The ALA welcomes new breeders of the Australian Labradoodle both those who are new to this wonderful breed and those who are new to dog breeding.

The ALA recognizes the need for mentor breeders and applauds those of our breeders who take time to be mentors for new breeders. And for those new breeders that don’t have a mentor breeder the ALA has assigned an “Official ALA Mentor Breeder” the task of mentoring new ALA Accredited breeders who feel that they are in need of a mentor. If you have any questions as a new breeder concerning compliance with the ALA requirements click here to contact the ALA Compliance Coordinator: If you are a mentor breeder please open and print off the provided guideline details about being an ALA mentor breeder. This guideline lists the basic responsibilities for both the mentor and new breeder.

Mentoring Guidelines

The role of a breeder mentor is one which facilitates both new and experienced breeders in the initiation and development of their breeding programmes consistent with the aims of the ALA. Some breeders will have had experience with dog breeding and be new to our association. Some will be both new to the association and to dog breeding. For this reason, the breeder mentor will need to facilitate the newly accredited breeder in regards to three following aspects.

1. The ALA

• Understanding and compliance with Code of Ethics and Rules and Regulations
• Voting procedures Registrations of dogs and litters
• Announcement of litters

2. Breeding dogs

• Selection of Breeding stock both in puppies and adults
• Selection of appropriate studs/bitches
• Health and dietary preparation for breeding
• Mating and whelping advice

3. Labradoodles in general

• Understanding of breed standard
• Understanding of health, temperament and behaviour management
• Understanding of breed history
• Maintaining awareness of health problems e.g. ears, hips, eyes
• Grooming The level of input needed regarding each of these aspects will vary from individual to individual.

A rapport between the newly accredited breeder and the breeder mentor will need to be mutually established on their own terms. The new breeder needs to be aware that the breeder mentor is volunteering their time and experience and therefore ensure that contact is at mutually convenient times. The breeder mentor has a privileged position in that they become party to information not normally available to other breeders. At times, the relationship of new breeder and mentor may be seen by others as a conflict of interest. Breeder mentors therefore need to maintain the following:

1. Strictest confidentiality of private information regarding the new breeder and their programme
2. Avoid conflict of interest regarding suggestions of planned matings and selection of breeding stock
3. Maintain and display an impartial attitude to other breeders, their programmes and their dogs.

The new breeder and their mentor may wish to initiate an agreement of such either verbal or written. Please keep in mind that the new breeder mentorship is designed as a helpful tool for the new breeder. The onus is on both parties to be sensitive to the needs of each other and respect the time that is being given. The new breeder mentorship is an advice and support tool only. The new breeder is ultimately responsible to obtain professional advice from reference material and qualified veterinarians regarding their decisions and management of their dogs and their breeding programme. The ALA, nor the breeder mentor is NOT liable for any loss or damage done in any way to a new breeder’s dogs and or their breeding programme.

Mentorship is 18 months minimum and provisional breeders are required to meet certain milestones during their provisional period, including but not limited to 3 litters, after which time the new breeder will be autonomous for sourcing information within the association.

For further queries, contact the ALA New Breeder Coordinator [email protected]