Little Helper Kennels
- Richmond, VA
Meet the breeder
I'm Tala C., the breeder behind Little Helper Kennels located in Richmond, VA. Founded in 2024, LHK is a smaller hobby breeding project with the goal of producing overall versatile Labrador retrievers - with service work in mind.
Q. & A. with Tala
Why did you start breeding?
Little Helper Kennels grew from a desire to help people with disabilities gain a biddable, healthy, well-rounded service dogs. Founded by individuals who rely on service dogs themselves, we know how vital it is to have a healthy, reliable dog. Our program focuses on producing an all-around retriever capable of succeeding in a variety of venues while remaining an easy-going companion at home.What makes your program special?
All of our dogs are raised by certified trainers with service work as a primary focus. Our program exclusively uses positive reinforcement methods, aligning with the standards set by Assistance Dogs International for all programs...including those supporting owner-trainers. We believe dogs intended to produce future service dog candidates should be raised & trained with these expectations from the start.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black and chocolate. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Tala
Tala has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Tala partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 7 weeks old.
Price
Contract & health guarantee
Tala may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Tala offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Tala directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Initial potty training
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Tala.
Breeder's location
Meet in Richmond, VA
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Richmond Airport (Byrd Field)
Meet in Durham, NC
More about Tala
Certifications & recognitions
IAABC-ADT, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Family Dog Mediator, Atlas Certified Service Dog Trainer, Professional Dog Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, CCPDT-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers).
Tala has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Tala was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Tala is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Little Helper Kennels meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Little Helper Kennels reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Labrador Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), DNA Disease Panel, Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
