Yates Family Labradors

05/25/2026

It’s taken us two weeks to be able to write this.

Our sweet Quinn crossed the rainbow bridge, and each of us in the family has been grieving her loss in different ways. We truly appreciate all of the love, prayers, messages, and support from our incredible family and friends during this time.

Quinn was such a special dog and loved our family so well. She helped build so much of what Yates Family Labradors is today. Through her puppies, grandpups, and great-grandpups, her legacy now lives all over the world from titled hunting dogs, to service animals changing people’s lives, to beloved best friends for so many families.

My parent’s house has been quiet without her. Our daughter has been asking for her. Reagan knew it was time and rested her head on Quinn during her final moments. We are so thankful Quinn let us know it was her time, giving us the chance to gather together as a family, love on her, and say our goodbyes.

She truly was a queen. A great mother, grandmother, and companion.

This took a lot for us to write, but we wanted everyone to know and to allow our hearts some time to heal first.

Thank you all again for loving Quinn and supporting our family so deeply.

05/22/2026

Heartworm disease is no longer just a “southern dog” problem. New reports are showing expanding heartworm hotspots across the country, including here in the Mid-Atlantic. Warmer winters, longer mosquito seasons, and increased dog travel are all contributing factors.

At Yates Family Labradors, this is why we strongly recommend year-round heartworm prevention and regular veterinary care for every dog, even “indoor dogs.” Prevention is far easier, safer, and less expensive than treatment.

Talk with your veterinarian about what prevention program is best for your dog and stay consistent with it.

05/19/2026

We have just 1 spot left in our June Board & Train and 1 spot left in our August Board & Train program through Yates Family Labradors × West Wind Retrievers.

📍 June Session: May 31 – June 28
📍 August Session: August 1 – August 30

Training drop-off and pick-up take place at our home in Arlington, while all training is completed at West Wind’s facility in Windsor, VA.

These spots are available exclusively for YFL dogs 6 months and older.

This 4-week immersive program focuses on:
• Loose-leash obedience
• Off-leash collar conditioning
• Real-world public exposure
• Reliable obedience at home and in busy environments

Commands taught include:
Heel • Sit • Down • Come • Place • Quiet • Leave It • Off • Look at Me

Each dog also goes home with:
• Their e-collar
• Custom pitch collar
• Momarsh raised dog bed
• Full command review at pick-up
• Life time trainer support

Training is built around positive reinforcement using praise, food rewards, loose-chain collar work, and light e-collar communication.

Once these final two spots are filled, we will begin booking future sessions for November 2026

05/14/2026

New Profile Picture Time + YFL Swag Bag Giveaway!! 🐾

Comment a picture of your YFL pup — any age, any color, any gender! We’re picking a new YFL to showcase as our official YFL profile picture for summer 2026.

If selected, we’ll mail you a swag bag loaded with fresh YFL gear!

Whether they’re a tiny puppy, a gray-faced senior, field crazy, couch potato, fox red, black, yellow, or chocolate… we want to see them all. Drop your favorite picture below!

05/14/2026

Good read!

SALEM, ORE. (March 23, 2026) — The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) – the leading authority on vector-borne diseases affecting pets and people – today released its 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast, projecting continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and hear...

05/12/2026

Last week we sent 9 Wonka x Tulsa black and chocolate puppies off to some incredible homes! 🐾

These pups are now spread across 6 different states, and it’s amazing to see our program continuing to grow all over the country. We’re so thankful for the wonderful families who trusted us with their new best friend.

We can’t wait to watch you all grow up! 🤎🖤

05/08/2026

Obviously, Nelli is VERY excited that Marley’s in town 😂🐾

Fun fact: Marley and Nelli are both yellow Labrador Retrievers and actually have the exact same genotype. Genetics are wild.

Marley comes from generations of lighter yellow Labs, while Nelli’s pedigree was selectively bred through multiple generations of darker yellow dogs. Over time, those darker shades concentrated into what the breed standard recognizes as “dark yellow” — commonly called fox red.

Same breed. Same genotype. Totally different shades of yellow. That’s Labrador genetics for you

05/08/2026

Congratulations Birdie on her Canine Citizen Certification!

05/08/2026

https://yatesfamilylabradors.com/training/

We provide labrador training near Alexandria, VA. We use various training methods depending on the dog’s age and needs. Check out our training packages here!

05/08/2026

One of my favorite shirts to wear. From the front, people always stop me and ask, “What does WWRT mean?”

That’s when I turn around.

“West Wind Retrievers & Training.”

And then I usually get the next question…
“Why are you supporting another breeder/training program?”

Because in this world, you NEED good people in your corner.

You need allies.
You need mentors.
You need support.

Whether it’s a training question, a stud dog question, puppy advice, or even how to handle a difficult customer situation… having trusted people you can call matters.

There’s enough room in this industry for good breeders and trainers to support each other instead of competing with everyone around them. The best programs don’t grow alone. They grow through relationships, respect, and surrounding themselves with people who make them better.

That’s what WWRT has been for us.