Gemini: Piper x Deacon Puppy Report

Gemini

Gemini will be trained as a service dog. Her mom flew from New England to get her and she traveled without incident to her new home!

From her mom over the last week:  We survived the flight! Not a peep. We spent a lot of time prior to the flight in the carrier, practicing and sleeping and whatnot. Now she’s sleeping next to me in the car, almost home finally! What a day! She just wants to be close ????

All is well this morning! Typical puppy antics– demand barking, crate whining. Pushing boundaries to see what she can get away with. The usual. We had fun this morning playing, she’s coming out of her shell fast! We had our own little “walk about” around the house which she enjoyed. So far no accidents in the house, all outside pees and poops. Now she’s eating a fish chew after her nap!

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

She is doing really well! She’s loving learning all the things. We’re going to start learning tricks soon for Novice. We’ve had no potty accidents and learned to love the crate. When she’s done play, she goes to her crate to sleep. She can be sassy sometimes, but that’s just her and we’re constantly working on being respectful and its already paying off. I love her!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

When Whelping Goes Wrong: What Breeders Need to Know About Dystocia

For those of us who dedicate our lives to ethical, preservation breeding, the miracle of birth is one of the most humbling, powerful experiences we get to witness. But not every whelping goes as planned. One of the most serious complications breeders must be prepared...

Inbreeding Depression

In my last post, I mentioned inbreeding depression — a concept that may be unfamiliar to newer breeders. I thought it would be helpful to take a moment to explain what it means and why it matters. Inbreeding depression is a term used to describe the reduced biological...

The Cellular Clock – Telomeres and Longevity

🧬 Telomeres and Longevity: Understanding the Cellular Clock In the quest to understand aging and longevity, telomeres have emerged as a significant piece of the puzzle. These protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes play a crucial role in cellular health and...

Is There a Perfect Recipe for Breeding the Ideal Dog?

Spoiler: It's More Like a Balancing Act Than a Bake-Off Breeding dogs is often compared to baking—carefully measured ingredients, a trusted recipe, and a dash of heart. But here’s the truth: there’s no single recipe for producing the perfect specimen of any breed, no...

Poodle Pulse: UC Davis and Betterbred DNA Mapping – a deeper look

🧬 How UC Davis and BetterBred Map DNA – And What It Actually Means This is a follow-up to my post on Understanding Canine Genetic Diversity Research. When we talk about "mapping DNA" in canine genetic diversity testing, what we're referring to is the process of...

Poodle Pulse: Understanding Canine Genetic Diversity Research and What it Means for Poodle Breeding

🐩 Why Genetic Diversity Matters for Standard Poodles Preserving the Standard Poodle means more than producing pretty dogs with correct coat and adorable faces. At SPFL, we believe every litter starts with a purpose: to honor the breed's history while safeguarding its...

Poodle Pulse: Allergies and Ears

Allergies and Ears Standard Poodles are cherished for their intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic coats. However, like many breeds, they can be predisposed to allergies, which may lead to chronic ear infections and other health challenges. Understanding the types...

Poodle Pulse: Sportsmanship

Good Sportsmanship in Dog Sports (Including Conformation) Good sportsmanship is the heart of ethical participation in any dog sport, from conformation to agility, obedience, and beyond. It’s not just about how you act when you win but also how you conduct yourself...

Poodle Pulse: Performance Poodle Nutritional Needs

Fueling the Athlete vs. Nourishing the Companion: Nutrition for Standard Poodles As a preservation breeder and performance enthusiast, one thing I often get asked is, “Do performance poodles really need a different diet than companion dogs?” The short answer is: yes!...

Poodle Pulse: To Be or Not To Be a Breeder

Thinking About Becoming a Breeder?  Here’s How to Prepare: 1. Find a Mentor and start with Quality Stock. Connect with a reputable, ethical breeder whose dogs are registered and titled with recognized kennel clubs such as the AKC, Canadian KC, or FCI. A good mentor...