Knotty Creek Labradors

24/09/2025

🐾🍯Honey Update! 🐝🐾

Straight out of River and Kiba’s last litter, Honey is showing off some incredible natural talent! Her handler shared that she is very rat-driven—so focused on the hunt that she ignored treats and needed almost no guidance to work her search. Honey is not even a year old yet!🐀

This girl is sharp, confident, and ready to shine with her second barn hunt competition coming up in October. Watching her instincts kick in is exactly what we strive for with purposeful, ethical breeding and early development—dogs who not only excel in their work, but also love it.

We’re beyond proud of Honey and her handler for putting in the time and dedication to let her shine. ✨💛

21/09/2025

🎨🐾 Knotty Creek Star Goes to Print! 🐾🎨

We just got the sweetest update from one of our Knotty Creek pups — Miss Stella, from our last litter, has been chosen to be featured in... wait for it... a COLORING BOOK! 🖍️📖

That’s right — our girl is officially coloring book famous! 🌟

From tail wags to crayons & creativity, Stella is spreading joy in the cutest way possible. We couldn't be more proud of her — or more grateful to her amazing family for keeping us updated! 💛

Looks like Knotty Creek pups don’t just fetch... they pose for illustrations too. 😉

16/09/2025

Hi everyone! I know some of you noticed we announced an upcoming litter on GoodDog 🐾. Unfortunately, I lost my cell phone this past week and am currently waiting for a replacement to arrive.

I promise I’m not ignoring anyone—I’ve just been locked out of most of my accounts and communication has been a little tricky. Once my new phone arrives (hopefully next week), I’ll be able to return calls and messages as normal.

Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding. It’s been over a decade since I’ve actually lost a phone, and I have to admit, it feels like my whole world has been flipped upside down without it!

– Knotty Creek Labradors 💛🐾

P.S. When sending puppy updates please send your full name, dogs name and what litter they are from. THANK YOU!

08/09/2025

Let’s make sure our Knotty Creek Labradors live the longest, healthiest lives possible!

Did you know Labradors are one of the breeds most prone to obesity? Extra weight doesn’t just mean a few more rolls — it can shorten your dog’s lifespan by up to 2.5 years and increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

⚖️ Why Weight Management Matters for Dogs

Because “a little extra love” on the scale can take years off their life.

Many pet owners underestimate the impact of just a few extra pounds. But in dogs, even 5–10 extra pounds can strain the heart, lungs, hips, and joints—shortening lifespan and reducing quality of life.

🐾 Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs

Joint stress & arthritis: Extra weight puts pressure on hips, knees, and spine, worsening conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Hip dysplasia complications: Overweight dogs with hip dysplasia develop pain and lameness sooner, often needing costly surgery.

Heart & breathing issues: Fat deposits make the heart work harder and restrict lung capacity.

Diabetes & hormonal disease: Obesity increases insulin resistance and risks for endocrine disorders.

Shortened lifespan: Studies show overweight dogs live up to 2 years less than dogs at a healthy weight.

🧩 How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight

Ribs are difficult to feel under fat.
No visible waistline when viewed from above.
Belly hangs down instead of tucking up.
Tires quickly on walks or struggles to get up.

👉 A Body Condition Score (BCS) chart from your vet is a great tool for assessing ideal weight.

✅ Tips for Healthy Weight Management

Portion control: Follow feeding guidelines and measure food with a cup—not by eye.
Limit extras: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Exercise daily: Walks, play, swimming, or low-impact activities strengthen muscles and burn calories.

Joint support: For large breeds, combine weight management with supplements (omega-3s, glucosamine, chondroitin) to protect hips.
Vet checkups: Rule out metabolic causes of weight gain and set safe target goals.

🐕 Helping dogs maintain a healthy weight is one of the simplest, most powerful ways we can give them longer, happier, more comfortable lives.



📖 References:
German AJ, Holden SL, Wiseman-Orr ML, et al. Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves after successful weight loss. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2012;26(2):317-324.
German AJ, et al. Long-term follow-up after weight management in obese dogs: The role of diet in preventing regain. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2010;24(2):401-407.
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). 2021 Pet Obesity Survey Results.

03/09/2025

🐾✨ Aspen & Brutus ✨

Today’s adventure was nothing short of unforgettable. We drove an hour into the woods and hiked another hour up the creek in search of hidden swimming holes. What started as a quest for waterfalls turned into a powerful reminder of just how in tune dogs are with the world around them. 🌲💧

Along the way, we stumbled upon dens—one filled with old bones and another holding a fresh carcass. The moment they scented it, Aspen and Brutus shifted gears. They weren’t panicked, but they were laser-focused. They pointed, paused, and alerted every time they sensed something near. Their instincts said: We’re not alone.

Even when we reached the waterfalls and swam in the oasis pools, the dogs never relaxed. Their eyes scanned, their bodies stiffened, and they stayed ready. When my intuition finally said it was time to leave, they were already telling me the same thing.

On the way out, it was like the universe was speaking through them—every stop, every pause, every alert. Their calm, steady presence was the reason I felt safe enough to get back.

Aspen and Brutus aren’t just adventure partners—they’re protectors, guides, and reminders of why we call dogs man’s best friend. 💛

27/08/2025

Does your dog rush the door or gate? If so you may want to start working with your dog!

🚨🐾 Do you know the #1 cause of UNNATURAL death for dogs in the United States?

👉 Fun fact (and a sobering one): It’s not poisoning. It’s not dog fights.
The leading cause of accidental death in dogs is being hit by a car.

Most of these tragedies are preventable. And prevention doesn’t just come from fences or leashes—it comes from training and boundaries.

Why Basic Training Matters Early

•Sit, Stay, and Place: Teaching these commands early creates impulse control. A dog that automatically sits at a door instead of bolting is a dog that’s less likely to run into the street.

•Door Manners: Rushing past doors, gates, or car doors is one of the fastest ways a dog ends up in traffic. Training them to wait until released can literally save their life.

•Young Minds Learn Fast: The earlier you ingrain these behaviors, the more natural they become. Puppies raised with consistent rules grow into safer, calmer, more reliable adults.

Real-Life Example

Think of it this way: If a dog slips a collar, a simple “Sit!” or “Stay!” could stop them from darting into traffic. Without that training, panic and instinct take over—and too often, the outcome is tragic.

⸻

🌱 The bottom line:
You can’t bubble-wrap your dog, but you can protect them with training, structure, and safe practices. Start young. Be consistent. And remember, every “Sit-Stay” you reinforce could one day be the reason your dog comes home safe.

🐾 Hit Like & Follow for more dog facts, safety tips, and rescue updates.

📚 References:

•Raghavan, M. (2008). The epidemiology of fatal dog bites and motor vehicle-related dog deaths in the United States. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
•American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dog Behavior and Training: Importance of Early Training and Socialization.
•American Kennel Club (AKC). Why Teaching “Wait” and “Stay” Could Save Your Dog’s Life.
•PetMD Veterinary Team. Common Causes of Accidental Death in Dogs.

26/08/2025

🎉🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾🎉

Every day feels like Dog Day when you live with a Labrador, but today we get the official reason to celebrate the dogs who make life brighter. 💛

From creek splashes ➝ to sunset hikes ➝ to perfecting the “professional cuddle,” Knotty Creek Labs are all about big hearts and bigger adventures.

Labradors aren’t just companions—they’re teammates, therapy for the soul, and the best reminder that joy can be as simple as a wagging tail. 🐶✨

So here’s to the dogs who keep us smiling, keep us moving, and keep our hearts full. Happy National Dog Day from all of us at Knotty Creek!

👉 Share a photo of your Labrador in the comments so we can flood this feed with Lab love!

03/08/2025

💛 The Shift Has Begun 💛
Puppy energy is noticeably softer around here today. Go-Home Day started yesterday, and a few more pups left this morning—already, we’re seeing the difference. The once chaotic chorus of zoomies, barks, and tug-of-war battles has mellowed into softer play, thoughtful glances, and little searches for their missing siblings.

They know something has changed. And so do we.
Each goodbye is a little tug at the heart, but knowing these babies are heading into loving, prepared, amazing homes makes every tear worth it. We’re completely in love with each and every family who chose Knotty Creek Labradors, and we are honored you trusted us to raise your newest family member.

We still have a few little ones soaking up the last of their time here before their big adventures begin. For now, we’re leaning into the quiet and reflecting on the joy these puppies have brought into our lives—and the joy they’re about to bring into yours. 🐾💫

02/08/2025

📹 Zoomie Mode: Solo Edition
While his littermates nap, this little guy bursts into an all-out zoomie session — full sprints, spazzy energy, and random plops like his legs just gave out mid-run. 😂

🐾 Why the tail tuck?
It’s not fear — it’s arousal-driven posture. Some puppies instinctively tuck their tails when they’re overstimulated or overly excited. His loose body, playful movement, and goofy behavior tell the real story:
He’s not scared. He’s just vibing.

This is exactly what healthy solo play looks like — confidence-building, sensory-rich, and totally weird in the best way.

31/07/2025

☀️ Rise & Romp at Knotty Creek! ☀️

This morning’s agenda? A full-blown puppy showdown featuring the classics:

🐾 Tug of War (aka: who can hang on the longest while spinning in circles)
🐾 Chase Me! (with bonus points if you can dodge three littermates and still keep the lead)
🐾 Steal the Favorite Toy (it’s always the toy someone else has, obviously)

The yard echoed with happy growls, barks, and that unmistakable “I got it first!” pride bark. Every pup showed off their personality—some played rough and rowdy, others tried diplomacy (aka sneak attacks). Either way, tails were wagging and hearts were full.

This is more than just play—it’s a critical part of our puppy development program. Social play helps build confidence, coordination, and communication skills that carry through into adulthood.

And yes… the favorite toy changed paws at least 14 times before breakfast. 🐶💥

30/07/2025

🚨 Emergency Vet Call- Labrador Needs Help

We don’t often share rescue cases here on our Labrador page. When we have puppies on the ground, we pause intakes and focus fully on raising confident, healthy companions. But sometimes, our community needs us—and we can’t look the other way.

Earlier today, we were called to help a dog found in distress: vomit with blood pooled outside the home, and her body laying nearby, collapsed in her own blood.

She’s now at the emergency clinic. She’s alert but weak, and the vets are working to stabilize her and figure out what’s going on internally. Vitals were normal at home, but this is clearly serious.

As always, we’re covering the cost to get her seen—but we’re asking for help to cover the full bill.

❤️ If you’ve ever wanted to help make a direct impact—this is one of those moments.
💸 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/emergency-vet-care

🙏 Please share. Please give if you can. Please keep her in your thoughts.

27/07/2025

Weekend Adventures at Knotty Creek!
This weekend was full of belly laughs, soggy paws, and pure puppy joy 🐾

Our current litter had the BEST time romping around with the kids—snuggles, splash sessions in the kiddie pool, and even a full-on game of “puppy bath time” (don’t worry, they were supervised and pampered like royalty 💦👑).

Everyone handled the excitement like champs—calm, confident, and beautifully even-tempered… well, except Timber. He’s our little turbo-charged go-getter, always leading the charge and living for the chaos! The kids were clearly his kind of party crew.

Sweet Finn, our small silver boy, took just a little bit of warm-up time (which is totally normal!), but within the hour he was leaping, pouncing, and running with the rest of the pack like a pro.

The pups even played follow-the-leader on and off the paddleboards—yep, we’ve got some future water lovers in this bunch! 🌊💛

Socialization like this is so important in these early weeks. It helps build confidence, adaptability, and trust in new environments. At Knotty Creek, we don’t just raise puppies—we raise companions for real life.