Visit our Testimonial and Therapy/Service pages to see our puppies grown up enjoying life with their families and doing some great work within their communities.
Our Process
Responsible Breeding
We breed with intention — to advance our program, not simply to produce puppies. Our commitment includes:
Pricing & Reservation Process
Our puppies are $2,800 (older puppies/adults may be available at $3,500). A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your puppy.
Matching & Thoughtful Placement
Every puppy and older dog is placed as a companion first and foremost — to be deeply loved, well cared for, and welcomed as a true member of the family. As breeders, we feel a responsibility not only to our dogs, but also to you and to the integrity of our program. Because of this, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure each puppy is placed in the right home.
Our Questionnaire -- along with getting to know you personally — allows us to thoughtfully match you with the puppy that best fits your:
Safety & Transparency
For the health and safety of our dogs:
Professional Temperament Evaluation
We evaluate at 7 weeks using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, conducted by Marie Melton (GSC Training & Transport). This allows us to thoughtfully match puppies with:
Raising Your Puppy the Right Way
See our 10 weeks glance - to see what they are experiencing while with us. Every puppy receives early experiences designed to create a well-rounded, adaptable companion. We intentionally hold our puppies until 8–10 weeks of age to ensure:
Go Home Time
Each puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared package, including:
Lifetime Breeder Support
Our relationship doesn’t end at pickup. We offer lifetime support to every Westlane family — whether you need guidance, reassurance, or assistance at any stage of your dog’s life. If circumstances ever change, your dog will always have a place with us. We are here for you, always.
We breed with intention — to advance our program, not simply to produce puppies. Our commitment includes:
- Health-tested parents
- Breeding in accordance with AKC, LRC, and breed standards
- Producing only recognized Labrador colors: Black, Yellow, and Chocolate
- Maintaining a completely dilute-free program
Pricing & Reservation Process
Our puppies are $2,800 (older puppies/adults may be available at $3,500). A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your puppy.
- Deposits secure your place in a current or future litter
- Transferable to a future litter if timing isn’t right
- Applied toward total purchase price
- Remaining balance is due in full at the time of pickup (via cash - unless otherwise arranged in advance)
- See Puppy Cost (an in-depth look on why our prices are set the way they are)
Matching & Thoughtful Placement
Every puppy and older dog is placed as a companion first and foremost — to be deeply loved, well cared for, and welcomed as a true member of the family. As breeders, we feel a responsibility not only to our dogs, but also to you and to the integrity of our program. Because of this, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure each puppy is placed in the right home.
Our Questionnaire -- along with getting to know you personally — allows us to thoughtfully match you with the puppy that best fits your:
- Lifestyle
- Goals and expectations
- Household dynamic
- Preferences (color, gender, etc.)
- Better long-term success
- Happier homes
- Confident, well-matched companions
Safety & Transparency
For the health and safety of our dogs:
- We no longer offer in-home visits
- We provide regular photo and video updates
- We are happy to schedule live video calls
Professional Temperament Evaluation
We evaluate at 7 weeks using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, conducted by Marie Melton (GSC Training & Transport). This allows us to thoughtfully match puppies with:
- Family homes
- Active lifestyles
- Therapy/service potential
Raising Your Puppy the Right Way
See our 10 weeks glance - to see what they are experiencing while with us. Every puppy receives early experiences designed to create a well-rounded, adaptable companion. We intentionally hold our puppies until 8–10 weeks of age to ensure:
- Second round of vaccinations completed prior to leaving
- Crate, potty box, and pee pad trained
- Introduction to water & retrieval
- Experience being on a leash
Go Home Time
Each puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared package, including:
- Vaccination & deworming records
- Microchip and registration information
- AKC pedigree & health certificate info
- 30 days of AKC pet insurance (via email from AKC once registered to you)
- See our Recommended Products
- Starter food, treats, and enrichment items
- Training essentials (lead, toys, etc.)
- Nature’s Farmacy puppy starter kit (started doing this in 2025, we love the extras for the puppies)
Lifetime Breeder Support
Our relationship doesn’t end at pickup. We offer lifetime support to every Westlane family — whether you need guidance, reassurance, or assistance at any stage of your dog’s life. If circumstances ever change, your dog will always have a place with us. We are here for you, always.
Puppy rOAD rULES
PUPPY TRAINING & HOUSE MANNERS
Once your puppy has completed their final vaccinations (around 4–6 months), enroll in a Puppy Kindergarten class. I’m happy to recommend trusted trainers in your area. The effort you put in early directly shapes how enjoyable your dog will be to live with—good manners start with you.
POTTY TRAINING & CHEWING
Discipline should be clear and timely—never harsh. Spanking or severe correction is not effective. If your puppy chews something inappropriate, calmly interrupt with a firm “No chew,” then redirect to a proper toy. Correction only works in the moment—anything delayed will confuse them.
Supervision is key. Keep eyes on your puppy at all times; if you can’t, use a crate. Puppies need frequent potty breaks—about every hour—until their bladder matures. A doggy door can help, but consistency from everyone in the household is essential. Before leaving or getting busy, take your puppy out, then crate if needed.
SPAYING / NEUTERING
Puppies should not be spayed or neutered before 18 months of age. Doing so earlier will void the replacement portion of our contract. Until then, it is your responsibility to prevent accidental breeding—keep your dog securely contained and avoid off-leash parks while intact.
FENCING & CONTAINMENT
A secure setup is a must: either a 6-foot fenced yard or a fully covered kennel (minimum 6’ x 6’ x 12’) with proper shelter. Labradors are intelligent and determined—if bored, they will find a way out. Reinforce your perimeter with materials like cement pavers or railroad ties to prevent digging.
FEEDING YOUR PUPPY
Proper nutrition plays a major role in long-term health, including joint development. Feed measured meals twice daily—never free feed. Choose a high-quality food (avoid grocery-store brands with fillers). If you’d like recommendations, I’m happy to help. Large breed puppies should be grown steadily, not quickly. Avoid overfeeding. By 16 weeks, most puppies do well on 2–2½ cups per meal, twice daily. If not feeding a large breed formula, use an adult formula—not standard puppy food—to help control growth rate.
To reduce the risk of bloat, feed two meals per day and avoid exercise immediately before or after eating.
EXERCISE & DEVELOPMENT
Until 18 months of age, avoid forced exercise such as jogging. Stick to natural, free play to protect developing joints. Jumping from heights over 3 feet should also be avoided—use a ramp or lift your dog when needed.
After 18 months, you can gradually introduce more structured exercise, though softer surfaces are always preferred over hard pavement.
Once your puppy has completed their final vaccinations (around 4–6 months), enroll in a Puppy Kindergarten class. I’m happy to recommend trusted trainers in your area. The effort you put in early directly shapes how enjoyable your dog will be to live with—good manners start with you.
POTTY TRAINING & CHEWING
Discipline should be clear and timely—never harsh. Spanking or severe correction is not effective. If your puppy chews something inappropriate, calmly interrupt with a firm “No chew,” then redirect to a proper toy. Correction only works in the moment—anything delayed will confuse them.
Supervision is key. Keep eyes on your puppy at all times; if you can’t, use a crate. Puppies need frequent potty breaks—about every hour—until their bladder matures. A doggy door can help, but consistency from everyone in the household is essential. Before leaving or getting busy, take your puppy out, then crate if needed.
SPAYING / NEUTERING
Puppies should not be spayed or neutered before 18 months of age. Doing so earlier will void the replacement portion of our contract. Until then, it is your responsibility to prevent accidental breeding—keep your dog securely contained and avoid off-leash parks while intact.
FENCING & CONTAINMENT
A secure setup is a must: either a 6-foot fenced yard or a fully covered kennel (minimum 6’ x 6’ x 12’) with proper shelter. Labradors are intelligent and determined—if bored, they will find a way out. Reinforce your perimeter with materials like cement pavers or railroad ties to prevent digging.
FEEDING YOUR PUPPY
Proper nutrition plays a major role in long-term health, including joint development. Feed measured meals twice daily—never free feed. Choose a high-quality food (avoid grocery-store brands with fillers). If you’d like recommendations, I’m happy to help. Large breed puppies should be grown steadily, not quickly. Avoid overfeeding. By 16 weeks, most puppies do well on 2–2½ cups per meal, twice daily. If not feeding a large breed formula, use an adult formula—not standard puppy food—to help control growth rate.
To reduce the risk of bloat, feed two meals per day and avoid exercise immediately before or after eating.
EXERCISE & DEVELOPMENT
Until 18 months of age, avoid forced exercise such as jogging. Stick to natural, free play to protect developing joints. Jumping from heights over 3 feet should also be avoided—use a ramp or lift your dog when needed.
After 18 months, you can gradually introduce more structured exercise, though softer surfaces are always preferred over hard pavement.
Our Vaccine info
Prior to leaving Westlane, your puppy will receive its 1st and 2nd vaccine shots.
A puppy’s preventative care typically begins between 6–9 weeks of age, often at their first veterinary visit. Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccination plan to your puppy, but the following serves as a general guideline.
The initial vaccine is usually administered at 6–8 weeks and includes protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHPP). Additional vaccines, such as Coronavirus, may be recommended depending on regional risk.
Boosters are given every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16 weeks of age, resulting in a series of 3–4 vaccinations. Some veterinarians may introduce Leptospirosis at this stage, when puppies are less likely to experience reactions. Whether this vaccine is appropriate depends on your location and your puppy’s lifestyle.
Rabies vaccination is required by law and is typically given between 12–20 weeks of age. Some veterinarians administer it separately from other vaccines to reduce immune system stress.
Optional vaccines may include Bordetella (kennel cough) and Lyme disease. Bordetella is often recommended for puppies that will be exposed to other dogs in settings such as grooming, boarding, or training. Lyme vaccination is generally reserved for high-risk areas and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
It’s important to understand that vaccines do not provide immediate protection. Immunity develops over time—typically beginning within a few days, with full protection taking up to two weeks after vaccination. Because of this, puppies should not be exposed to public places such as parks, pet stores, or heavily trafficked areas until their full vaccine series is complete. Early caution is critical. Diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper are highly contagious and can be fatal in young puppies. Proper vaccination—and limiting exposure until protection is established—plays a vital role in keeping your puppy safe and healthy.
A puppy’s preventative care typically begins between 6–9 weeks of age, often at their first veterinary visit. Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccination plan to your puppy, but the following serves as a general guideline.
The initial vaccine is usually administered at 6–8 weeks and includes protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHPP). Additional vaccines, such as Coronavirus, may be recommended depending on regional risk.
Boosters are given every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16 weeks of age, resulting in a series of 3–4 vaccinations. Some veterinarians may introduce Leptospirosis at this stage, when puppies are less likely to experience reactions. Whether this vaccine is appropriate depends on your location and your puppy’s lifestyle.
Rabies vaccination is required by law and is typically given between 12–20 weeks of age. Some veterinarians administer it separately from other vaccines to reduce immune system stress.
Optional vaccines may include Bordetella (kennel cough) and Lyme disease. Bordetella is often recommended for puppies that will be exposed to other dogs in settings such as grooming, boarding, or training. Lyme vaccination is generally reserved for high-risk areas and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
It’s important to understand that vaccines do not provide immediate protection. Immunity develops over time—typically beginning within a few days, with full protection taking up to two weeks after vaccination. Because of this, puppies should not be exposed to public places such as parks, pet stores, or heavily trafficked areas until their full vaccine series is complete. Early caution is critical. Diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper are highly contagious and can be fatal in young puppies. Proper vaccination—and limiting exposure until protection is established—plays a vital role in keeping your puppy safe and healthy.
ENS & Socialization
See our 10 weeks glance for full outline of what we do for incorporating ENS & Puppy Culture
While socialization is often seen as the new owner’s responsibility, we believe it begins long before your puppy goes home. At Westlane, we incorporate Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to give each puppy a strong, balanced start.
ENS helps promote resilience, confidence, and adaptability—preparing your puppy to better handle the wide range of environments and experiences they’ll encounter throughout life.
As your puppy grows, continued socialization remains essential. We recommend enrolling in puppy classes (after the final round of vaccinations) and providing positive exposure to a variety of people, places, and situations.
While socialization is often seen as the new owner’s responsibility, we believe it begins long before your puppy goes home. At Westlane, we incorporate Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to give each puppy a strong, balanced start.
ENS helps promote resilience, confidence, and adaptability—preparing your puppy to better handle the wide range of environments and experiences they’ll encounter throughout life.
As your puppy grows, continued socialization remains essential. We recommend enrolling in puppy classes (after the final round of vaccinations) and providing positive exposure to a variety of people, places, and situations.
