Planning for a puppy can take longer than many families expect. Here’s what happens between a planned breeding and bringing home a puppy—and why future litter timing can be difficult to predict.

“Calm” is one of the most common things families ask for in a Labrador, but it can mean very different things to different people. Here’s what I actually want to know when I’m matching puppies with families.

Puppy placement is about more than choosing a favorite from the litter. Here’s what I’m evaluating as puppies develop, how family preferences factor into the decision and why I choose which puppy goes home with each family.