I wanted to talk to you about when I was searching for a puppy for Howard for Christmas in 2019. This is a photo of our precious Gunner. He is a Hickory Bluff Labrador pup. I was researching good breeders so that our new puppy would be happy, healthy and whole. I looked at a few breeders but they were not what I was looking for. Then I found Hickory Bluff Labradors. The first thing that caught my eye was a photo of gorgeous girls holding gorgeous pups. I loved that! It seemed to me they may be different from other breeders. I remember sending Sarah messages asking how George was on several occasions. Gunner's first name was George. I finally told her I wanted George and she and I talked about his sweet personality and how he would be right at home in our family.
On Gunner's first night home Sarah checked on us to make sure all was well and we still keep in touch today. I always tell her antics he does and how much we love him. We are waiting for our second pup River who is also a Hickory Bluff pup and will be home in days. We are so excited! We've been getting everything ready for his arrival.
One thing I love is they raise their dogs as family. They are a family of 13! Their four oldest daughters are invested partners. They have an early stimulation program for all their pups.
Labradors have been part of their family since before it began. Sarah, was raised with a Labrador or 2 at her side. As their family grew, so did their Labrador Crew. Hickory Bluff Labradors Farm is located in the remote hills of the stunning Ozark National Forest.
It is their desire at Hickory Bluff Labradors to place healthy, well adjusted pups in homes where they will be cherished, valued, and bring great usefulness and pleasure to their human companions for years to come.
You can contact them at http:www.hickoryblufflabradors.com
They have an early stimulation program for all their pups. Studies show neurological stimulation has optimal results during the 3-16 day of life time. This is a time of rapid growth and development and is important in producing lasting effects. The benefits that have been observed in dogs that were exposed to Early Neurological Stimulation are; improved heart rate, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, greater stress tolerance and greater resistance to disease. Stimulated pups have proven to be more exploratory and dominant in competitive situations than their non-stimulated littermates.
Hickory Bluff Labradors believes in breeding dogs to AKC breed standards. They breed healthy, sturdy, intelligent even tempered dogs. All puppies sold come with a minimum of their first set of shots and one vet check. They are available at 8 weeks old. They truly believe in guaranteeing your puppy's health because they have top quality dogs.
The Guarantee: Hickory Bluff Labradors will replace a puppy that does not meet health standards. If the puppy does not necessitate replacement they will offer a future puppy at a discount. Please note ALL dogs and puppies are sold as-is. Replacement is at the breeder’s discretion. Please see their website for further information on their health guarantee.
They use the Rule of Sevens. This method encourages socialization through experiences that are kept safe and positive. The basis for the Rule of Sevens is not specific training but simple exposure in a supervised environment prior to 7 weeks of age.
Their research concludes that a puppy's personality is 35% dependent upon hereditary factors. And 65% of their adult personality is shaped by their environment experiences. This leaves an enormous responsibility. They are genuinely concerned about their pups and their future success. They set aside quality time for daily encounters because much of a pup's future personality is shaped by seemingly insignificant moments. This playtime is creative and allows the puppy's personality to develop to its finest. Careful consideration is taken during the first few weeks of life while they are the puppy's sole caregiver.
By 7 weeks of age the puppy should have experienced the following:
1. Been on 7 different types of surfaces: wood, carpet, tile, linoleum, concrete, etc.
2. Played with 7 different types of objects: ropes, plush toys, sticks, metal items, etc.
3. Been in 7 different locations: front & back yard, pasture, kitchen, van, garage, etc.
4. Met and played with 7 new people: include children and older adults.
5. Been exposed to 7 challenges: climb on a log, go through a tunnel, climb up/down steps, climb over obstacles, walk in the pond etc.
6. Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, human hands, bucket, elevated dish, etc.
7. Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, exercise pen, basement, laundry room, etc.
At Hickory Bluff Labradors they offer exclusive Puppy Courier Service.
They prepare the puppies for travel in advance making the day of travel a stress free event that ends with a puppy in your arms.
The couriers travel with your puppy ‘In Cabin’. Your puppy is never alone! This signature service sets Hickory Bluff Labradors apart. I don't care whose puppy is flying. I love watching the updates on gotcha day for a lucky family waiting for their precious pup to arrive. It's just so special watching the pupdates. You just kind of live vicariously through each homecoming as it is just as special as yours.
Their Puppy Swag Package is presented to each pup's new family on their Gotcha Day. They feel it is important to seal the deal by going the extra mile. They have raised pups for over 20 yrs and the package resembles the package they were given upon the purchase of their first pup in 1998. Often pups are sold with no more than an AKC registration form. At Hickory Bluff Labradors they really do pay attention to detail. Preparing a special package to present to the new owner along with a fresh, clean, healthy puppy is a thrill! Howard and I were thrilled to get the puppy swag package with our Gunner. We really felt that our new puppy's beginning was important to them.
Gotcha Day. HBL goes the extra mile. This is us just before Thanksgiving 2019. I couldn't wait for Howard to meet Gunner. They sell pups to folks keeping in mind how they would want to purchase a pup. Confidence in your new puppy's beginning is important to them.
📌AKC Certified Registration
📌AKC Pedigree
📌Veterinarian Health Record
📌AKC 30 Day Health Insurance
📌Kong Toy
📌Reward Treats
📌Chew Toy
📌Plush Toy with Momma's Scent
📌Clicker Training Tool
📌Puppy Kibble Transition Supply
📌AKC Deodorizing Spray
So Howard bought me an early Christmas present to go with his early Christmas present. Sweet baby Gunner is so photogenic. I am not very good with my new camera yet, but Howard has me taking a photography class with my friend Debbie in January. She is an amazing photographer and I cannot wait to learn how to use this amazing camera! I am so impressed I took this one of Gunner the other day. It took me a few times to figure out how to import the photos so it is all a learning process!
Dear dad man and mom lady,
Family is a way to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new ways and places. I smile every time I aggravate my brother Max.
This is how I annoyed the big bubs Max, dad man and mom lady.
1. Every toy is mine...repeat every toy is mine. I don't care if you give it to Max, it's mine.
2. Leaned on mom lady and her special kisses. She's so easy.
3. Placed my bum on the mom lady's shoulder or lap and turn to look at her.
4. I stare at Max until he barks at me.
5. Demanded attention as soon as the dad man looks at brother. I know I'm the favorite!
6. Lay in front of the shower door so mom lady and dad man are stuck. I'm comfy so what gives?
7. I bark at the TV every time there's an animal on it. It's my party, I'll bark if I want to!
8. I listen to Ms. Debra my girlfriend (trainer) only because I've got a crush on her and she provides cheese.
9. Allowed mom lady lots of snuggles because I get treats.
xoxo
Buck
May 28th, 2019
We celebrated Buck's very first birthday! I swear that baby knew it was a special day for him! He was excited all day. First off Mommy made both he and Max a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs with a little blueberry yogurt. Then Buck was at the park with his girlfriend Ms. Debra for training. He did okay, although he was much improved by the end of class.
That evening Mommy and Daddy came home from work we had a party! Max and Buck were served banana puppy cupcakes from a bakery in town. They both got a purple stuffed toy for a present and they were so excited! All in all it was a great first birthday for Buck. Mommy is already planning Max's birthday party this fall!
It's Max, and sometime we boys just have to have our Petsmart bandannas on. The dad man thinks we are cute and you know we are all that and a bag of starbursts. I get tired of the mom lady taking my picture so I like to look away so she will give up. Goat breath Buck looks so serious unless he is aggravating me, then I swear that brother of mine smiles real wide. At least I didn't poop in the boss's office like a few of my friends do. I am too big for that.
February 23, 2019:
We love our dad man. He gives us treats whether we deserve them or not. I lubs that man! Mommy says we are spoiled but dad man says we are deserving. Either way we get lots of treats and toys. We are pretty spoiled. One thing we absolutely love is Starburst candy. It is one of our favorites. My favorite color is the pink one. Buck doesn't care, he eats everything including leaves and that mulch stuff if mommy doesn't grab it first. He needs fiber I guess. He is a growing brat!
My brother Buck doesn't drool yet because he is only 8 months old and mommy said he still has some of that puppy breath. I think it's more goat breath but what do I know. I haven't smelled goat breath. I am working on teaching him everything he needs to know so he can be a big boy like me. I am Max and I am the boss of this house. See how my dad is getting me Starburst candies?
February 15, 2019:
Daddy had to have Achilles surgery with a tendon transplant last week and the babies have truly been with him the entire weekend. Poor Max is so worried about his daddy he will not leave his side. Buck keeps stealing licks on daddy's toes to give him love. I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to get daddy to work today without Max. He really didn't like being left home this morning!
Max and Buck absolutely love receiving their Chewy.com box! They get so excited when I sing "...open up the windows" which leads to Max going to the front door to find a Chewy box waiting for them! They always want to help mommy open the box.
This is Buck's gotcha day. We went through Stonehill Labradors to find our baby. We tried a couple of rescue groups and were approved for a pup but somehow she ended up in New England instead of coming the couple of hours from Dallas, Texas. We were disappointed and really wanted to add to our family. However Tabitha at Stonehill Labradors had a litter of pups who needed homes and I fell in love with this gorgeous yellow lab who has the most soulful eyes! He just melts my heart and is already getting terribly spoiled! We will forever be grateful to Stonehill Labradors for our Buckster! isn't he just the cutest!?!