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Frequently Asked Questions

Bringing a puppy into your home is a big decision, and naturally you'll have questions. This page is designed to provide clear, honest answers about our breeding program, our puppies, and what you can expect when working with Open Door Doodles.  Transparency, care, and thoughtful planning are at the heart of everything we do, and were always happy to help if you need additional clarification. 

1. What type of Labradoodles do you breed?

​We breed multigenerational Labradoodles with Australian Labradoodle influence, selected for stable temperament, coat consistency, and overall health. Our breeding program is focused on producing family companions with predictable traits rather than novelty or trends.

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2. What health testing do you perform on your breeding dogs?

All of our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing appropriate for Labradoodles and the contributing breeds, which may include:

  • OFA or equivalent evaluations for hips and elbows

  • Cardiac and eye clearances

  • Genetic screening for inherited conditions common to Labradors, Poodles, and Australian Labradoodles

Health testing results are available to approved families upon request. We do not breed dogs without completed and passing health clearances.

 

 

3. How are puppies raised and socialized?

Our puppies are raised in a home environment, and receive a curriculum-based approach, and of course receive tons of love. Our puppies are not raised in kennels. This includes:

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*Daily handling and confidence building

*Early neurological stimulation (ENS)

*Gradual exposure to household sounds, people, and age-appropriate challenges

*Litter training foundations

This early work helps puppies transition more easily into family life. We focus on calm, confident, family-friendly puppies.

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4. How do you decide which puppy goes to which family?

Puppy selection is done in the order that reservation fee deposits are received. As puppies grow and their temperaments become more apparent, we guide and assist each family in choosing a puppy that best fits their lifestyle, experience level, and household.

We strongly encourage families to prioritize temperament, energy level, and compatibility over factors such as color, markings, or gender. 

Our goal is to support informed decisions that set both the puppy and family up for long-term success.

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5. How do I reserve a puppy and what happens next?

we follow a thoughtful and structured process to ensure each puppy is matched with the right family. Because we are a small, intentional program with limited litters, we prioritize connection, communication, and careful placement over volume.

​Our Reservation Process:

​1. Application

​~Families begin by completing our puppy application. This helps us learn about your home, lifestyle, experience, and what you’re hoping for in a future companion.

​2. Phone Call

​~If your application feels like a good fit, we schedule a phone call to connect personally. This gives us time to answer your questions and ensure we are aligned in expectations.

3. Approval & Reservation Fee

​~Once approved, a non-refundable reservation fee secures your spot on our waitlist for the upcoming litter. Pick order is determined by the order reservation fees are received.

4. Updates as Puppies Grow

​~Families receive regular photo and video updates throughout the puppies’ first weeks of life so you can enjoy watching them grow.

5. Temperament Evaluations (6 Weeks)

​~At six weeks of age, each puppy undergoes structured temperament evaluations. These assessments help us understand each puppy’s personality, confidence level, energy, and suitability for different home environments.

6. Puppy Picking (7 Weeks)

​~Puppy selection takes place at seven weeks of age. Using evaluation results and our guidance, families select their puppy in pick order to ensure the best match. Puppy selection will take place at this time over zoom or facetime for safety and health reasons.

7. Go-Home Day (8 Weeks)

​~Puppies go home at eight weeks old, well-socialized, started with early enrichment, and ready to transition confidently into their new homes.

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​6. what is your visitation and communication policy?

for the safety and well-being of our family and puppies, we do not host in-home visits.

instead we offer: scheduled facetime video calls, regular photo and video updates, live virtual puppy picking sessions. On go home day we coordiante a scheduled pick up meeting at a mutually agreed upon public location. This allows us to maintain a safe, calm environment for ourpuppies while still providing families withah a personal and connected experience.

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7. Can I choose my puppy?

Families may share preferences, but final placement decisions are made by the breeder after temperament evaluations. This ensures the best possible match and reduces the risk of future rehoming.

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8. Do you offer a health guarantee?

Yes. All puppies are placed with a written 2 year health guarantee that reflects responsible breeding and ownership. Details are outlined clearly in our contract so families understand both protections and expectations.

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9. How often do you breed your dogs?

We follow a limited, intentional breeding schedule. Our dogs are bred only when they meet physical, genetic, and temperament criteria, and they are retired at appropriate ages. Breeding dogs are first and foremost our companions.

 

 

10. What vaccinations and veterinary care do puppies receive?

Before going home, puppies:

  • Are examined by a licensed veterinarian

  • Receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming

  • Go home with veterinary records and care guidance

We follow evidence-based veterinary recommendations.

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11. Do you offer ongoing support?

Yes. We provide lifetime support to our puppy families. We are happy to answer questions about training, behavior, grooming, or general care throughout the dog’s life to the best of our ability.

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12. Why do your puppies cost what they do?

Ethical breeding involves significant time, expense, and care. Our pricing reflects:

  • Health testing and veterinary care

  • Quality nutrition and enrichment

  • Time-intensive socialization and early training

  • Lifetime responsibility for every puppy

We do not negotiate pricing or offer impulse discounts.

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13. Do you ship puppies?

We prioritize responsible placement. Transportation options are discussed individually, and we do not ship puppies sight unseen or without proper planning to ensure the puppy’s welfare.

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14. Is a Labradoodle the right breed for everyone?

Labradoodles are intelligent, social dogs that thrive with:

  • Regular interaction and mental stimulation

  • Grooming and coat maintenance

  • Training and structure

They may not be the right fit for every household, and we are happy to help families decide honestly if this breed suits their lifestyle.

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15. How do you feel about rescue?

We support rescue and encourage families to explore adoption when appropriate. Ethical breeding and rescue both play roles in responsible dog ownership, and our goal is to ensure dogs are brought into the world thoughtfully and placed responsibly.

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We do not breed for rare colors, extreme sizes, or trends at the expense of health or temperament. We do not sell to pet stores, brokers, or third parties.

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Questions? contact us at:

jacquibrandt07@gmail.com​

440-223-7765 (call or text)

Mentor, Ohio

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