Ladd Hill Labradoodles review: Poor customer service 39

I have 2 dogs from Ladd Hill. Josie assisted me with my almost four year old and her assistant Heather helped me to get my second one, now 20 months old.

I have a Chocolate and a Carmel puppy. Both are incredible dogs and come from a therapy line. I was treated very well and the breeder was honest about availability and options. I could not be more thrilled with the choices. They have made my life rich.

Josie is a very experienced breeder with puppies who live all over the United States. I have noticed other breeders have purchased her puppies for their breeding line. She is precise and thorough about quality breeding standards and the care of the guardians and the puppies. The litter raisers have a protocol of giving positive human contact and socialization at the critical time in their development which affects their temperaments and ability to be open to training. This is one of the reasons she has such gorgeous, smart, healthy dogs with gentle temperaments.

I was treated well and had so many questions when I got my first labradoodle from her. They were answered with expertise and kindness. I wholly recommend this breeder.

I had a truly horrible experience as a former guardian with Ladd Hill. If I had known even half of what I know now I NEVER would have done it. I have now spoken to several other former guardians and the stories are heartbreaking. I love my dog more than words can express, but if I had it to do over again I would never have gotten involved with this company.

When I signed up to be a guardian the woman who gave me my dog said I could raise the puppies in my home. She trained me briefly to do so and then I didn’t hear from anyone for almost 2 years. When my dog first went into heat the owner had a different employee call me while I was in the car on my way to breed Rosie and she informed me I would not be able to raise the puppies in my house. My little girls had been very excited about us raising the puppies and my family is going through some hard times (I have stage 4 breast cancer) so I was upset and argued that wasn’t what I signed up for. But, I still took Rosie as planned.

Then, while sitting in the parking lot of Newberg Vet I got a text saying they had taken my dog and terminated my contract. Literally took our family dog away from me and my children after 2 years through the back door! I begged and pleaded for them to return her and they wouldn’t even have a conversation with me! Finally, I got a letter from their attorney stating my contract had been terminated, but I could buy our dog back after she had her puppies for $10,000.

A few days after this my newly pregnant dog RAN AWAY from them. She was outside alone, wet and cold for over 24 hours! I found her 5 miles away from where she had ran away! She may have died if I hadn’t found her. I could have just hidden her then and not told them I found her. But, I’m a good, honest person. I told them I found her and allowed them to take her to the litter raiser.

My dog then had 2 litters of puppies for Ladd Hill. 13 puppies and they made a ton of money (over $50,000). They never would have made that money or found my dog if I hadn’t helped.

Even after all we’d been through, I still wasn’t done with the stress and heartache they would continue to cause my family.

When my dog had her second littler of puppies it was one of the employees kids birthdays and two dogs had gone into labor around the same time. So, I offered to help them and ended up spending the night at a strangers house for two days and helping birth her puppies. Talk about above and beyond! Then, she had to have an emergency c-section with the last puppy. The Ladd hill employee told me she had been seeing lots of these c-sections since the owners had gotten vaccinated for Covid (you can’t make this stuff up). Essentially blaming me for causing my dog to have an emergency c-section because I, myself, had gotten vaccinated for Covid.

Then, she into heat again. The last time she was close to her heat cycle they had emailed me telling me to watch for signs. Not this time though. And it was Christmas time and my daughters birthday. We had family in town. We were busy! I didn’t notice she had gone into heat. She was secured in my backyard when my brothers 9 month old golden retriever came over. He broke off leash from the street in front of our house and busted through my gate to get to her.. they got connected. It was awful. I called Laddhill right away to ask them what to do. The employee first suggested maybe a get her an abortion, or maybe we see if she is even pregnant and then if she is, we just raise the puppies as goldendoodles. I offered at that point to give them money to so I could just spay her. I worried about her having another litter anyway after her last emergency c-section. I wrote a letter to the owner apologizing asking what I could do to make it all right. Does she call me so we can just have a conversation about it? No. She has her lawyer send me yet another letter saying they are suing me for $52,000 for the lost profits on my dogs 3rd and 4th litters. Mind you, they had ALWAYS told me she would only have two to three litters.

We have now settled, but I had to hire an attorney and in the end pay more money than I would have (double actually) if I had just bought a dog from them. It caused me and my family so much stress and heartache.

I'm afraid you all are completely bamboozled by Josie. The dogs are amazing - yes. Josie is, without-a-doubt, an awful and horrible business owner. I personally know SEVEN victims of her horrific scams. She has ripped loved dogs out of their homes and has sued guardians many, many times. She is beyond unethical. The dogs are wonderful but her business practices should put her in jail.

I've owned a Ladd Hill Labradoodle for a year now. He's my second Australian Labradoodle, my first from Ladd Hill. Our experience has been a positive one from purchase (and we're in FL while Ladd Hill's in Oregon) to the last year we've spent with him. He's beautiful for sure... his coat alone makes him a neighborhood dog celebrity, but his temperament is what we love the most. He's smart, affectionate, was super easy to train and he brings smile to everyone he meets and to our family every day. That- in my book - is the mark of a quality breeder. I'm surprised to see anything but positive feedback on Ladd Hill. My opinion is they're a real class act and we're grateful to them for our Vance.

We have a Ladd hill doodle. He’s 6 years old and the best dog we’ve ever had. The breeding quality of Ladd hill is the best of the best. The care and love these dogs get is evident in how loving these dogs are. Ladd hill gives help throughout your dogs life. It’s like an extended family, I’m so glad I’m part of.

That complaint is BS, I'd fire you too... Some people aren't worthy,
These are truly special pups! Josie is an ethical, caring, dog person. Each dog comes with a health history, lineage, genetic info. they are high end, reinforced, by someone that cares long term about the welfare of the pack she has created. There is NOTHING unethical about the breeding choices, they are Josies' alone, and she is careful, and very strict to assure nothing gets crossed, lineage, or genetically.I see some complaints, I wish people would revise, communication can be rough sometimes, and I would guess any decisions are in the best interest of the DOGS, not the people, so that can become emotional. Now let's get down to Dug, he is the most emotionally supportive dog I have ever owned, truly in tune to his people, I thank you Josie, the bond I share with Dug, is something truly one in a million- or maybe there's a few more out there in the beautiful pack you created

I will have to add my disagreement to the complaints above. I love my dogs. Patches is my third dog and Josie remembers each puppy. One of my dogs was a handicap fellow and she gave him a chance at life. I loved him and Josie was always there for support and to help with the expenses. Once I took him, it was my responsibility it was my responsibility but still she helped. Before I had to say good bye to Lucky, she worked with me to find a personality that would work with my Chester and my sweet Lucky. I love that the breeding dogs live individual homes and are raised as family dogs. Not a puppy mill at all in my book. I love Ladd Hill Labradoodles and am considering another one from this fine business.

We love Josie and Aimee and Doug and Ladd Hill! Our perfect furry bundle of happiness arrived with Doug via American Airlines. She was a happy, well-adjusted, healthy pup and has grown into having the same traits as a dog. We adore her. I live in Philadephia and did an embarrassing amount of research across the United States in choosing a breeder. I had a long list of ethical and moral items on my checklist that were flat out deal makers or breakers. Josie checked ALL of the boxes. Not only that, she and Aimee were always patient and thorough in answering my and my husband’s questions; and we had A LOT. It should also be known that when I first filled out our application, Josie turned us down because my husband had an allergy and we live far away; her concern being that, in the off chance, my husband was allergic, it would be too hard on the pup to fly back across the country to be returned. They chose not to take my money for the potential health, safety and well-being of the puppy! The highest ethics and morals. I explained that we would never give up a pup that was ours and we were willing to take the slight risk with my husband taking allergy medication, if necessary. After communicating on the topic some more, Josie agreed and we could not be happier to be part of the LHL family - and it really is a family comprised of everyone who has been fortunate enough to adopt from LHL.

We’ve had nothing but an amazing experience with Ladd Hill. From the initial call to receiving our puppy via plane, their flexibility, support and care for their puppies is unmatched. Our puppy has been the light of our lives and we continue to recommend Ladd Hill to all our friends and family- many who are also looking to get a puppy from them.

I would like to add to this discussion about my experience with Josie and LaddHill Labradoodles. We have been working with Josie for four years now. My experience with Josie as a quality breeder was so wonderful that I have now referred two friends who have gotten two labradoodles each from her. All of their pups, including mine, are the friendliest, sweetest, smartest dogs I have ever known! The temperament of these ALDs is amazing, even with my two year old grandson. I am teaching him to respect and love our dogs, and they are loving him back. The folks I referred to Josie were so pleased they have gone back for another puppy. Whenever I have questions about my pup, Josie continues to be very good about getting back with me to answer all of my questions. I have actually visited Portland, Oregon to meet Josie and learn more about LaddHill Labradoodles. Her operation is top notch, only the best for her dogs. Her dogs come first without a doubt. Josie worked closely with us to meet as much of our puppy request as possible, even though we knew going in she couldn't guarantee sex or color. Nevertheless, she matched us with a puppy that could not have been more perfect for our family. I continue to recommend LaddHill Labradoodles to everyone I know who is interested in added a new furry member to their family.

I have four Ladd Hill doodles. They are all smart, loving, adorable pups. Josie has always responded quickly to any of our questions and encourages us to chat with other Ladd Hill owners. We travel everywhere with our pack and they are always welcomed back because they're such great pups. Who cares about a paper pedigree? We cared about temperament and buying from a reputable breeder... and we couldn't be more pleased. Proof? We started wanting just one ... and now we have four ALL from Ladd Hill. Josie can't guarantee colors or sex ... that's ridiculous ... but she does allow you to transfer your deposit to another liter. She can't be any fairer than that. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ladd Hill to anyone looking to add a new best friend to their family.

I too have to comment on the types of complaints I am seeing here. I have 2 Ladd Hill dogs and have worked with Josie for more than 2 years. I think the missing note here is that the complaining people are forgetting that they have fantastic dogs due to the diligence and attention to breeding that Josie provides at Ladd Hill. These are not puppy mill dogs but are bred with the most outstanding attention to detail of any breeder I have ever met and I am 65 and never been without a dog. You people have the best dogs of this type anywhere and your petty complaints about paper copies of pedigrees (you might want to jump into the 21st century of paperless, green living) and not having Josie available to hand you over your dog are putting aside the years and years of hard work and commitment that Josie has brought to this breed. These dogs will not end up in shelters or living on the street if we are careful to neuter and spay and leave the breeding to professionals like Josie, who of course need proof that they won't be bred outside of the network. And, that requirement is in your contract. I am sorry that some of you think Josie is not doing her job but come on folks, look at your dogs. They didn't get that personality and great look from anyone but her. Hard to work with? No. But as with any great breeder, Josie puts her dogs first and people second. Personally, I would rather have the fantastic, amazing animals that she produces than all the mushy warm and fuzzy that you people seem to be missing from her. Enjoy your dogs and be glad you have this wonderful opportunity rather than complaining because your feelings are hurt. You are the lucky few who have Ladd Hill dogs.

I too have to comment on the types of complaints I am seeing here. I have 2 Ladd Hill dogs and have worked with Josie for more than 2 years. I think the missing note here is that the complaining people are forgetting that they have fantastic dogs due to the diligence and attention to breeding that Josie provides at Ladd Hill. These are not puppy mill dogs but are bred with the most outstanding attention to detail of any breeder I have ever met and I am 65 and never been without a dog. You people have the best dogs of this type anywhere and your petty complaints about paper copies of pedigrees (you might want to jump into the 21st century of paperless, green living) and not having Josie available to hand you over your dog are putting aside the years and years of hard work and commitment that Josie has brought to this breed. These dogs will not end up in shelters or living on the street if we are careful to neuter and spay and leave the breeding to professionals like Josie, who of course need proof that they won't be bred outside of the network. And, that requirement is in your contract. I am sorry that some of you think Josie is not doing her job but come on folks, look at your dogs. They didn't get that personality and great look from anyone but her. Hard to work with? No. But as with any great breeder, Josie puts her dogs first and people second. Personally, I would rather have the fantastic, amazing animals that she produces than all the mushy warm and fuzzy that you people seem to be missing from her. Enjoy your dogs and be glad you have this wonderful opportunity rather than complaining because your feelings are hurt. You are the lucky few who have Ladd Hill dogs.

Sandy, I’m sorry your experience with us was not to your expectations. We do our best to provide fast service and reply to emails and calls promptly. We are a small family business with over 700 clients that we offer a lifetime of support to and we try to answer emergency situations first. On your pickup day, I was at the airport delivering 2 dogs to other buyers. We try hard to meet everyone’s expectations but sometimes we are unable to do this due to the timing of things.

I think the pedigree situation was a misunderstanding. Rarely do I have a buyer wanting a copy of pedigree, let alone a paper one. Most everyone wants an email. As soon as I knew you wanted a paper copy, I sent it to you UPS. My apologies for not meeting your expections!

After reading some of the recent posts concerning buying experiences through Ladd Hill, we felt the need to make comment as well.

We felt that the experience was quite impersonal. Even though we spoke to Josie on a couple of occasions, phone messages and emails were not answered in what we considered a timely fashion. If often took multiple messages and/or calls to get a response. In addition, we found it odd that we never met Josie. We assumed that if we were dealing with a high quality breeder, that we would have had the opportunity to meet her personally. That was the case with two other dogs that have been part of our lives.

On the day that we picked up our puppy from the "guardian home" it would have been a huge positive to have had Josie there to add a truly personal touch. On the 21st of September, there was only one litter of puppies being sent home with their new families. The guardian home was also in Sherwood...and couldn't have been that far from Josie's home. The woman we met at the guardian home was warm and friendly and had obviously taken good care of the litter.

We're also wondering if any puppies from recent litters have had dental issues. To date, our puppy has had two dental procedures (one from our local vet and another from a veterinary dental specialist) to correct a significant dental malocclusion. We're fully aware that it is our responsibility as pet owners to make sure our dog receives needed health care at all times, and is something that we will always continue to provide. We weren't expecting something like this and of such expense so early in our puppy's life.

As a sideline, we asked for our puppy's pedigree once we'd submitted the spay/neuter certificate. When we asked, we were told that those weren't sent out unless requested. So...we made the request. What we expected to receive was a good quality printed Pedigree sent through the mail and signed by Josie. We received an emailed copy which doesn't print well and was difficult to read. Once again, impersonal in nature.

We love our dog! She's a beautiful, intelligent and loving little creature and definitely couldn't imagine life without her! We're looking forward to many years of fun and laughs at her antics!

Sandy and Ralph Woodward
Olympia, Washington

I’m sorry you are dissapointed with your Ladd Hill experience. However, after reviewing the email chain, I can assure you your emails were answered within several days. I’m happy to send you copies of our emails. I advised you before and after your dog was neutered that I needed the microchip number on the vets neuter certificate. So far, you have refused to provide this information. I would be happy to send your refund as soon as you provide the chip number.

I have one too! Best dog ever, from the best most ethical breeding program around. Highly recommend Josie and her very special pups.

I also could not disagree more with this review. I have a Ladd Hill guardian dog. I have found Josie to be kind, very responsive to any correspondence, and she’s always willing to answer any questions. Josie is a very conscientious breeder, who spent a lot of time getting to know me and my family so she could pick the perfect dog for us, which she did. We could not love our Ladd Hill Labradoodle more. I would give Josie the highest of recommendations to anyone looking for a dog.

I have known Josie for over 6 years, I believe she is the most responsible dog breeder out there, I currently have three of her beautiful dogs, I was a guardian to all three Pegg Sue 6 years, Gunnar & Ozzie 4 years old, Peggy Sue's son's, all retired from her breeding program.

All of the testing she does before any dog gets bred is intense and time consuming, she is through and a perfectionist making sure she does right by the dogs she brings into this world, her character is of the highest I know.

I'm shocked and saddened when someone treats getting a dog like buying a car, these dogs are part of our family and are treated as such.
Especially when people return dogs to her saying they changed their minds, sometimes after 3 years or more, how can you do?
Ann Gunnin

Hello,
I completely disagree with the above complaint! We received our puppy from Josie and Ladd Hill Labradoodles 3 weeks ago. He is AMAZING, and we could not love him more. As it turns out, he is exactly the color we were looking for (we chose our litter based on the parents' colors and previous puppies), but Josie was very clear when I first reached out to her that she cannot guarantee puppy color or sex. We knew that puppy allocation takes place around 7 weeks of age going in. Josie was so patient and kind during the allocation process. She was very ill at the time, but she still spoke with me for over an hour (on multiple calls) to make sure that I was happy and comfortable with the puppy that would be joining our family! She was even concerned about the temperament of our older dog--wanting to make sure our new puppy's temperament complemented that of our older dog. Since bringing home the puppy, I have had a few questions that Josie has answered right away, and I feel certain that she will always be there to assist if any issues arise.
As for the puppy, he is incredible! So smart, so loving, so much fun! He fits right in to our family! He has seen our vet twice, and both times our vet and his staff have commented on what a great looking puppy he is! I did EXTENSIVE research on breeders of Australian Labradoodles prior to selecting Ladd Hill. I looked at every website I could find, looked at every picture of breeding dogs and past litters of puppies, read all the reviews. I firmly believe that Ladd Hill offers the best Australian Labradoodles available, and I am completely satisfied with my choice! I read this complaint prior to choosing Ladd Hill, but I also read the responses and did the research--so happy we ended up with our amazing puppy from Josie and Ladd Hill!

Let's face it, there are some people who are never happy. They seem to have problems with brothers, sisters, teachers, parents, friends, neighbors, stores, contractors, etc. we all have encountered them. Too bad for this lady, I hope she finds what she needs.

I am 55 and have had dogs, cats, horses etc all my life. Pound puppies, purebreds, 25 lbs to 80 lbs... you name it. I have two Ladd Hill labradoodles and they are the most loving, calm, intuitive, easy to train and endearing dogs I've ever owned. They have different personalities; one is a loving, dorky goofball and the other is the calm perfect lady. I found LaddHill when my teenage son was pet-sitting a one-year old puppy - it was the calmest year-old-dog I'd ever seen. I asked the owner and she told be about LaddHill and her experience. I called e-mailed Josie the next day. Here's what I'll say about Josie. She is the opposite of a puppy mill. Her breeding dogs are in loving homes enjoying life. Her #1 goal is to make sure that her puppies go to caring homes where buyers understand dogs, what to expect and how to raise a well-adjusted dog. She matches shyer, calmer pups with less active buyers and rambunctious, energetic pups with experienced dog-owners with active children. Over the 15 years of a dog's life the personality fit is 1000% more important than the color or sex. New Runner sounds like she wanted to buy a dog the way I buy a car - a certain color, a certain interior off an assembly line delivered on a certain day. That's not how ethical breeding works! For example, if an ethical breeder isn't happy with the temperament of recent puppies produced by a newer stud she's planning to use to prevent in-breeding, she SHOULD decide not to breed to him and pick a different stud. And yes, the puppies that arrive 60 days later may not be the same colors as were originally hoped for when the breeding was originally anticipated, but the puppies will be better pets. No breeder can know until those pups are born what sex they'll be - or guarantee the litter size. Labradoodles come in many colors - that's half the fun. A LaddHill buyer can wait until next litter if they are adamant with a certain color or sex - but Josie's #1 concern is putting loving puppies in loving homes where there is a good fit... and she can be pretty adamant about it! New Runner doesn't sound like a dog lover as much as a consumer unhappy with a product. Knowing Josie's commitment to right-homing her puppies, I'd bet $100, she refunded the non-refundable deposit because she knew she might never make New Runner happy, and that a different breeder might be a better fit for her needs. The irony? Sounds like a puppy mill production line is exactly what New Runner wants!

I sure do not know what this person is talking about! Josie at Ladd Hill is the best breeder that we have encountered. We have adopted dogs (not labradoddles but labradors) from other breeders for over 45 years and we have never had a breeder who was more considerate of our needs and more importantly finding the right dog for our situation. We have adopted two dogs from Josie and would not consider going to anyone else. As to a being a "bully", Josie is absolutely at the opposite end of that spectrum! She wants what is best for her puppies and is firm about that but "bully" she is NOT! Best experience in adopting a puppy that you could have when you choose Ladd Hill!

I couldn't disagree with the complaint more. I have purchased two labradoodles from Ladd Hill and both experiences have been nothing but friendly and professional. Both pups are happy, healthy, and adjusted easily into our homes. I fell in love with our first puppy at first sight and Josie was kind enough to let us adopt him. With the second pup, she asked us to choose our top three favorites after describing their personalities and viewing their pictures. We were lucky enough to get our first choice and she's just as affectionate as Josie had told us she was. We are even thinking of a third doodle and wouldn't consider getting him/her from anyone else.

I've had the exact opposite experience with Ladd Hill! FIrst off, they are NOT a puppy mill! I've been to Josie's many times, and I only wish my dogs could live in an environment, like her dogs! She runs a very professional business. She has the right to change the litter color based on the stud she uses. She also can remove a dog from her program at any time! Keep up the good work LADD HILL!

I have found Josie to be patient, kind, and very willing to co-operate with me in finding the right puppy color I will be happy with.I have drivin this women CRAZY for months changing my litter's due to traveling. I'm coming across the country to pick up my Ladd Hill puppy, and can't wait to meet Josie and my new "love"! If there ever was a client to fire it would have been me! Conscientious yes, bully... no way.

I totally disagree! I have had my puppy for almost a year now and he is an absolute doll. Josie was great throughout the buying experience and afterword if I had any follow up about the puppy. She produces VERY high quality dogs that are 100% worth the money. She gave me a dog that is not just a dog but truly a part of my family. I wouldn't want any other dog as a companion.

I had the exact opposite experience at Ladd Hill Labradoodles. I had nothing but accurate, clear communication from Josie. I also have 2 friends who have puppies from her and have had great experiences. I purchased my dog Max from her last year. She was very upfront from the beginning that my requests for dog sex, size, color, and specific litter would be met as possible but that they don't know the exact specifics about the puppies until they are actually born. I was always given the option to wait for the next litter if I wanted to. What I was most impressed with was her always putting the puppies well being first. She made an effort to learn about my family and our lifestyles so she could make the best match possible between puppy and family. When I went to pick up my puppy from her home (she raised the litter herself at her home) I could see the great environment that he spent the first 2 months of his life in and that she truly loved all of those puppies. I would not hesitate to recommend Ladd Hill to my family and friends. Max is the best dog and we absolutely love him.