Welcome to GocheeLabs, where family, faith & Labradors thrive together! We are a Christian homeschooling family of who lives on a peaceful country farm just outside Sherrard, Illinois. Our love for Labradors runs deep, and we are thrilled to share that passion with others through breeding and raising exceptional puppies.

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Our story began when our oldest daughter, inspired by her love for Labradors, expressed an interest in breeding these incredible dogs. It was a perfect fit, as Labs are our family’s favorite breed. After thorough research and prayer, we decided to embark on this journey not only to raise healthy, well-socialized puppies, but also to use the opportunity as a valuable learning experience for our three daughters. Through GocheeLabs, we taught them about business management, work ethics, morals, economics, public relations, and much more.

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Our Philosophy:

At GocheeLabs, we hold firm to the principle that if you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all. For us, this means prioritizing the short- and long-term health of our puppies. We do not breed designer Labs, such as mini or dilute variations, as we believe in preserving the integrity and health of the breed. Our commitment to excellence begins with extensive OFA health testing - not the bare minimum of hips, elbows and DNA, but going beyond the CHIC requirements and doing cardiac, eyes & a FULL DNA panel. Additionally, we believe in providing the best nutrition for our dogs, so we feed them a mix of balance raw & holistic kibble. 

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Our Dogs:

Our dogs are more than just beautiful pets; they are working dogs with impressive accomplishments in a variety of sports. From Therapy Dog, Dock Diving, to Canine Good Citizen, Working Certificates, Certified Pointing Retriever, Started, Seasoned & Finished level AKC & UKC hunt test titles, and IABCA awards, our dogs excel in many areas. When they’re not competing, they enjoy activities like swimming, hunting, playing with our horses, and being beloved house dogs. 

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Our Journey:

In 2012, our first litter was born, and what an adventure it has been since then! We started with just one female, and over the years, our program has expanded significantly. By 2020, we implemented Guardian Homes to ensure that our breeding dogs live in loving family environments, where they are cherished and spoiled. This has been a rewarding way to balance high-quality breeding with a family-first approach.

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In 2015, we began following the Puppy Culture protocol. Although we were already adhering to much of its guidance, it provided us with a clear, organized framework and timeline that enhances the emotional stability and learning of our puppies. This is just one of the many ways we ensure our puppies receive the best possible start in life.

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In 2021, we further elevated our breeding program by implementing the Empowered Breeder curriculum, which includes a comprehensive 10-step body handling protocol and puppy evaluations to assess temperament and development.

Our Family Business

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In 2021, Meghan graduated from the Karen Pryor Dog Training Professional Program, and in the summer of 2023, married Daniel. Together, we now run GocheeLabs with excitement and dedication. Looking ahead, we plan to have a few litters each year and we are eager to continue exploring new sports and building relationships with other likeminded breeders. 

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Raising Puppies with Love:

Our puppies are born and raised in our home, where they receive constant care and attention. From the moment their mom goes into labor, we are right there by her side, ensuring everything goes smoothly. As the puppies grow, we continue to be hands-on with every stage of their development, including crate training, potty training, and socialization.

We offer weekly updates on our Facebook page so prospective families can watch the puppies grow and develop. Our commitment to our puppies doesn’t end when they leave our home—we offer lifelong support and advice for their new families.

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At GocheeLabs, we are more than just breeders; we are a family devoted to raising healthy, well-adjusted Labrador puppies and ensuring they thrive in their forever homes. We look forward to sharing our love for Labradors with you!