WHY CHOOSE CALLASTERNS STANDARD POODLES?

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

The feedback I get from my puppy buyers supports my belief that a solid foundation from birth builds a better puppy.  For Callasterns puppies, that foundation begins with Dr. Carmen Battaglia’s Early Neurological Bio-Sensor exercises which are designed to build strong neural pathways in the brain as well as teach the body's adrenal system how to react swiftly to fear/changes.  I believe it also activates the inner ear more quickly, as there is usually no motion sickness in my puppies - even those who travel coast to coast.  I add to the standard ENS exercises with specific poodle targeted grooming items as well - clippers, brushing, and Dremel nail care. These exercises are only effective until the pups eyes and ears open. Since my pups seem to be opening their eyes earlier and walking earlier - I attest that to using the ENS exercises! Tails and dew claw removal is day 4 after birth - they get 2 days to rest before we begin the ENS training exercises. You can research the ENS training online. This is how they start military working dog puppies.

With the 2018 litter, I added a new facet to the Neurological Bio-Sensor Stimulation with "scent" work.  Each day, for 14 days, I'll introduce the puppies to a different scent (if your need something special for a working service dog - let me know and provide that scent for me) and I note whether they are attracted, repulsed or neutral on that scent. Since at that early age (4-16 days old) the only senses they have are touch, smell and taste, it is fascinating to watch their noses and brains begin working together.  I can give you names of puppy buyers of my puppies for service dog work. They will be happy to talk to you about the pups and how they developed.

The Puppy Culture program is the basis for my socialization of the puppies.  I found that the first litter of puppies I raised using Puppy Culture seems to have been better socialized and more confident - able to react to new or startling situations in a much more calm manner and with a very quick recovery.  They have a curiosity about new things, seem to learn quicker and retain the knowledge.  They are very engaged puppies with their families!

I stress Health Testing to CHIC status on both Dam and Sire.  What isn't so well known is the amount of work I actually put into the selection of a Sire for my girls or the quality of the Bitch to breed my boy(s) to.  My first standard poodle breeding took me almost 2 years to find the perfect dog to compliment my girl.  I have gone into pedigrees as far back as 25 generations.  I want to know if there are health problems that I can avoid.  I run test breedings and, when possible, get the projected COI (Co-Incidence of Inbreeding) of a litter from that breeding.  I look for general health, longevity, genetic testing and titles obtained through their pedigrees. I will only participate in breeding with like-minded, preservationist breeders/owners.  My standards for temperament, structure, intelligence, beauty and performance are very high.  My aim is, and will always be, to produce the healthiest, most well adjusted, intelligent and beautiful puppy for you.  Whether you are looking for a show/breeding prospect, performance, service dog, service or therapy dog, or a very loving pet - I will do my best to accommodate your needs and requests.  As I tell everyone I speak with - you don’t choose the puppy - the puppy will choose you. If it is for a service dog, you will only have a choice from those that showed an aptitude for the work you need them to do.

I know that I am very picky about my Puppy Buyers.  I want to know that the puppies that I put so much thought, hard work and heart into will be as treasured by their families as they are by me.  I need to know that I can trust my Buyers to follow the guidelines outlined in the Purchase Contract as it pertains to vaccinations, neuter/spay age and use of preventative gastroplexy.  You are your puppy's advocate in all things and I will always be available to back you up. You DO have a say in what is done to your puppy, regardless of what a Veterinarian or friend may suggest, i.e. early spay neuter, Rabies shot with the last puppy shot, Lepto and other shots you may not need.  Because poodles have hair and not fur, their lanolin level is lower on their skin. Liquid flea/tick medication applied to the back of the neck or shoulders of your puppy should never be used on a Poodle or any other non-shedding breed. Nor should a flea collar be used for the same reason - it can cause a nasty chemical burn. I have used Simparica when I was in an area with fleas and ticks.

When you purchase a puppy from me - you get me as as part of the package!  I will always be here to help you with any questions you may have about products, training, grooming, health or behavior questions. If I don't have the answer - I will reach out to my own breeder network and mentors for the answer.  I might know a lot, no one knows everything, but 25 years with poodles helps!

I've often been asked why I do all these things. They are extremely time consuming.  The simple answer is - for the love, betterment and preservation of this magnificent breed.  I am proud of the title of a Preservationist Hobby Breeder. This isn’t a job, it is a passion. There are no perfect dogs, but I do try to get as close to perfect as I possibly can.  I truly love every puppy from birth to their end.