Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Early Development & Training
What is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), and what are its benefits?
At Impressive Cartwright Standards, we use Early Neurological Stimulation to help our puppies start off strong. These gentle exercises stimulate their developing nervous system to promote better stress resilience and brain development.
Benefits:
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Builds stronger immunity
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Improves the puppy’s ability to handle stress
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Boosts overall well-being and confidence
What is Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and what are its benefits?
We introduce puppies to different scents early on to enhance their sense of smell and promote cognitive development. This not only helps them become better scent trackers, but it also builds confidence as they explore new environments.
Benefits:
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Sharper scent recognition skills
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Increased curiosity
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Enhanced confidence in new situations
Breeding & Puppy Care
Do you dock your puppies’ tails?
Yes, we do. Tail docking in Poodles is part of meeting AKC breed standards and is also done to maintain the traditional look of the breed.
Do you remove the puppies' dewclaws?
Yes, we do. Dewclaw removal helps prevent injury and ensures the puppy’s health as they grow.
Do the puppies get vaccinated?
Yes, all puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their forever homes to ensure they are healthy and ready for their new families.
Family Compatibility
Are Standard Poodles good family dogs?
Yes! Standard Poodles are affectionate, loyal, and friendly. They make excellent family pets, especially in active homes where they can receive plenty of attention, exercise, and love.
Are Standard Poodles good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are generally great with kids and other pets, especially if they’ve been properly socialized. Their playful and patient nature makes them wonderful companions for children and other animals.
Do Standard Poodles bark a lot?
Standard Poodles are not known for excessive barking. They are alert and may bark to notify you of a visitor or an unusual sound, but with proper training, they are generally quiet.
Training & Intelligence
Are Standard Poodles easy to train?
Yes, they are extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Whether you want to teach basic commands or advanced tricks, Poodles excel in all forms of training.
Do Standard Poodles need a job or activity?
Yes, they thrive on both physical and mental stimulation. Activities like agility, scent work, and obedience training are great for keeping your Poodle engaged and happy.
Exercise & Lifestyle
How much exercise does a Standard Poodle need?
Standard Poodles need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. This can include walks, playtime, and mental enrichment to keep them physically and mentally fit.
Can Standard Poodles live in apartments?
Yes, Standard Poodles can adapt to apartment living as long as they get their required exercise and mental stimulation. They are friendly, well-behaved dogs that can do well in smaller spaces, provided they are regularly exercised.
Are Standard Poodles good off-leash?
With proper training, they can be reliable off-leash. Standard Poodles are curious and intelligent, so recall training is essential to ensure they stay close when outdoors.
Grooming & Care
How often do Standard Poodles need grooming?
Standard Poodles need daily brushing to avoid matting, and they should be professionally groomed every 6–8 weeksto keep their coat healthy and looking great.
Are Standard Poodles hypoallergenic?
Yes! Their curly, non-shedding coat makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers, though they still require regular grooming to maintain their coat.
Health & Lifespan
What is the average lifespan of a Standard Poodle?
Standard Poodles typically live 12 to 15 years, with proper care and attention to their health.
What health problems are common in Standard Poodles?
While Poodles are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to some health issues, including:
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Hip Dysplasia
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Von Willebrand’s Disease (blood clotting disorder)
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Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) (life-threatening stomach condition)
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Addison’s Disease (hormonal disorder)
How can I keep my Standard Poodle healthy?
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Feed them a balanced diet
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Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
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Schedule routine vet checkups
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Stay on top of vaccinations and parasite prevention
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Maintain consistent grooming
Fun & Unique Traits
Do Standard Poodles like water?
Yes! Standard Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, and many of them absolutely love swimming and playing in the water.
Why do Poodles have fancy haircuts?
The traditional Poodle cut was designed to protect their joints and vital organs in cold water, while keeping them agile. Today, the haircut is largely a stylistic choice, but it remains iconic to the breed.
Are Standard Poodles good service or therapy dogs?
Yes! Standard Poodles’ intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature make them ideal candidates for service work. They are often used as therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and service animals.
Deposit & Reservation Policy
What is your refundable deposit policy?
We are one of the few breeders who offer a refundable deposit for up to 2 years from the date of payment (minus a 15% processing fee). We understand that circumstances may change, and we want to ensure you feel comfortable with your decision.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, you have 24 hours after reserving your puppy with no penalty. After 24 hours, the $300 deposit is non-refundable as it helps cover the costs of re-matching and re-posting the puppy. If you wish to stay on the waitlist for a future litter, you can apply the deposit to a future puppy.
We hope this helps you understand our process and policies a little better! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us anytime. At Impressive Cartwright Standards, we are dedicated to raising healthy, happy puppies who will make wonderful family members for years to come.