Labradoodle
Care and Health

Rainmaker Ranch Labradoodles Mission: To bring families an exceptional labradoodle, exceptional in labradoodle health, temperament and conformation.

We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world.

Food & Nutrition

We recommend free feeding (food and water available all day) when you're home, but remove both at least an hour before crating. At night, take food and water away by 5 PM to help your puppy sleep through the night.

We feed our puppies the best food available and never offer people food—many common items are actually toxic (see list below). You'll receive a starter bag of food when you pick up your puppy; you can either continue it or transition slowly to another high-quality food.

Choosing a Quality Dog Food

Read the first five ingredients on the bag—ingredients are listed by quantity.

Ask yourself:

What are the protein sources? Choose food with high-quality animal proteins (like chicken) listed first—not grains or vegetable proteins.
What about grains? Avoid foods with 2+ grains among the top five ingredients. Grains like soy, corn, and wheat can cause allergies and are poorly digested.
Are there by-products? Ingredients like "meal," "digest," or "by-product" often indicate low-quality protein sources.
What are the fat sources? Look for animal-based fats, which are easier for dogs to digest and metabolize.

Our recommended brands:

Wellness CORE Grain Free (Old Mother Hubbard)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Canidae
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Life’s Abundance
Natural Balance Ultra Premium
Orijen

Toxic Foods & Emergency Prep

Know where your emergency vet is located—do a dry run before you need it.

Before inducing vomiting, call your vet. Do not induce if your dog is already vomiting, unconscious, weak, or has ingested bleach, drain cleaner, petroleum products, or the item was swallowed over 2 hours ago.

How to induce vomiting (only with vet approval):

1. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide – 3cc per 20 lbs of body weight.

2. Tilt the dog’s head back and pour the dose toward the back of the mouth.

3. Wait 10 minutes. If no vomiting, repeat once. If still nothing, call your vet.

Common toxic foods & plants:

Grapes, raisins
Chocolate (most to least toxic: cocoa powder, baking chocolate, dark, semi-sweet, milk)
Xylitol (in gum and candy)
Onions, garlic
Macadamia nuts
Alcohol, yeast dough
Moldy food, caffeine (coffee, tea)
Apple cores, cherry pits, tomato leaves
Raw salmon
Many common houseplants (e.g., poinsettia, philodendron, aloe, ivy)

(Full toxic plant list available upon request or from your vet.)

Vet Visits & Puppy Care

Your puppy will have visited our vet 5 times before going home, including deworming and first shots. You’ll need 3 follow-up puppy shots at 3-week intervals.

Heartworm & flea prevention can begin at 10 weeks.
Routine vet visits every 6 months are recommended.

Australian Labradoodles are generally healthy when well-bred and cared for.

Grooming & Home Care

Labradoodles can keep their signature long coat with a scissor cut 1–2 times per year. Let the coat grow to 6 inches, then cut back to 2 inches.

Grooming tips:

Brush regularly
Thin mats with thinning shears
Trim around eyes, lips, feet, and rear
Bathe with shampoo and detangler; don’t brush after drying to avoid frizz
In winter, trim feet to reduce ice buildup
In summer, a 2-inch cut helps with heat and drying after swimming

Ears: Remove excess hair with tweezers or at the groomer 3x/year. Use vet-recommended cleaner if wax builds up.

Nails: Trim regularly to prevent curling. We do not remove dew claws—they’re trimmed like other nails.

Groomer Recommendation (Orlando area):