Present:

Today Cantina Labs has evolved into a program with beautiful show line Labradors with service dog temperaments. Our goal is to produce the historic versatile temperament that has made the Labrador one of the most popular dogs in America over the years. We actively show in conformation and performance sports.  Heath is just as important as temperament to us and we keep up on the latest research on Labrador heath. Our dogs all have CHIC certification through www.OFA.com and we run additional testing above the CHIC requirements.  

Location:

We are Centrally located in the Sierra Nevada foothills between the Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe basin on 10 acres . We are about a hour from the Sacramento Airport and about 2.5 from the San Francisco Airport. We work with fantastic flight nanny’s that deliver puppies all over the USA with in cabin flight service. Our dogs live in our home with more beds, toys and chews than any dog would ever need. They are our adventure buddies accompanying us anywhere dogs are allowed. You will see us at local Breweries, Restaurant Patios, Wine Tasting, and exploring the woods and ocean. You can follow their adventure on our Instragram and Facebook pages. 

Our History:

I have been involved in training and raising dogs since 2000 when I was the ranch manager for a 118-acre ranch with sheep, goats and working Australian Shepherds. From there I managed an animal shelter and fostered countless litters including bottle puppies. I worked hard to prepare them for their new adoptive homes and created the behavior and training departments for several shelters. In addition, during my time working as a Veterinary Technician I was known as the puppy whisper and had a knack for working with mothers having whelping issues and recovering puppies from C-Sections. I was a consultant and trainer/handler for several breeders of different breeds over the years helping them improve he temperaments of their dog through proper parings and teaching them how to set their puppies up for success with early training and development work. All the while helping hundreds of pet owners live better lives with their dogs, and teaching several how to become trainers, though my private dog training business www.DogWorksDifference.com . In 2012 I launched my detection program with the goal to produce high level detection dogs for work in explosive, narcotic, and environmental detection.  After several random accidents and getting badly rear ended my body was no longer up for the task of working high drive powerful dogs. This is when I made the decision to move my program goals to my second love – service dog training. 

Our puppies are $2500-$3500 and come with AKC limited registration. Limited Registration allows you to do any actives you like with your dog excluding showing or breeding. Those wanting to show or breed should contact us and inquire about the process for show prospects and full registration.

Getting a Puppy:

Please start by filling out our puppy matchmaker form. This give us a better idea what you are looking for and what litter will produce the best Labrador for you. Once approved you can secure your spot on the wait list with a deposit (that goes toward the cost of your puppy) or go on the interest list that does not require a deposit. Families that have submitted deposits will have priority with our litter and the interest list is contacted if there are more puppies born that deposits taken. You deposit is good for 18 months and we have not produced a puppy for by that time you can keep waiting or elect to have it refunded. Deposits can be paid via Cash, Check, Zelle or Vemno. 

Raising Puppies:

We start posting updates to social media on our litter as soon as they are born. Our waitlist and interest list households get to watch the pups grow and develop before their eyes. Puppies are handled daily as we clean the whelping box several times a day for the first 3 week to establish clean potty habits. We weigh the pup daily for the first 4 weeks of life to make sure everyone is gaining and heathy. Mama’s get fresh eggs, goat milks, and supplements to keep them heathy and happy as they do their part in the puppy raising process. We do age appropriate Early Scent Introduction and Early Neurological Stimulation . At 3-week-old puppies are ready to start formal potty training. Their whelping box is expanded allowing us to create a potty area and a sleeping area. We teach the puppies to potty on pellets to start. Once the puppies receive their first NeoPar they learn to use the doggie door and we move the pellets outside. While growing the puppies are exposed to age-appropriate environmental work like sounds (gunfire, traffic sounds, transportation sounds, crying babies etc.) vacuums, landscaping tools and farm equipment. They experience new surfaces, toys, meet the cats, chickens and goats. When the puppies start to eat some solid food, we also start to crate train and teach then to be ok without their mom and siblings. Puppies are dewormed as needed and we have fecal samples tested by our vets. All puppies get a heathy puppy checkup at 8 weeks old and their first DHPP vaccination.  All puppies are microchipped with the Home Again mini ISO chip.

Picking Puppies:

Temperament and Structural Evaluations are finished between 7-8 weeks of age. At that point we decide who we are keeping back for our program. We will also know at that point what puppies are service dog prospect and what puppies match your matmaker form. We can then guide you in picking the best puppy for your family. Puppies head to their new homes between 8-10 weeks. The balance for your puppy is paid in cash at pick up. If you’re not picking up in person you can send a check the week before so it has time to arrive and clear before your puppy leaves. 

Support:

We LOVE getting updates and will add you to our private Facebook group for our extended puppy family. We are here for you for the life of your dog and will take the dog back at any time should you find yourself unable to care for you pup for any reason. 

Discounts:

We offer a $100 discount to our Military, First Responders, and Teachers