Poodle Pulse: Sportsmanship
by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, Poodles | 0 Comments
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
by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, Health, Poodles | 0 Comments
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
by sixgun | March 11, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
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...
Poodle Pulse: Movement Matters
by sixgun | March 10, 2025 | Poodle Pulse | 0 Comments
Movement Matters: Evaluating the Poodle in Motion A poodle can be picture-perfect when stacked, but true breed type and functional soundness are proven in motion. After all, a dog isn’t meant to stand still—it’s meant to move with efficiency, balance, and purpose....
Poodle Pulse: Kennel Blindness Can Occur in Any Breed
by sixgun | March 10, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Kennel Blindness: Protecting the Future of Our Breeds As preservation breeders, we bear the immense responsibility of safeguarding the health, structure, and purpose of the breeds we love. Yet even with the best of intentions, there’s a silent threat that can...
Poodle Pulse – Prey Drive
by sixgun | February 17, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Poodle Pulse - Prey Drive Understanding Prey Drive in Dogs & How We Assess It in Puppies What is Prey Drive? Prey drive is a dog’s natural instinct to chase, capture, and sometimes kill moving objects. It’s an inherited trait that varies by breed and individual,...
Let Dogs Be Dogs: The Problems with Unrealistic Expectations
by sixgun | February 17, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Let Dogs Be Dogs: The Problems with Unrealistic Expectations One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is expecting their dog to be something other than what it is—a dog. We often hear phrases like, "He should just get along with everyone," or "She should know...
A Discussion of Ethics
by sixgun | January 22, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Ethics, it's always on my mind, always on my mind. And my brain is full! Sorry for this long post in advance. I recently had a wonderful, thought provoking deliberation with a group of knowledgeable, experienced handlers/breeders from multiple breeds. It has set my...
Poodle Pulse – Dog Food Diet Quick Summary
by sixgun | January 15, 2025 | Poodle Pulse, Health | 0 Comments
Nutritional Breakdown by Food Type: Fresh, Raw, and Kibble Diets Below is a comparison of Fresh, Raw, and Kibble diets based on how they meet AAFCO nutrient requirements for dogs. Each section discusses protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, water content,...
Poodle Pulse – Dog Food Diets
by sixgun | January 15, 2025 | Poodle Pulse | 0 Comments
This is a follow-up to the previous Poodle Pulse on AAFCO Guidelines. Diets AAFCO Nutrient Requirements for Dogs (2023 Guidelines) AAFCO has established minimum and maximum nutrient requirements for dogs based on two primary life stages: Growth & Reproduction:...