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Breeding for Service and Therapy

Why Choose Our Breeding Program for Your Service or Therapy Puppy... 

Selecting the right breeder for a service or therapy dog is a vital decision that directly influences the quality of support and companionship that dog will provide. At Sunrise Australian Labradoodles, our program is distinguished by a steadfast commitment to health, temperament, and purpose-driven development from the very beginning. Each puppy is carefully bred from proven, genetically tested lines recognized for their intelligence, emotional stability, and adaptability—traits that form the foundation of exceptional service and therapy dogs.

Exceptional Dogs Begin with Exceptional Foundations

I began with a foundation of exceptional breeding dogs—carefully selected for their health, structure, and temperament. Finding the right foundation lines took time and dedication. I sought out dogs with sound conformation, beautiful non-shedding coats, and, most importantly, temperaments ideally suited for service and therapy work. Each of my breeding dogs comes from lines with a history of strong hips, clear eyes, and freedom from known genetic diseases and disorders.

From birth, our puppies are raised in a loving, nurturing environment that emphasizes early neurological stimulation and structured socialization. These proven methods help shape puppies that are confident, resilient, and calm under pressure. We also collaborate with trainers and organizations to align each puppy’s early development with the specialized needs of service and therapy placements.

With a well-earned reputation for producing exceptional working and companion dogs, Sunrise Australian Labradoodles is proud to provide a trusted foundation for lives built on purpose, partnership, and joy.

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Raising Puppies with Care, Purpose, and Heart

At Sunrise Australian Labradoodles, the well-being of our puppies begins long before they are born. We provide each mother dog with a safe, calm, and nurturing environment—clean, comfortable, and filled with gentle care. From their very first moments, puppies are raised inside our home, where they are handled and loved many times a day.

We believe that raising puppies in a home environment gives them a meaningful advantage over kennel-raised dogs. Our puppies are surrounded by daily household sounds, people, and activity—helping them grow confident, curious, and adaptable. They are never left alone for long periods and receive constant attention and stimulation appropriate to their age and development.

We follow the Avidog and Puppy Culture programs, ensuring that every stage of early growth supports both mind and body. Some of the developmental practices we use include:

  • Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Strengthens the nervous system and supports healthy development.

  • Positive Emotional Conditioning: Builds confidence and helps puppies form positive associations with crate training, vet visits, and handling.

  • Barrier Challenges: Encourages problem-solving skills and patience.

  • People-Focused Interaction: Promotes trust and connection, teaching puppies to engage confidently with people from the start.

Our goal is to raise happy, confident, and well-adjusted puppies—ready to become loving family members, therapy partners, or service companions.

Temperament Testing...

At Sunrise Australian Labradoodles, every puppy is raised in a thoughtfully structured environment filled with daily interaction, enrichment, and age-appropriate stimulation. This early foundation helps shape confident, balanced puppies—many of whom go on to serve as therapy or service dogs for individuals in need.

When our puppies reach 7 to 8 weeks of age, we conduct formal temperament testing to match each puppy with the most suitable home or service placement. We use the Volhard Temperament Test, a trusted evaluation that measures ten key traits including social attraction, following, restraint, dominance, retrieving, and sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight. This assessment provides valuable insight into each puppy’s personality, adaptability, and potential.

For families seeking a therapy companion, we combine our daily observations with temperament test results to guide the matching process. For those requesting a service dog, we incorporate additional evaluations using Avidog’s and Puppy Culture testing protocols. In cases such as diabetic or seizure alert training, we include specialized scent testing to identify puppies with strong scent recognition and responsiveness to target odors.

These careful assessments ensure that every puppy is placed where they can truly thrive—whether bringing comfort in a therapy setting, providing essential service tasks, or becoming a cherished family companion.

If you’re seeking a puppy for a specific purpose—such as a therapy or facility dog, or a companion suited for hospital or nursing home visits—I would be happy to discuss your goals and help you find the perfect match.

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Fletcher – Making a Difference Every Day

In October 2024, Fletcher began an incredible new chapter when he was purchased by AdventHealth Hospital in Tampa to serve as a therapy dog for their staff. His mission is truly special — to help the people who help others.

Fletcher now spends his days bringing comfort, calm, and smiles to the dedicated healthcare professionals at the hospital. He has quickly become a beloved member of the team, brightening even the busiest days with his gentle presence and joyful spirit.

Stay tuned for more updates on this amazing boy and the heartfelt impact he’s making every day at AdventHealth! 🩵🐾

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This lovely girl provides service to a deaf woman who needs help with things like notifying her when the phone rings, sounds of traffic, doorbell and all those sounds of life that she cannot hear.

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Lilly is a service dog for a woman that is diagnosed with PTSD. Lilly will alert her when she has high anxiety or feels unsafe. Lilly knows when to block people that are in her owner's space.

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