learn these simple commands! If you are having consistent problems with certain things, it most likely due to confusion. Try another approach to communicate what you want or don't want.
We strongly recommend some type of obedience training once your puppy is old enough, which can be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. You both will learn a lot and it's great socialization for the puppy. But please, don't start classes, exposing him to many other puppies who may be carrying various diseases, until he's completed his series of 4 puppy shots! There are also many good books and videos on training dogs available at book stores, pet supply stores, and public libraries.
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HOUSEBREAKING
Housebreaking a puppy is always a major concern, and can be as frustrating to the puppy as it is to you. Keep in mind that your puppy really wants to please you, but he has two handicaps regarding the housebreaking issue. First, he may not initially understand at all what you want, nor that there is anything wrong with doing his business anywhere the urge arises; secondly, young puppies have to go often, and sometimes simply cannot hold it any longer, particularly if diarrhea has set in. Most of my puppies, raised from 5-8 weeks in my indoor/outdoor kennel, have developed the instinct to use the doggy door to do their business outside; but your home is very different and they won't have any idea how to get outside.
Timing is important in housebreaking. When very young, puppies will have to go every couple of hours. Your success in training can be expedited by being attentive during the first few weeks, and always taking him out at the following key times: (1) first thing in the morning, (2) after every nap, (3) after every meal, and (4) last thing at night. If he cries during the night, he may have to go out then also; however, it should not be long before he's sleeping through the night. The more conscientious about watching the puppy during the first several weeks (and trying to avoid accidents), the quicker the entire housebreaking process will progress and the more conscientious he will be.
It may sound silly, but it is a very useful practice to decide on a word to use to refer to the dog doing his business. You may use a word such as "potty", or use your own imagination. Remember though, that it is a word you will oftentimes be using around other people for many years!
Every time you take the puppy out, ask him in a happy voice: "Do you have to go potty?" Whenever possible, don't carry him out ... call him and let him walk to the door so he will learn where the exit is. The next step will be for him to let you know he has to go out by whining or scratching at the door. When at the designated spot, keep nicely repeating, "go potty". Do not distract him from his business by petting him or letting children run around him playing. When he does his business, get real excited and say "good potty, good boy, good potty!" Praise and positive reinforcement go a long way. Pet him, play with him a few moments, and make sure he knows you are very happy. Then take him inside so he understands why he was taken out. The puppy will quickly learn what the word means, and will respond when you ask him if he has to "go out and go potty". This can be invaluable when you travel and must take him out on a leash to a strange area. Instead of standing around for hours waiting, he will understand right away what he is there for.
Scolding a young puppy for a mess that you find after the fact is ineffective. He will not remember what he did wrong and will only be confused. After he is catching on, it can be effective to talk in a low, unhappy voice while cleaning up the accident. If you catch the puppy in the act inside, quickly pick him up, scold him verbally and take him outside. Remember, Labrador Retrievers are normally sensitive dogs who really want to please. It is not necessary to rub his nose in it, nor to physically reprimand him. Your angry or unhappy voice is normally enough to make him pay attention and feel bad for what he's done. An older puppy or young dog who has not yet caught on may need sharper reprimands, such as a slap on the rump with rolled up newspaper.
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MAKING LIFE WITH A PUPPY EASIER - USE A CRATE
Virtually every training expert and anyone who has ever tried it are avid believers in using a dog crate for housebreaking a puppy! It will greatly speed up the training process and reduce the number of indoor accidents ... and keep him out of trouble and danger when you can't keep a close eye on him.
The concept is simple. Most dogs and puppies do not want to mess their own nest or sleeping area. Thus, in a crate, they will try to wait until you take them out. If the puppy has been sleeping (or quiet) and starts to fuss, he's trying to tell you it's time. Take him immediately outside.
Keep in mind that you need to be available to let him out periodically, or you will give him no choice but to mess his crate ... which develops a very bad habit and a hard one to break. If no one is home during the day, he'll need a safe, sheltered outside area, or access to the outdoor yard thru a doggy door; then use the crate and housebreak him during the evening hours and during the night.
Many new puppies don't want to stay in a crate at first, but would rather be right beside you. Some may cry pitifully. If he does, let him cry for a while if you are sure that he does not have to "potty" and that he is not hungry or in pain. Usually, he will soon fall asleep. It may help at first to put treats in the crate and let him walk in and out. It also comforts him if you sit right outside his crate where he can see you until he falls asleep.
In the beginning, it is a good idea to put the crate in a room where you can hear him, but his fussing the first few nights does not keep you from getting some sleep. The first week or so, he more than likely will really need to go outside once during the night (somewhere between 2-4 AM). It is strongly advised to get up, take him out, praise him, and put him immediately back to bed. To ignore his fussing will result in a messy crate in the morning ... and teach him that it is of no use to try to be neat and clean. I recommend, at first, putting a bath towel in the crate ... it is much easier to launder in the case of an accident than a big blanket or crate cushion. Do not leave food or water in the crate.
Believe it or not, he will actually get to love his crate and will want to sleep in it or run to it when he feels threatened! It is an ideal solution to confining either a puppy or an adult dog when you are not there to keep an eye on him. And when traveling in the car, it is safer to crate him if room allows. The crate comes in handy when staying at a relative's home or in a motel room (some of which require dogs to be crated at night). And if you ever decide to show your dog, it is imperative that he be accustomed to and happy in his crate.
In other words, we believe that you are making training and life with your dog much more difficult than necessary if doing so without a crate! If you decide to buy one, remember to buy one big enough to accommodate the dog when he becomes full grown (minimum 24" x 36" x 28" high). They come in molded plastic (like airline crates) or welded wire that fold and carry like a suitcase. Plastic crates are very reasonably priced at many stores such as Fleet Farm, Menards, Walmart, etc.
Good luck to you and your new puppy! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call. We would love to receive pictures and updates ... or come back to visit whenever possible.
 

Our Health, Hip and Eye Guarantee
 

OUR INITIAL HEALTH GUARANTEE
We give an initial 72 hour health guarantee on our puppies. This guarantee begins on the day and time in which the puppy is in the hands of the new owners.
 

Your new puppy is guaranteed to be in good health at the time you receive it. With first shots and de-wormings given.
 

If the examining veterinarian finds anything SERIOUSLY wrong with the puppy, such as parvo, corona, or distemper, (we do not consider internal or external parasites as serious illness), It will be exchanged for an equivalent puppy, same sex, same color, at once or when available, PROVIDING a written and signed statement from the examining veterinarian is submitted to the breeder, of the puppy‘s illness.. This letter MUST be signed and dated during the 72 hour period. The time will only be extended if a puppy is picked up on a Friday or Saturday and the next Monday is a holiday. No exchange will be made after this time period and no refunds will be made under any circumstances.
THIS GUARANTEE DOES NOT COVER MISTREATMENT OF PUPPY, TRAUMA, INJURY, ACCIDENTS, POISONING, ETC. DURING THE PERIOD OF GUARANTEE.
 

If a replacement puppy is from a different litter, with a price difference, buyer understands he/she must pay the difference in price before replacement takes place. Also, if puppy is being shipped, buyer is responsible for ALL shipping charges that may apply.
 

The breeder assumes no responsibility after leaving the breeder, other than specified above. Such as: disagreement of family or landlord, allergies, medical expenses, future illness, diseases, death or for any other reason not stated above.
 

We take whatever means necessary here at Ireland Farms, to produce healthy Labradors. Please be assured, your breeder would NEVER intentionally sell you an unhealthy puppy.
 

Let it be clearly understood that no warranty of representation has been made with respect to your puppy, except than is set forth in the agreement above.
THIS IS OUR GUARANTEE, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007.
 

Posted on our website on FEBRUARY 2, 2007.
Hip Guarantee
Please note that the below items must be followed and the micro-chip number must be submitted as stated in section 1, otherwise the guarantee is void.
EFFECTIVE 1/1/07 AND POSTED ON OUR SITE ON 2/15/07..
 

HIP GUARANTEE FOR IRELAND FARMS LABRADORS
 

Although performance, health and soundness of the sire and dam of a litter does not guarantee the offspring, there is a great chance of improving/keeping positive results through a very selective breeding program. We research bloodlines, and health of Labradors in our pedigrees before purchasing. We do everything possible here at Ireland Farms to produce a good, sound Labrador, free of genetic diseases.
 

With great confidence in the puppies we produce, We give a 26 month guarantee on the hips of the puppies bred by us here at Ireland Farms.
Our guarantee is for a puppy replacement, or at our discretion, your money back, if the OFA finds the puppy having moderate to severe hip dysplasia. The following terms and conditions must be met to make this guarantee valid!
 

1) The puppy MUST be micro chipped before 16 weeks of age by a licensed veterinarian, A signed statement from the vet MUST be sent to us, with the microchip number included on the statement, within 2 weeks of the implant of chip. (see note at the bottom of page for the importance of the microchip).
 

2) The puppy MUST be fed a quality “puppy” food until it reaches one year of age. Good quality puppy food has the necessary nutrients needed for a growing puppy. Also, after 12 months of age, purchaser must continue a good quality food. Also purchaser must have wellness exams done by their veterinarian every 6 months and provide those documents to us.
 

3) The puppy MUST not be allowed to become obese.
 

4) The puppy MUST be given exercise, yet, not excessively.
 

5) The puppy has not suffered abuse, trauma, injury or neglect that would affect development, this voids all guarantees.
 

6) The puppy must have a preliminary exam on the hips, before 15 months of age, sent to the ofa, and the results sent to us before 18 months of age.
 

7) The purchaser shall immediately notify the breeder of the condition and diagnosis of the hips.
 

8) The puppy's microchip number MUST be included on the paperwork by the examining veterinarian, which must scan the chip. Also the chip number MUST be included on OFA results.
 

9) The breeder, at our expense may require a second exam of the dog by a licensed veterinarian of OUR choice.
 

10) In the event both veterinarians arrive to the same diagnosis, the puppy/dog will be replaced at the next available litter with same sex/same color. Puppies will not be shipped. Pick up only.
 

11) In the event of a differing diagnosis, Buyer may request a third exam by a licensed veterinarian agreeable to the breeder. ALL expenses, associated with a third diagnosis, if necessary, be at the responsibility and expense of the purchaser. The diagnosis of a third exam will be binding.
 

12) Expenses for initial diagnosis, shipping of records, x-rays, and other info is the responsibility of the purchaser.
 

13) The dog must be registered to the original purchaser at the time of diagnosis.

14) The dog must not have sired/whelped a litter prior to the testing of hips, and/or before 2 years of age.
 

15) We do not require the dog be returned to us, but purchaser MUST provide proof to us, that the dog has been spayed./neutered within 45 days of diagnosis, whether purchaser is keeping or placing the dog.
 

16) Purchaser will return all AKC registration/ paperwork to Ireland Farms.
 

17) The Breeders monetary liability is expressly limited to the original purchase price under ALL circumstances, the purchaser agrees to liquidate all damages in/over the amount of the purchase price.
18) Must keep the name "Ireland Farms" in the registered name of dog.
IMPORTANCE OF THE MICROCHIP- We will only replace a puppy/dog that has been bred by us here at Ireland Farms. Not everyone is as honest as others, so we require the chip to be inserted.
We guarantee your dogs eyes for the first year. An eye check must be done by a licensed animal eye doctor. This must then be turned into the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Once the final results are returned and if your dog does not pass due to a non-injury issue, you will be given a puppy replacement, or a refund, at our discretion. The following criteria must be done for this guarantee to be valid:
 

See above #1-6, and #12-18. If these are not followed, the eye guarantee is void.
 

Buyers/Sellers Bill of Sale and Health Agreement
The Seller guarantees this puppy/dog to be in good health, to the best of her/his knowledge at the time of sale. Within 72 hours of sale purchaser must have puppy/dog checked by a licensed Veterinarian to validate this agreement.
If the Veterinarian finds anything wrong with the puppy/dog, the puppy/dog will be exchanged for another puppy of equal value at once or as soon as one becomes available. A letter from the examining Veterinarian must be provided to validate the exchange and the puppy/dog must be returned within 48 hours of examination. Ireland Farms assumes no responsibility with medical bills incurred once puppy/dog leave premises.
The puppy will be provided with AKC papers when the puppy/dog leaves with its new owner. All sales are FINAL and there are absolutely NO CASH REFUNDS made. DEPOSITS are NON REFUNDABLE.
I have read the Bill of Sale & Health Agreement and understand and adhere to the conditions of sale.
Signature of Purchaser: __________________________________
Date of Sale: __________________________________
Purchasers Name: __________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
 

Sellers Information:
Breed: __________________ Color: ___________________________
Whelped: ______________________ 
Sire: _______________________ AKC#: ___________________________
Dam: _______________________ AKC#: ___________________________
Litter #: _______________________ 
 

Signature of seller: ______________________________________________________

 Please copy and paste the below questionnaire and email or mail it to us.
Puppy Buyer Questionnaire
Name:Address:
Phone:E Mail:
What attracts you to the Labrador Retriever? Have you read any reference materials?
Type of dwelling? Home Condo Apartment Mobile Home Other
Do / Will you have a Veterinarian?
Will you need to have a puppy shipped to you? (Refer to www.d
Do you understand the difference between a limited registration and a full registration? (Refer to www.akc.org/reg/limitedreg.cfm)
Are you interested in showing a dog in the conformation ring?
Are you interested in competition in performance events such as obedience, agility, hunting, tracking, etc.?​
What sex and color puppy do you want? (Please write in male / female – black / yellow / chocolate)
First Choice –Second Choice (or no option) –Third Choice (or no option) –
Do you currently have a dog(s) or other animals?
Do you have a fenced yard or suitable pen?
Do you plan to house / crate train the puppy?
Where will the puppy be kept during the night?
Where will the puppy be kept during the day?
Will you consider puppy training classes?
Have you ever returned a pet to the breeder, given a pet away, or taken a pet to a pound or shelter? If so, what were the circumstances?​
Sometimes we have more inquiries than puppies available. If we are unable to provide you with a puppy from an upcoming litter, do you want to be placed on our contact list for litters in the near future?