Cornerstone Purchase Process & FAQ’s

Application approved? Make your puppy reservation.

At Cornerstone Labradoodles we only breed genetically sound Australian Labradoodles. We have achieved the highest honor given to a breeding program by the Australian Labradoodle Association Of America, (ALAA), which is the GOLD PAW for extensive health testing on ALL our breeding dogs. We are also members in good standing wit the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association, (WALA).  We do genetic testing, hip, elbow, eyes, thyroid, and breeder panel testing with various other blood tests. Alternatively, please understand that a breeder that does not put extensive time and money into the care of their dogs and puppies and does not spend money on health testing will have the ability to sell puppies at a lesser cost.

All Cornerstone puppies, regardless of gender, color or markings, are 3,500.00 plus MD sales tax. (210.00)

Step 1:  Email us about the litter that interests you, we have alot of information on our website and we are happy to speak with you.

Step 2:  Fill out an application form, the tab is on the top right. After we receive the application we will contact you on the phone to discuss your application.

Step 3:  After the application is approved, you will receive an email, and then be able to submit the $500 non-refundable reservation and consultation fee. This will hold your place on the litter reservation list.  This fee is non-refundable.

There are a few times a year we will hold back a puppy from one of our litters and train them for 4 weeks and 8 weeks.  If your family is interested in a trained puppy please email us.

Please do not send in the reservation fee with the application, that is not how the Cornerstone process works.

Once your application is approved, and your deposit has been received, your place is held on the reservation list for the litter.  Payment can be done via Zelle or Square, there will be a small admin service charge added from Square.​​ The balance will be due when the puppy is 6 weeks old.

All our puppies come with a two (2) year health guarantee.  We will email you a copy to read over, prior to submitting a deposit. Once you know which puppy is coming to your family, after vet checks and allocations are done, at 6-7 weeks of age, you will get the individualized purchase and health warranty for your specific puppy to sign.

We reserve the right to refuse sale at any time to anyone and  refund the fee at anytime.

Puppies are like babies, they are active and need time and attention, they require socialization, training, and lots of love…If you are not able to devote the time and commitment  needed, we suggest waiting till the timing is good.  Are you ready for a Cornerstone pup? 

 

The Adoption Journey…

 

It’s hard to contain the excitement when you get the email that mama is pregnant and your family is on the list to take home a new puppy!  It may seem like it will be forever before your baby is ready to be picked up, but there is alot you can do to to prepare in the weeks to come before you can take home your new family member.  You will experience the journey with news of the birth, and milestone emails, video’s and photo galleries to see how your puppy is growing.

Learn about how the adoption journey goes and what comes with your puppy:

  • Once puppies are born, we will let you know via email and you will receive updates and pictures every week.  There will be things to read and video’s to watch, you will be guided through the entire process.                                                                                
  • At 6 weeks the final invoice will be due.  That amount will be 3,000.00 plus Maryland Sales Tax.  At 6-7 weeks the puppies are vet checked and evaluated with a trainer and allocated to each family.  After temperament testing, I will personally call you to let you know about the  puppy that will be the best fit for your family, temperament will be the primary consideration, that followed by color or gender. It is our goal that the best puppy be matched to your family. It is important to understand that personality and not appearance determine the ideal puppy for your family. 

Click here to learn more about how our puppies are placed.   

  • All puppies will have had the first age appropriate vaccine prior to leaving us, been dewormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks.                                                                                                                                                                                     
  • They have been microchipped and vet checked.  All our protocols are supervised by our vets.  Each puppy’s health information will be given to you on a health record for your vet to start their chart.                                  
  • Puppies will go out a legally binding spay & neuter contract, this is where the surgery must be completed by 6-7 months of age, we encourage a vasectomy or ovary sparing.  You will need to discuss this with your vet prior to getting a puppy.  This is non negotiable and strictly enforced.                                                                
  • A 2 year genetic health warranty.  Please email us to get a copy.                                                                                               
  • Puppies have started on potty training and crate training at 5-6 weeks, and have started sleeping through the night in a crate.                                                                                                                                                                 
  • We start neurological stimulation at 3 days old and introduce early scent therapy, they are well socialized with young children that live in our home, many friends and other dogs. They will be accustomed to household noises, city sounds and driving in the car.                                                                                                     
  • We follow Dr. Sophia Yin’s socialization guide while the pups are under our care and till 8 weeks of age and then you should continue to follow the weekly guide as the puppy grows.  This is important as the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s development sets the foundation for the life of the dog.  Our goal is to raise confident and loving dogs.                                                                                                                                                                      
  • When you pick up your puppy, you will receive the following:  a health record for the vet, a bag of food sampling, a “litter-scented” toy from mama and the litter mates.  You will get a puppy packet, that will include grooming guidelines, socialization information and and several other flyers and checklists that have stood the test of time for us, these will prepare you and your puppy for a smooth transition.                    
  •  An ALAA “Official” and verified pedigree and information for the Pet Pals membership will be sent after the spay/neuter surgery is completed.                                                                                                                               
  • We have partnered with Trupanion Pet Insurance and they offer coverage for your puppy’s first 30 days completely free of charge, we will supply you with the information so you can benefit from this valuable offer.                                                                                                                                                                                          
  • We offer you 25% discount on the Baxter and Bella Puppy Training School. Code: CORNERSTONE                                                                                                                                                               
  • At 8 weeks old your puppy is ready to be picked up in our home, where they were born and raised.  Puppies are not raised in outdoor buildings, barns, garages or such, they are with us in our home 24/7 from birth till they go to their forever homes.                                                                                                                                                                                                  
  • We teach a basic Puppy 101 training class, that is done on Zoom, 1 week prior to puppy pick up and we require you to attend.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  • There are times we can hold your puppy after the litter pick up date and deliver your puppy. Please contact us as this is planned on an individual basis.  There is an additional charge for these services.                                                                                                                                                                               
  • A life time of support from us at Cornerstone Labradoodles, pertaining to any questions you may have.

FAQ’s

 

  • What sizes do you offer?   Our program specializes in mini’s and mediums. Our puppies vary based on the specific litter, but usually they are between 18 – 30 lbs at maturity. We will occasionally, depending on the pairing have larger or smaller puppies but the majority of our puppies fall in that range.  Each pairing is described on our website.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  • Should I expect a “perfect” puppy?  I am sure you already know the answer to this question, NO!  Our puppies are… well, puppies. They will still get into naughtiness and mischief, nibble on hands, potty on the floor, and test boundaries, as they should!  We do everything we can to set them up for success and give them the best start and a solid foundation, it is your training, time, and continuous commitment that is needed to grow your dog into well behaved and treasured member of your family.  All our training and directions are valuable tools to help you raise the best dog you can. We highly recommend group puppy classes, beginner classes, and advanced classes that are age appropriate.  It is important to find a positive reinforcement trainer is going to help continue the training that we have already started. Puppies will be puppies, as they should be.  I always say, a tired puppy is a good puppy, just like a child!  This is a smart breed and they flourish in homes where the humans are engaged and provide a well balanced life for them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • How are your puppies with kids?  Our puppies are very well socialized with young children, however  puppies are puppies.  The adults need to have boundaries, proper handling, and training.  This is where Baxter and Bella comes in and having that as a guide and resource is critical.  We let our families know what our trainer tells us,  it is more about training your kids how to behave around the puppy than training your puppy to be gentle with your kids. We ask that the puppy is a respected member of the family, and is given a kid free zone, adequate down time daily, proper boundaries, and that the child is behaved.                                                                                                                                      
  • Do you have any older puppies or adults available?  No, we rarely have opportunities for an older adult available. We have amazing guardian homes for most of our breeding dogs, we have Pixie and Jade that live here with us.  We do have an option of additional training, please email us to learn more about those options.  They offer you an opportunity of bringing your puppy home at an older age, crate trained and potty trained, with basic commands.                                                                                                                                                                 
  • Why do they cost so much?  When a  program does such extensive testing, as ours does, to all our breeding stock, we do this to ensure you are getting a healthy puppy to bring in to your family. There are stud costs, veterinary care for mom and puppies, vaccinations, and microchipping among other costs. We offer a lifetime of support and a 2 year health guarantee.  We have to cover all of the expenses and ensure the quality of puppies we are raising.  All reputable and accredited multigen Australian labradoodle breeders will fall in the same price point in this part of the country.  If you find a puppy for a lesser cost, you are getting something very different, so please do your due diligent research and educate yourself.