More questions from newbie

[charfarr]

I am about burned out from looking at seemingly thousands of websites. So many don't test or are breeding way to many pups. I started looking into standard poodles and found the same problems plus even more health issues. 

At what age is it okay to breed a goldendoodle? I'm seeing dogs (even at DK recommended sites) who are having pups before or right at one year old. I thought these dogs aren't fully grown until 2.

I see some breeders say that they start crate training early and show pics of 15 tiny little pups just 5 weeks old each in their own tiny crate, or 15 pups all piled on top of each other in one big crate. Is this practice ok? I thought pups should all be together and with mom til 6 weeks, I get a bad feeling when I see all those "cages"

These questions will have to be answered by private message:

Does anyone have experience with Beverly Dix- Hope Springs Doodles in AL? Doesn't show parents or health info on site. 

Does anyone know of a breeder in the VA,SC,NC,GA,AL,TN, KY area who breed 6 or fewer litters per year?

Thanks so much, I'm spending far too much time reading on this site but I am learning so much and so appreciate all the information.

[Ginny Nightingale]

When I raise pups, I put a crate inside the pen or attached to their pen--they LOVE to go into the crate and pile up! they are warm and cozy--mom comes in and out of the pen to feed them and hang with them but is not in there 24/7 and it would be cruel to make her stay as they would not let her rest at all and would be feeding too much...there is always a low portion to the pen wall that allows her to hop in and out...so seeing a bunch of pups in a crate does not mean crate training...the pups in this picture went in of their own free will and could get out to go potty in the tray or play...

[Adina P]

Thanks for pointing that out.  Pups do like to sleep in piles! 

[charfarr]

Sweet pic! Yes they do like to pile up, that is why I was a little taken aback by the breeder who had them all in separate crates, but I'm sure he knows a lot more about litters than I do.