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 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 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 do add to the standard ENS exercises specific 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!

Beginning 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 - 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.  From the 2018 litter two puppies showed the ability to become gluten detecting service dogs as well as an ESA dog.  It will be interesting to watch their development as they grow and train.  

The Puppy Culture program is the basis for my socialization of the puppies.  I have 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 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 50 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. COI is not the only thing I look at ... I look at VGL (Better Bred) compatibility and outlier possibilities.  I look for general health, longevity, genetic testing and titles obtained through their pedigrees.  Even with all my diligence I still have genetic teeth color banding which will just randomly show up. This isn’t a show fault but you never know which one will have it until the permanent teeth come in. I will only participate in breeding with like-minded 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, therapy dog, or a loving pet - I will do my best to accommodate your needs and requests.  As I tell everyone I speak with - you don’t really choose the puppy - the puppy will choose you.

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 Contract as it pertains to vaccinations and neuter/spay age and use of preventative gastroplexy.  I cannot stress that enough. You are your puppy's advocate in all things and I will always be there 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.

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 .... but no one knows everything!

I've often been asked why I do all these things. They are time consuming, expensive and can be heartbeaking too.  The simple answer is - for the love, betterment and preservation of this magnificent breed.  I am proud of being called a Preservationist Hobby Breeder. There are no perfect dogs, but I do try to get as close to perfect as I possibly can.