Celebrating Spring Success: A Season of Triumphs and Transformation

Celebrating Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes Accomplishments

Spring has been a whirlwind of excitement and achievements here at our kennel. April and May saw our young stars shining brightly in the ring, each one making us incredibly proud. Here’s a rundown of our incredible successes in April and May, showcasing our teams’ hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances.

Valkyrie: A Champion Rises

Starting the season with a bang, Valkyrie earned her champion title at just 6 months old. Her graceful presence and flawless performance in the conformation ring were nothing short of spectacular. Valkyrie’s journey to the title was a testament to her impeccable structure and balanced temperament, qualities we consistently choose for our program.

Artie: A Versatile Star

Artie, at 7 months, not only claimed his champion title but he and Vivian also showcased his versatility across multiple disciplines in the following month. He earned his first rally obedience title UR01, his first barn hunt title RATI, and a gun dog group 2 placement. As if that wasn’t enough, he collected several total dog awards, underscoring his all-around excellence and adaptability in both conformation and performance events.

Gwen: Grace and Strength at 8 Months

Next up, Gwen stepped into the spotlight, earning her champion title with grace and elegance at only 8 months old. Her happy disposition, poised demeanor and striking appearance made her a standout in the ring. Gwen’s achievement reflects her exceptional lineage and the careful, thoughtful breeding that goes into producing such exemplary poodles.

Lupin: Rising Star at 7 Months

At 7 months old, Lupin followed suit, securing his champion title with flair. His journey through the shows was marked by quick growth and understanding, and a charming personality that captivated judges and spectators alike. Lupin’s title is a proud addition to our ever-growing list of accomplishments.

Alyria: Champion at 9 Months

Alyria rounded off our championship streak by earning her title at 9 months old with a series of stellar performances. Her determination and spirited nature were evident in every step she took in the ring. Alyria’s achievement is the perfect finishing touch to a season of success, showcasing the strength and quality of our breeding program.

Phoenix: Grand Champion at 15 Months

Phoenix reached a significant milestone by earning her grand champion title at only 15 months old. She is the first of our third generation to attain this award. Her journey reflects her exceptional quality, as well as the dedication we put into our breeding program. Phoenix’s success is a testament to her outstanding conformation and her ability to excel at a young age.

Keshi and Mini: Best Puppy Awards and More

Keshi and Mini had a fantastic spring, each earning several Best Puppy of Breed and Best/Reserve Best Puppy in Show awards. However, the true highlight was introducing them to the show environment. Mini, in particular, captured hearts with her transformation from a stubborn, will-not-walk shark-baby to a graceful and willing-to-please little star. Watching her grow and adapt was a joy for everyone involved.

Reflecting on a Remarkable Spring

This spring season has been filled with incredible achievements and heartwarming moments. Each title earned is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into every aspect of our breeding and training programs. We are immensely proud of Valkyrie, Artie, Gwen, Lupin, Alyria, and Phoenix for their outstanding achievements. Our young poodles have demonstrated exceptional potential and promise, each one embodying the qualities we strive for in our breeding program. From champions to grand champions, and versatile performance titles, our dogs have showcased their versatility, temperament, and outstanding conformation.

As we look forward to the rest of the year, we remain committed to our mission of creating healthy, well-balanced poodles with proper structure and temperament. Here’s to many more successes and memorable moments in the show ring! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and cheered us on during this remarkable spring season. Here’s to many more successes and unforgettable moments in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us and our poodles.

Health Testing Transparency

On my website, visitors can easily navigate to the OFA section to view comprehensive health clearances for each of my dogs (of breeding age). I believe that transparency shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for a select few; it should be the standard practice embraced by all responsible breeders.

Welcome to Poodle Pulse! Today’s topic is Choosing the right food and supplements for health and vitality!

Health and Vitality

We’ve always prioritized the health and happiness of our beloved pets – and we understand that our clients share the same concern!

That’s why we delved deeper into researching the nutrition we provide to our dogs. Amanda completed several studies on dog food during her pre-vet schooling, which I feel gave us a good head-start. After an extensive exploration of the topic of canine nutrition and food quality including AAFCO, AAHA, PetMD, and many other sources, we were growing concerned about any ‘real’ options for our beloved dogs. I was especially concerned for my puppies as their food was missing a key ingredient (DHA) recommended by AAFCO.

Then I was referred by a friend to an exceptional line of pet products. Alright, imagine a product that leads to less pet waste, less odor in that waste, and provides superior nutrition for our dogs with ingredients of human-grade quality. Why wouldn’t I give it a shot? I did extensive research as I am apt to do and ordered some samples. Happily, this food stands out as the epitome of quality, surpassing any other options on the market – and it’s surprisingly affordable when you consider all of the details!

The food is made is small batches so there’s no inventory sitting in warehouses for extended periods. AND a bag of food is taken from EVERY one of those small batches and sent to an independent testing lab to confirm the nutritional values and quality. Without hesitation, we transitioned our pups and dogs to this superior food, and we were so impressed that we decided to align ourselves with the company!

Life’s Abundance offers direct shipping to customers, making it incredibly convenient – say goodbye to hauling heavy bags of dog food to your car! Plus, their dry food batches are produced in limited runs regularly, minimizing storage time and ensuring the freshest product arrives at your doorstep within just 4-6 weeks of being made! Here is my list of pros and cons:

Pros 

• Human-Grade ingredients
• High-quality protein sources
• Good balance of omega fatty acids
• Lower in calories
• Nutrient profile is above average in terms of typical dry food
• Excellent for skin and coat

Cons 

• Not available in commercial stores so convenience is low
• A bit pricey for the lamb and brown rice variety

Furthermore, with a flawless record of zero recalls and a generous 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee, they set a standard that few can match.  

Which other food can boast such credentials?

I wanted to make a comparison serving to serving, so of course I created a spreadsheet, lol! There are some key differences that I appreciate in the Life’s Abundance food. Also, per serving, Life’s Abundance All Life Stages food is less expensive than what I had been feeding! With my dogs, that saves me about $1 per meal!

We strongly encourage you to try this food; your pet will thank you for it! You can also find supplements, treats and chew in addition to other quality products for people and pets. Here is a link to my page: lifesabundance.com/spfl

From the company’s website:

Important Info About the Life’s Abundance Company: Life’s Abundance is a holistically formulated pet food company that has chosen to direct ship our products to the public rather than through the pet stores. We do this on purpose. Our product formulators include Dr. Jane Bicks, a retired holistic veterinarian who has 30 plus years of expertise in the pet food industry, along with a team of industry experts. Dr. Jane has worked with a lot of major pet companies in the past, but left them years ago because they went the way of economics rather than better nutrition. Dr. Jane realized that most pet foods get spoiled and damaged by the fact that they are sold through stores. The industry average for pet foods to sit around is 6 months to a year. So we bypass pet food stores altogether and ship the freshest possible product in the industry right to people’s homes. Our products are made with high quality premium ingredients. Most pet foods are made from what’s been rejected for people. People like to call their pets their children, but I guarantee they would never feed commercial pet foods to their actual children. When people discover our products, however, they stick with them for life because they produce genuine results – and we do a good job at educating the customer. In fact, 70% of our customers are on a regular auto-shipment. So, in a nutshell, there really is no other pet food that can come close to what we do. We’ve been in business since 1999 and HAVE NEVER BEEN RECALLED.

Only the finest ingredients go into our foods:

• A proprietary blend of vitamins & minerals
• High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
• An antioxidant system including vitamins C & E
• Prebiotic fiber & guaranteed pet-specific probiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin & a shiny coat
• Calcium & phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
• Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract (see details about Firmtastic below)

Here’s what we leave out of this recipe:

• No artificial flavors or colors
• No corn or corn gluten
• No wheat or wheat gluten

We take the quality of your pet’s food seriously and therefore maintain the highest standards of product safety so you’re getting the premium pet products you’ve come to expect from us.

When you feed your dog this recipe for all life stages, they’ll have a clearer path to overall wellness and a healthier lifestyle for an all-around happier pup!

Firmtastic – The Fiber Solution for Better Health and Less Mess

Features

• Custom fiber blend made to support your pet’s overall health
• Proprietary formula created by fiber experts in animal nutrition
• Synergistic recipe complements ingredients in our foods and treats
• Backed by three years of research and testing

Benefits

• Reduces odor
• Improves overall stool quality
• Aids digestion and promotes gut health
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Makes transitioning foods easier
• Gentler on sensitive stomachs
• Appetizing taste and texture pets love

Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes exclusively feeds Life’s Abundance Small/Medium Breed Puppy Food AND Life’s Abundance All Life Stages Dog Food.

Sadie and Daisy; a client testimonial

Sadie and Daisy

I love getting updates from our SPFL families! George and Marge have been fantastic about staying in touch over the years. They took home one of the ‘luxury car litter’ puppies born October 2018 (Porsche, [Alfa] Romeo, and Mercedes).

Porsche and Sterling puppies are HERE!

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of a beautiful litter born on 1/24/2024. Porsche and Sterling have blessed us with 7 healthy and adorable puppies!

???????????? Four lovely girls:

• 2 will be blue or silver
• 2 will be cafe or silver beige

???????????? Three handsome boys:

• All will be blue or silver

Stay tuned for updates on these little bundles of joy as they grow and thrive. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in welcoming one of these precious poodles into your home! ????✨ #PoodlePuppies #NewBeginnings

???? Porsche is doing an amazing job as a therapy dog, bringing comfort to cancer patients. Her gentle and caring nature is making a significant impact. Wishing Porsche a swift recovery! ???? She brings so much joy and comfort to those she helps. Here’s to her returning to her wonderful ‘job’ soon.???? #TherapyDog #MakingADifference #PorscheStrong #TherapyDogHero

Ensuring Canine Wellness: Annual Certifications

Annual Certifications

As dedicated preservation dog breeders, we understand the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of our beloved companions. One of the fundamental practices we adhere to is the annual certification process, ensuring that our canine family members are in optimal condition. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the recent recertification journey of Rhett, Katerina, Callista, and Daphne for the OFA CAER eye exam and OFA cardiac evaluation.

The OFA CAER Eye Exam

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers the Canine Eye Registry (CAER) program, which focuses on evaluating and certifying the ocular health of dogs. Our commitment to the highest standards led us to have Rhett, Katerina, Callista, and Daphne undergo this comprehensive eye examination. The CAER exam assesses various aspects, including retinal health, cataracts, and other eye abnormalities, providing valuable insights into their ocular well-being.

OFA Cardiac Evaluation

Heart health is paramount in ensuring the overall fitness of our canine companions. The OFA cardiac evaluation is a crucial component of our annual certification process. By having Rhett, Katerina, Callista, and Daphne undergo this examination, we aim to detect any potential cardiac issues early on. This thorough evaluation includes auscultation and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests to assess the cardiovascular health of our dogs.

The Recertification Process

On top of regular veterinary and reproductive care, our recent recertification efforts involved meticulously examining each dog’s eyes and heart. Rhett, Katerina, Callista, and Daphne underwent the OFA CAER eye exam and OFA cardiac evaluation to ensure they continue meeting the established health standards. These annual certifications are a testament to our commitment to responsible breeding and a proactive approach to safeguarding the well-being of our canine family.

The Importance of Annual Certifications

Regular health evaluations are pivotal in preventing, identifying, and addressing potential health issues in dogs. This is a core pillar of our program. Through annual certifications, we not only adhere to the guidelines published by reputable organizations like OFA but also prioritize our dogs’ longevity and quality of life. It’s a proactive measure that reflects our dedication to ethical breeding practices.

The recent recertification of Rhett, Katerina, Callista, and Daphne for the OFA CAER eye exam and OFA cardiac evaluation is not only a commitment to their individual well-being, and continued commitment to the AKC Breeder of Merit program, but is also paramount to our ability to provide a robust 3-year health guarantee for the puppies we offer. By ensuring that our breeding dogs meet and exceed the health standards set by reputable organizations like AKC and Poodle Club of America, we aim to instill confidence in our puppy buyers, assuring them of the quality and health of the dogs they bring into their homes.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there’s anything specific you’d like to know about our annual certification process, health testing in general, or standard poodle health concerns!

Excitement Unleashed: Anticipating the Arrival of Katie and EZ’s Poodle Pups!

Dear Poodle Enthusiasts and Forest Lakes Families,

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of an upcoming litter that promises to produce pups that are nothing short of extraordinary! Our beloved Forest Lakes American Champion, UKC Multiple Best in Show, and Multiple Reserve Best in Show Ruby Grand Champion, Katie, is set to welcome a litter of exceptional puppies sired by the remarkable Best in Show, Multiple Reserve Best in Show, and Best in Specialty Show American Champion and Multiple Reserve Best in Show Canadian Grand Champion Litilann’s WinterGarden Style N’Eaze, fondly known as EZ.

EZ is no stranger to the spotlight, currently holding the 2023 prestigious title of #1 Poodle in Canada across all varieties and ranking as the impressive #3 Non-Sporting dog. At the last dog show of 2023, EZ brought home four Group 1s, a Reserve Best in Show and a BEST IN SHOW! His accolades speak volumes about his outstanding qualities and the promise he brings to our breeding program.

This image and all rights heretofore belong to owners Ann Rairigh, Mary Jo Winters and Vicky Holloway.

Katie, a shining star in her own right, boasts an impressive track record earning her AKC championship in just 3 weekends, her UKC Emerald and then Ruby Gemstones with 2 Best in Show and 2 Reserve Best in Show Awards, 25 Best of Breed awards (her first of which was at 8 months of age), and 19 Group placements (five Group 1, six Group 2, five Group 3 and three Group 4). Even taking time off for her AKC career and having a litter, Katie finished at UKC’s #5 Standard Poodle for 2023. She is not only beautiful and showy but athletic as well, with titles in FastCAT and Precision Coursing. And last but not least, Katie has undeniably proven her sound temperament in all circumstances, illustrated by her amazing drive and off switch and demonstrated by her Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen titles.

Anticipate an exquisite blend of genetics from fabulous bloodlines, resulting in black and white puppies that are visually stunning and embody superior conformation and temperament. Our commitment to ethical breeding practices goes beyond the norm, ensuring the health and well-being of each precious pup.

As preservationists, we are dedicated to creating healthy, well-balanced poodles with proper structure, and this upcoming litter is a testament to that commitment. We also understand the importance of temperament in our dogs, especially for those who go on to become service and therapy dogs, a role many of our pups have embraced with great success.

EZ’s OFA

Katie’s OFA

We invite you to embark on this journey with us as we eagerly await the arrival of these extraordinary poodle pups. Stay tuned for updates on the pregnancy, the birth, and the subsequent growth and development of this promising litter. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share these precious moments with our extended Forest Lakes family.

Thank you for being a part of our passion for poodles!

Warm regards,

Michele and the Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes Team

2023 Wrap up – A Glance at Our Remarkable 2023 Achievements

Celebrating Success

I am so excited to share our 2023 Achievements!!!

As the year draws to a close, it’s with immense pride and joy that I take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had so far. With puppies on the ground throughout the year, our own new puppy training adventures, and the culmination of a bustling semester, the pace has been relentless, but so have our accomplishments.

54 New Titles and Awards in 2023: A Triumph of Excellence

In the spirit of early celebration, I am thrilled to announce that we’ve already racked up an impressive 54 new titles and awards in 2023. This brings our total to 167 titles and awards as Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes, and 181 as dog owners. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment that defines our pursuit of excellence in the world of standard poodles.

A Dynamic Year of Growth and Success

From the show ring to companion and performance sports, each achievement represents a step forward in our mission to produce healthy, well-balanced poodles with impeccable structure and temperament. The energy and vitality that our puppies bring to our breeding program are matched only by the enthusiasm with which we approach every challenge and opportunity.

The Power of Teamwork: Grading Projects and Shaping Futures

The challenges extend beyond the breeding world as the semester draws to a close. Grading large senior projects demands time, focus, and meticulous attention. However, my commitment to shaping the future of both my students and our beloved poodles remains unwavering.

Our team is truly a gift, comprising skilled groomers, dedicated veterinarians, compassionate vet techs, invaluable mentors, and our wonderful friends who are always ready to lend a hand. Their collective expertise and willingness to join me in puppy rearing have enabled us to offer our puppies an exceptional foundation and a positive beginning in life.

Looking Ahead: Anticipating Further Triumphs

With the year still unfolding, the excitement lingers as we anticipate a few additional titles and awards. Excitement fills the air, especially considering the delightful addition of the fabulous Am CH Martin and the puppies Artie, Gwen, and Alyria to our program. Artie has already secured his first title, and the anticipation builds for the upcoming achievements of Gwen and Alyria. The journey continues, and with every step, we reaffirm our dedication to the principles of preservation, health, and excellence.

Join Us in Celebrating Success!

As we celebrate our 2023 achievements, I invite you to share in the joy and excitement of this dynamic year. Stay tuned for more updates, victories, and heartwarming stories as we press forward, shaping the future one paw at a time.

Here’s to the achievements of 2023 and to the many more waiting on the horizon!

• Alyria – Best Puppy in Show 
• Artie – AKC VHMP
• Deacon – UKC Grand Championship
• Daphne – UKC Championship and Grand Championship
• Callista – UKC Grand Championship and RACEN
  • AKC BCAT
• Dior – UKC Championship, Grand Championship, RACEN, DASH, BIS
  • AKC BCAT, CGC, CGCA, TKN
• Feia – AKC Agility Excellent, Master Excellent Jumper, Open Agility, Open Agility Jumper, Novice Agility
• Katie – UKC Emerald and Ruby Grand Champion Titles, RACEN, RACEA, 2 BIS, 2 RBIS
  • AKC Championship, BCAT
• Martin – AKC Championship
• Phoenix – UKC Championship, 3 BPIS, 4 RBPIS
• Piper – UKC RACEA
• Porsche – UKC DASH
  • AKC CGC, CGCA, TKI
  • VIP VCX
• Quil – AKC DSA
• Rhett – UKC DASH, RACEN, UWP
  • VIP VCX
  • ATD Certified Therapy Dog

Make a Great Start: 50+ Questions to ask a Breeder when considering getting a puppy

(c) Michele Harvey This content may not be redistributed by any individual, business entity or social media page without my express, written permission.

Questions to ask the breeder before you meet or make a deposit (be prepared to walk away at any time if the answers are not satisfactory):

Breeder:

How long has the breeder been involved with this breed? If under 5 years, does the breeder have a mentor specifically for this breed? Do you want to know that the breeder is an expert on your selected breed or has knowledgeable resources to help them make sound judgements and answer any questions that may arise during the life of your pet?

Does the breeder own or breed any other breeds? It takes a lot of effort and time to build ‘expert’ knowledge on a breed and the more experienced the breeder is with a particular breed, the better.

Is the breeder involved with the parent breed club? This is the national breed organization (for poodles, in the U.S. this includes the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). They may belong to a regional club, which should be an affiliate of the national club. This membership and participation demonstrate commitment to the breed.

Has the breeder had any training or education (breed specific, breeding, DNA, diversity, etc.)? AKC University offers a full collection of free opportunities to learn about breeding, whelping, DNA testing and more (there are costs to test on a subject and get ‘certified’). Other opportunities such as BetterBred’s training on canine genetic diversity (partnered with UC Davis) are also beneficial. New research results, technologies, etc. mean that breeders need to stay up to date with continuous education.

Parents:

Does the breeder own both parents? Ask the breeder to describe both parents (e.g. physique, personality, prey drive, intelligence, friendliness, work ethic, biddability, etc.). Are you able to visit and meet them? If not, where is the sire located?

Where do the parents live? Do they live in a kennel or a crate, or are they allowed to roam free in the home? Where do the breeder’s dogs sleep?

What made the breeder decide to pair this sire and dam? What were the goals? What qualities were they trying to reproduce? Were there any characteristics they were trying to breed away from?

Have the parents or other ancestors had any health issues common or uncommon in the breed? (For example, in standard poodles – any allergies to processed chicken, environmental allergies, ear infections, etc?)

Are both parents AKC registered and will the puppies be registered/registerable? Ask to see copies of the papers and pedigrees. Will the pup come with limited (no breeding rights a.k.a. “pet” only) or full registration (future puppies bred from this dog can also be registered)? You can research data on akc.org to verify pedigree, championships, etc. United Kennel Club (UKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) are additional registries that may be acceptable to you. Continental Kennel Club (CKC) is NOT the same as AKC and Canadian KC. Continental KC should not be considered as verification that the parents or puppies’ pedigree is accurate or that any of them meet the ‘standards’ of the breed (published by the national breed club).

Have the parents been involved in showing or competing and do they hold any titles? Even if you don’t plan to show your dog, you probably still want it to have proper structure and coat for the breed. This is a very important indicator that the dog will be able to do what it was bred for and that the breeder is dedicated to the breed for the long term. Only those dogs who have earned titles in conformation have been proven to uphold the standard for the breed (conform to the standard set by the national breed club). Why is this so important, when you just want a ‘pet’? Because body structure has purpose – it is the foundation for everything else. If the dog does not have the proper structure for the breed, bone, joint and other musculoskeletal issues may present, especially as the dog ages.

You may be interested in other titles or certifications as well, or demonstrated versatility. For example, if the parents have earned certification as therapy dogs, it may indicate that the pups will have balanced temperaments. Or you may be interested in a dog sport like agility, so the parents’ success may be indicative that some pups will have an acuity for a sport.

How old are the sire and dam and how many litters has the dam produced? Note: what is important to you? For example, in my general (not breed-specific) opinion, parents should be at least 2 years of age (although 3-year-olds tend to be more mature and better mothers), should produce one litter per calendar year and should be no more than six years old. For me, this means an average of three litters and a maximum of four litters per female because my dogs are family members and I want them to have full, enriched lives involved in the activities they enjoy.

Health Testing:

Are both of the puppies’ parents CHIC certified by OFA? Ask for copies of the results – do your research in advance, the appropriate tests are breed specific (you can verify which tests by breed are recommended on ofa.org). You may also search the dog’s results on ofa.org (but they may only be visible if the owner shares all of their results publicly). Has additional testing been done? Is it important to you that all tests are reported publicly through OFA?

Have the parents been DNA tested and cleared for the common breed diseases? Ask for copies of the results – do your research in advance, know which tests are recommended for the breed (you can look for this information on sites such as https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog.php).

Please note that a carrier means different things for different diseases. In some cases, a carrier will never be affected by that particular disease but with some diseases a dog with a single copy of the gene may have the potential of developing the disease. Recessive carriers should not be culled from breeding if everything else is good (conformation, temperament, and other health tests) or we will limit the gene pool and create more health issues in the future.

What is the coefficient of inbreeding or have they been tested for canine diversity (if available for your breed)? Check out the info at https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/CanineGeneticDiversity.php.

Specifically for Puppy Buyers:

What requirements does the breeder have for potential purchasers? A reputable breeder will question potential purchasers on many things such as their home environment, activities, and needs, as well as references such as veterinarian, grooming/boarding contacts to ‘qualify’ buyers and to ensure they match the BEST pup in temperament, activity/energy level, color & size preference, etc. to each buyer. If a breeder lets the buyer pick out their own pet, they are doing a disservice to both their pups and buyers, and may inadvertently set them up for failure.

Ask the breeder to describe the breed’s grooming needs (what needs to be done, how often, what products does the breeder recommend).

Ask if you can talk to past puppy purchasers and the breeder’s veterinarian. (Separate list of questions)

Ask to see the puppy contract. Review the details and ask questions. A good breeder will not mind answering your questions and clarifying why certain information/wording is in their contract.

Is there a spay/neuter requirement and by what age? Note: current research shows that growth plates in canine bones do not close until approximately 12-15 months of age and gonadotrophin hormones are necessary for the body to do this at the right time.

What happens if you cannot pick up your puppy at the planned date? Is there a boarding fee? Can you move to a later litter? Can you get your deposit back?

Has the breeder ever turned down a sale? Listen to the response – what is said and what is not said.

About the Puppies:

What is the breeder’s health guarantee? Reputable breeders will provide at least a one-year health guarantee and will refund your monies if the dog has a congenital, life-altering disorder (whether you return the dog or not).

What type of contact/support does the breeder offer and for how long? Reputable breeders dedicated to the breed will be available to you for the life of the pup.

How does the breeder socialize their puppies? Are any specific puppy rearing protocols used? Puppy Culture is a great, all-inclusive program for raising well socialized, balanced, and confident pups. Avidog is another respected program. Please note that experienced breeders may have success using their own program, a different program, or a combination of programs, but Puppy Culture and Avidog are highly recognized and esteemed today.

At what age can puppies go home? Note:  some states regulate this age and most are at a minimum of 8 weeks. However, you may benefit from the breeder keeping the pups to 10 weeks for thorough socialization (especially if you don’t have other dogs in your home), to instill bite inhibition, get them through a fear imprinting period in about week 8, and to make housetraining easier on you (at 10 weeks they can hold their bladders longer) – and they may even gain additional basic training.

A special note on hybrids:  Just say NO. For example, in the world of standard poodles exists an increasing market interest in ‘unique’ colors. Other breeds have been introduced to bring forward colors that do not naturally occur in the breed such as ‘merle’. After three to five generations, the breeders claim the dogs are purebred poodles. This is a complete falsehood, and more concerning, it introduces health risks into the line. Any breeder who does this should NOT be trusted.

Questions to ask regarding the first meeting:

Ask to see the puppies. With proper precautions, you should be to visit after five weeks of age. However, if you are high risk (e.g. you are exposed to multiple animals – like volunteering at a shelter or visiting a dog park) do not take the risk of bringing anything into their home or kennel. If a visit is not viable, ask to video chat – good breeders should be willing to show you the puppies’ living area at any time and you can witness puppy personalities during play and interactions with mum.

Be on time! Raising puppies is a careful balance of schedule, flexibility, training and cleaning – lots and lots of cleaning! Wear clean clothes that haven’t been exposed to other animals, stop for bathroom break(s) before arriving, and wash to the elbows. Be respectful and use precautions to protect the safety of the breeder’s family and dogs.

Ask to see the parents. It is okay if they are overwhelmingly excited at your introduction. You are invading their home – their safe space, and they might be excited to meet you or they might be cautious as they don’t know if you are a risk to their pack. Watch for them to calm down over a 5-10 minute period, and only then assess their build and temperaments.

At this point, pups should have received at least one set of vaccinations and multiple wormings (e.g. weeks 2, 4, 6). Ask to see the records. If the breeder administers the vaccinations themselves, check with your vet to see if they will accept this. Some vets will not accept breeder administered vaccinations and will require you to re-vaccinate (overexposure to some vaccines can potentially cause side effects).

If puppies are at least 8 weeks old, ask to see the results of their temperament testing. Temperament testing should be done by a trained individual the puppies do not know.

Questions to ask before picking up puppy:

If relocating out of state, will the breeder supply a health certificate? Who will pay for that vet visit?

When does the puppy need to be vet-checked? When does the puppy need vaccination boosters? Be sure to schedule with your vet in advance.

Will the pups be micro-chipped? Is there a cost to the buyer regarding registering the microchip? If not, you can have this done at the well-puppy visit with your veterinarian.

What food are pups eating? Does the breeder recommend any particular products (treats, chews, toys, etc)? How many days of food will the puppy go home with?

Will the puppy come with a collar and leash?

Has the puppy been leash trained? Has the puppy been crate trained? Has the puppy had any house training or basic obedience training? What commands does the puppy know?

What other items will the puppy go home with (e.g. crate, toys, treats, blanket, potty pad for the drive, waste bags, etc.)?

Are there recommended tools and resources for care of the dog? e.g. shampoo/conditioner products, grooming videos, brushes, combs.

What should you bring when you pick up the pup?

When you go to pick up your puppy, it is highly recommended to have someone with you who can hold the puppy in the back seat. If the puppy is highly stressed in a crate, the car ride and crate could cause long term anxiety issues.

What is the best payment option at pick up? (If you bring a check – personal, cashier’s check or money order – you may not receive registration paperwork until the check clears the bank.)

Questions to ask when picking up the pup:

Have the puppy and all other dogs in the home been well during the last few days?

Does the puppy have a regular daily schedule (waking time, meals, outdoor, exercise, bedtime)?

When did the puppy last have food/water? Have a potty plan and if the pup has not received all three sets of vaccinations do NOT, under any circumstances, let your puppy out on grass where unknown dogs may have been. It only takes one sniff to pick up most communicable diseases.

Make sure you receive a copy of the contract and health guarantee, the pup’s kennel club registration paperwork, veterinarian records, worming records, temperament test results, etc.

Anyone is welcome to use this list for their own puppy search. This content may not be redistributed by any individual, business entity or social media page without my express, written permission.  (c) Michele Harvey