"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 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.
I prefer a limited vaccine schedule for my puppies and dogs. Puppies will receive their first vaccine a couple days before going home at 8 weeks. I recommend their next shots at 12 and 16 weeks. That 16 week shot will last one year and the following one should last three years. I do not recommend any distemper combo be given yearly.
Puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks old, and a fecal is run at their exam before going to their new homes.
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 7 weeks and helps to determine tendencies the puppy may 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.
This temperament test is only a snapshot of one 20 minute time span in a young puppy's life. Was this puppy first or last to be tested? Is he hot, cold, hungry, tired? There are a lot of variables and this test is not meant to pigeonhole a puppy or to imply that they will never learn or display any behaviors that they do not display on that day. It's a tool. Most breeders already know the temperaments of their puppies going into the test which they can use to help interpret the results and choose the proper home.
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 thoroughly health tested. DNA tests include Von Willebrand, Degenerative Myelopathy, Neonatal encephalopathy, and 175 other diseases covered in most panels, as well as PRA-RCD4 and Day Blindness. 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 that can be verified in a genetic health panel. Full written Health guarantee will be included with the puppy.