"Puppy Culture is a video series that explores in detail the critical early periods of development that each puppy goes through as well as what you can do to increase your odds of raising a happy, socially successful, and trainable dog" . Check it out at puppyculture.com. In order to raise puppies that are enrichment seekers, who want to explore new things and not fear them, we introduce them to something new every day, such as tunnels, wobble boards, even new toys and sounds.
Puppy Culture techniques, Early Neurological stimulation, early grooming and handling training are just a start to teaching your puppy to be a confident, happy puppy. Much of his temperament is formed in his new environment. They still have a lot to learn.
They may go through fear stages that you must help them through. They should never be put in frightening situations that they can't escape from. Even visits with friends with other dogs can be scary and if your puppy looks uncomfortable they should be removed from the situation. If you suspect your puppy is going through a fear stage, then cut back on novel places and things a bit and slowly introduce things that are non-threatening and interesting. Make things Happy, Happy, Happy.
Remember when you take your puppy home they have been removed from their mother, siblings and everything they've known their entire lives. It may take 3 weeks for them to be comfortable with your family and routine. Give them a quiet place to rest and feel safe. Limit activities and visitors for a couple of weeks so you don't overwhelm your puppy. Introduce them to other pets in a controlled and safe way. Even the best raised puppy can become fearful or reactive if forced into situations that they are uncomfortable with.
Even a big 6 month old puppy is still a baby and learning about the world. Make them feel safe in it and you'll have a confident happy puppy that is a joy to live with.
Lastly - Poodles are sensitive. They want to please and do not like making mistakes. They are very smart. They don't do what you want because you demand it, they do it because they love you and want you to be happy. They react much better to happy tones of voice and positivity. If your puppy is confident and having fun they will do anything you want to do.
There are a lot of new/different protocols for puppy vaccine scheduling. Some people choose to wait until 9 weeks before giving the first vaccine, and I respect their decision to do what is best for their puppies. I will be exposing my puppies to other people and places before that time, so, to be sure they are protected, I choose to stick to the tried and true vaccine schedule that I've used for nearly 40 years, and is recommended by my vet as well. My puppies will receive their first vaccine at 6 weeks, followed by 9, 12 and 16 week vaccines. They are wormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks old.
All puppies will have a vet checkup before leaving for their new homes.
Puppy aptitude testing evaluates a puppy's behavioral tendencies ranging from social attraction (degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence), to retrieving, to sound and sight sensitivity. The test is performed at 49 days and helps to determine the temperment the puppy will have as an adult and what type of family best suits him/her. The puppies are tested one at a time, in a location they've never been, and the test is carried out by someone they've never met. This person is a disinterested 3rd party with no involvement in the puppy's sale or future home.
Puppies are given scores from 1-6 based on their reactions to the tests.
Interpreting the Scores - It's best to stay away from the extremes. Mostly 1's will be a dog with a strong desire to be pack leader and may be aggressive. Mostly 6's may be so independant that they don't need you or other people. Few puppies will test with all 2's or 3's, there will be a mixture of scores. For that first time, wonderfully easy to train, potential star, look for a puppy that scores with mostly 4's and 3's.
Grooming is a big part of a poodles life. In order to stay healthy and comfortable they should be groomed approximately every 6 weeks. I groom mine every 3 weeks if possible. Our puppies are exposed to the sound of the clipper at a young age, and by the age of 6 weeks have had no less than 4 nail trimmings and 2 face/feet/tail shaves.
Our Dogs have been thouroughly health tested. DNA tests include Von Willebrand, Degenerative Myelopathy, Neonatal encephalopathy, and 175 others. They have had OFA hip xrays or penn hip, heart, and eyes tested as well. We've taken every precaution to be sure we are producing healthy puppies, even to the point of doing Diversity testing through UC Davis to ensure that we are producing litters who have the best chance for diversity in their genes - which leads to a stronger immune system and less likelihood of some auto-immune diseases.
Our puppies are guaranteed for 1 year - against genetic diseases and health issues. Full written Health guarantee will be included with the puppy.
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