How to Adopt a Labradoodle in California

Labradoodles are some of the most sought-after dogs on the planet. They have thick and puffy coats and a teddy-bear-like face that makes them indistinguishable from almost any other breed. That said, you can still see the influence of both the poodle and the Labrador retriever in this dog. Not only can you see the poodle and Labrador retriever in them, but you can also see it in their personalities. These dogs are smart, loyal, friendly, and most importantly, affectionate.

Still, before you rush to adopt a labradoodle, it’s important to know more about the process. California has some unique adoption laws you need to understand, and it’s also not a guarantee that you can find one, or even take one home. The good news is that in this article, we’re here to set you up for success.

Read on to learn more about how to adopt a labradoodle in California.

What Are Labradoodles Like?

Labradoodles are one of the most popular mixed dog breeds out there, and for good reason. They’re good-natured dogs that are affectionate, friendly, smart, and loyal. Many of these traits are inherited from their poodle and Labrador retriever parents, and because both breeds tend to be similar, you mostly know you’re getting a calm, cool, and collected dog. That said, they do have a prey drive, so they may chase small animals around, and they may need some time to open up to strangers.

However, once you get these dogs going, they won’t want to stop. They love to play, go for walks, and training tends to be one of their favorite pastimes for mental stimulation. For this reason, it’s important to have a few hours you can dedicate daily to these dogs, or they may become unhappy and unruly.

Appearance-wise, labradoodles tend to look like Labrador retrievers but with curly hair from poodles. Their ears may also be a little longer and floppier. What’s more, labradoodles tend to be hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about sneezing too much around them if you or someone in your family is allergic to most dogs.

What Is a Labradoodle’s Temperament? Labradoodles are known for their calm temperaments. This means that they won’t be aggressive towards you, and they’ll rarely act out against you unless you’re not paying enough attention to them. Overall, they’re easy dogs to keep happy because you only have to play with them for about an hour or two daily to keep them happy. Labradoodles are smart and curious, though, so make sure you puppy-proof your yard to prevent them from running off. These dogs may also be a little standoffish towards strangers at first, but with a little socialization, you shouldn’t have any issues.

How Active Are Labradoodles? You’ll learn quickly that labradoodles are active dogs that need a lot of stimulation to remain happy. It’s a good idea to play with them for at least an hour or two daily, especially if you don’t have a lot of space to keep them happy. Instead of just playing with them for several hours, you can always split it up between walks, runs, and other activities. When it comes to the mental side of things, labradoodles can be a little tricky. This is a highly intelligent breed, so it’s important to consistently train them or at least provide them with puzzles and toys that can mentally entertain them. It’s also a good idea to bring them with you on your adventures through California, especially if you plan on going on hikes or visiting dog parks. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Labradoodles?

Labradoodles can come in a wide range of sizes depending on the size of the poodle that the Labrador retriever is crossed with. For this reason, you’ll find miniature, medium, and standard labradoodles. Each type will have its own height and weight range.

On the smaller side, labradoodles will be around 14-16 inches in height and 20 to 30 pounds. However, some of the medium-sized labradoodles can end up being around 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh upwards of 40 to 50 pounds. It’s important to note that for a labradoodle to be a standard labradoodle, they’ll have to be more than 21 inches at the shoulder and heavier than 42 pounds.

What Are a Labradoodle’s Grooming Needs?

Labradoodles need a fair bit of grooming if you want to maintain their coat and keep them healthy. Depending on how curly their coat is, be sure to brush it several times per week to remove loose hair, debris, and to prevent matting; the curlier the hair, the more you’ll need to brush it. Speaking of their hair, labradoodles usually need their hair clipped every month or two, especially if you want them to have that teddy-bear-like face. If you’re going after a specific hairstyle for your labradoodle, it’s a good idea to have it done professionally.

Labradoodles also need to have their ears checked for infection weekly, and we recommend brushing their teeth three to four times per week. Their nails also need attention every six to eight weeks, but they may wear down from playing if they’re active enough.

What Are Common Labradoodle Health Issues?

Labradoodles inherit health issues from both of their parents, which means you have to watch out for common health issues that poodles and Labrador retrievers face. Some examples include joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, along with patellar luxation. Dysplasia results in abnormal joint formation that can result in pain, fatigue, and other health issues. Luxation, on the other hand, happens when the kneecap slips out, and the onset is more sudden and painful.

Labradoodles may also struggle with eye problems as they get older, like cataracts, along with glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Unfortunately, the health issues don’t stop there, as Addison’s Disease, epilepsy, and inflammatory bowel disease are common in labradoodles.

What Is a Labradoodle’s Lifespan?

Labradoodles can live for a long time when they’re healthy, which you can assist with through exercise, proper nutrition, and trips to the vet. If your labradoodle remains happy and healthy, they can live for 12 to 15 years.

Are Labradoodles Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Labradoodles can be good with other animals and children. Starting with children, labradoodles have no issues playing with them without getting too rough. Plus, they’re smart enough to know when children are worried or scared, so you shouldn’t have to be too careful with them. That said, if you have miniature labradoodles, toddlers may hurt them by accident, especially during their puppy years, so just keep an eye on them.

When it comes to other animals, however, this is where some problems may appear. Poodles and Labrador retrievers tend to have prey drives, so there’s a good chance that your labradoodle will have one as well. For this reason, it’s important to socialize them as soon as possible to avoid them barking, chasing, or accidentally harming other dogs and animals.

Are Labradoodles Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Labradoodles make great dogs for first-time dog parents! You’ll find that they’re easy to play with, train, and care for. Plus, their grooming needs aren’t too expensive, and if you take them to a professional every other month, you shouldn’t have any issues. Health problems are also rare, and there is a wide range of size options available for families in small Los Angeles apartments or families with a lot of property out in the countryside. Overall, first-time dog parents shouldn’t have any issues with labradoodles.

How Do You Adopt a Labradoodle in California?

Adopting a labradoodle in California can be complicated, depending on the route you take. For example, if you plan on adopting a labradoodle from a foster program, you may have to wait until they reach a specific age, and even after that, you may have to take them for vaccinations, surgeries, and more.

However, the process is more streamlined if you go through a rescue or shelter. The only drawback is that you’ll need to wait until you find one, as availability may be limited. That said, once you find one, you still have to go through an extensive vetting process. This tends to include filling out an adoption form and waiting for approval – this can take three to five days.

The reason that approval takes a long time is that shelters and rescues may want to send someone to your home to learn more about your living situation. They may also contact references and want to speak with other members of your family to ensure that you have the time and proper environment to care for them.

If you’re able to pass through all of these checks without any issues, you can pay the necessary adoption fee and take them home. Depending on their age, you may still have to take them for shots and surgeries they may need.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Labradoodle in California?

The cost to adopt a labradoodle in California varies depending on the route that you take. Foster programs may not charge you a dime if you agree to foster the dog and then adopt them. However, if you go the adoption route through a shelter or rescue, you have to pay the adoption fee. The adoption fee varies based on the county, shelter, or rescue, but it tends to sit at $100 to $300.

How Should I Train a Labradoodle?

Training a labradoodle is easy compared to many other breeds, but you still have to be structured in your approach. This means that you need to develop a routine with them, and we recommend training them daily in short intervals for around 20 to 30 minutes. That said, having the routine is only one piece of the pie. From there, you have to determine which path you want to take, and we recommend starting with basic obedience. Thankfully, we have an online basic obedience course you can leverage to start your journey.

Aside from choosing the training method and setting the routine, it’s important to train them using the proper method. For the best results, we always recommend positive reinforcement. This is a training philosophy that focuses on training your labradoodle by rewarding their good behaviors without being harsh if they have bad behavior. Training your labradoodle this way ensures that they respect you and want to listen to you instead of being scared of you.

Find the Right Labradoodle in California for You

Labradoodles are some of the best dogs you can adopt in California – or anywhere else in the world. They’re some of the easiest dogs to care for, train, and spend time with due to their relaxed temperament. Plus, they get along well with other children, and with socialization, they shouldn’t have any issues with other dogs or pets.

That said, make sure you have the time to spend with them and be prepared for the adoption process to set yourself up for success.