About our puppies
Read below to learn how our puppies are raised, evaluated and guaranteed
Puppy Culture
"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. They listen to classical music and get plenty of individual attention every day.
Health and wellness
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 at 6 weeks old.
Volhard's Puppy Aptitude Testing
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
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 4 nail trimmings and 2 face shaves.
Guarantee
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, thyroid, 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 liklihood of some auto-immune diseases.
Our puppies are guaranteed for 1 year - against diseases and health issues. Full written Health guarantee will be included with the puppy.
Copyright © 1982- 2020 Sapphire Poodles - All Rights Reserved.