Medical:

Our puppies will come to their new home having had their tail docked, their dew claws removed and fully up to date on their puppy shots (which are given at eight, twelve and sixteen weeks).  They also will have been on a deworming schedule.  A health certificate of all vaccines & deworming doses administered will be provided for their new family to give to their new Veterinarian. They will need their first rabies vaccine between sixteen weeks and six months of age.  We recommend neutering or spaying prior to six months or as suggested by your Veterinarian.  It is also a good idea to start your puppy on heart worm prevention by five months of age.  We also strongly advise having your Veterinarian microchip your puppy as soon as possible.  All of our Standard Poodle puppies are examined by our Veterinarian before leaving us, however, we suggest the new owner takes the puppy to their own Veterinarian soon after they arrive in their new home.

Grooming:

It is important to brush a Standard Poodle's coat several times a week to prevent their hair from matting.  Poodles typically need a hair cut every 6 - 8 weeks and bathing them as needed.  It is also important to keep their nails trimmed and their ear canals free from hair.

Exercising:

The Standard Poodle puppy requires daily exercise to ensure good health. Taking walks, running in the yard, throwing a ball around - anything to get them up and moving (without over doing it) will benefit the puppies health as well as helping to prevent behavioral problems.

Feeding:

The puppies need to be fed 3 or 4 times a day.  The puppy food we would recommend using is actually the Kirkland Signature Super Premium Puppy: Chicken, Rice and Vegetable; purchased at Costco.  This is a very affordable, healthy, dry dog food that we have been quite pleased with.

Socializing:

 Exposing your puppy to different settings & people is a very important part of their overall mental and behavioral health.  Take them to the park, the pet store or on a walk through town.  Praise them for accepting petting from friendly strangers and for behaving calmly around other dogs.  The more your puppy learns of the world around them, the more comfortable they will be in it.

Training:

When house training your puppy whether it is crate training or paper training, you need to be consistent.  Accidents will happen, so be patient.  Take the puppy outside frequently to relieve themselves, especially after eating or napping.  Praise them often.

Teaching your puppy basic commands will not only make your life easier, but will also fill your puppies desire to learn and please you.  Puppy obedience classes are often fun for the owners and are beneficial for the puppies as they socialize with other dogs.