Tiny Toy Poodles of Danville VA
where a Tiny Treasure Awaits You
Nutrition Guide
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Food with Active Biome is specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of growing puppies while promoting a healthy digestive system. The inclusion of Active Biome is designed to support the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in the overall health, immune system, and digestion of the puppy.
Exercise Needs
Tiny Toy Poodles are small, active, and intelligent dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here’s a guide to their exercise needs: Daily Exercise Requirements Duration: 30–60 minutes of exercise daily.
Training Techniques
Key Principles of Puppy Culture Critical Socialization Period (3-16 Weeks): This is the most critical time for shaping your puppy's behavior and personality. Expose your puppy to new experiences, people, sounds, and environments gradually and positively. Positive Reinforcement: Use rewards like treats, praise, or play to encourage desired behaviors. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as these can lead to fear or anxiety. Focus on Problem Prevention: Teach behaviors that prevent common issues, such as leash walking, crate training, and gentle mouth handling. Training Steps for Your Toy Poodle Puppy 1. Early Neurological Stimulation (Day 3–16) If the breeder has implemented Puppy Culture from birth, your puppy may already have experienced early neurological stimulation (ENS). This builds resilience and adaptability. 2. Socialization and Confidence Building (Weeks 3–16) Introduce New Experiences: Gradually expose your puppy to: Household noises (vacuum, doorbell, TV). Different surfaces (grass, carpet, tile). Friendly people and pets. Puppy Parties or Playdates: Allow your puppy to meet vaccinated, friendly dogs to learn social skills. 3. Training Basic Commands (8+ Weeks) Teach foundational commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it using: Treats as rewards. Short sessions (5–10 minutes) to match your puppy’s short attention span. Incorporate training into play to keep it fun. 4. Crate and Potty Training Crate Training: Make the crate a positive space with comfy bedding and toys. Reward your puppy for going into the crate voluntarily. Potty Training: Establish a consistent schedule for meals and potty breaks. Reward outdoor success immediately to reinforce the behavior. 5. Teaching Good Manners Use Puppy Culture’s techniques to prevent undesirable behaviors like jumping, nipping, or barking. Redirect inappropriate behaviors to toys or positive actions. 6. Handling and Grooming Habituation Get your Toy Poodle used to: Brushing and combing. Nail trimming. Ear cleaning. Handle their paws, mouth, and ears gently while giving treats to make it a positive experience. 7. Enrichment Activities Provide puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive games to keep their active minds engaged. Introduce simple agility or obstacle courses to stimulate both mind and body. 8. Gradual Exposure to Alone Time Teach your puppy to be comfortable when alone to prevent separation anxiety. Start with short periods and gradually increase the duration.
What's ENS?
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a series of simple exercises designed to stimulate the neurological development of puppies during their critical early developmental period, which is from birth to about 16 days old. ENS is especially important for Toy Poodles because it helps promote healthy brain and sensory development, leading to improved behavior, adaptability, and overall well-being later in life. Purpose of Early Neurological Stimulation The main goal of ENS is to introduce puppies to mild stressors in a controlled environment, which encourages the development of their nervous system and helps them become more resilient to stress and new experiences as they grow. This can lead to: Better socialization skills Improved confidence and adaptability Enhanced problem-solving abilities Reduced anxiety and fearfulness Increased tolerance to different stimuli (such as new environments, sounds, and people) How Early Neurological Stimulation Works ENS involves five simple, but specific, exercises performed on puppies starting around the third day after birth and continuing until about 16 days old. These exercises are designed to stimulate the puppy’s senses, balance, and motor skills. Here are the 5 exercises involved in ENS: Tactile Stimulation (Touch) Gently hold the puppy on its back with its head slightly lower than its body. Hold it for about 3-5 seconds. This stimulates the sense of touch and helps develop muscle strength and balance. Head Elevation Gently lift the puppy’s head, keeping it in a normal position (not bent or twisted) and hold it for about 3-5 seconds. This helps develop muscle control in the neck and head area and stimulates the vestibular system, which controls balance and coordination. Supine Position (On Back) Place the puppy on its back for about 3-5 seconds, similar to the first exercise. This helps with balance, body awareness, and the development of motor skills. Thermal Stimulation (Cold) Use a cool (not cold) surface, like a damp towel, and place the puppy on it for about 3-5 seconds. This stimulates the puppy’s skin and helps with temperature regulation. Rocking Motion Gently hold the puppy in your hand and rock it back and forth, simulating movement. This exercise helps with coordination and builds the puppy’s sense of motion and stability. Benefits of ENS for Toy Poodles Better Stress Tolerance: Puppies that undergo ENS are better equipped to handle new experiences and stressful situations throughout their lives. Stronger Socialization: Puppies exposed to ENS are often more confident and social as they grow older, making them more adaptable to new people, environments, and situations. Improved Behavior: Studies suggest that puppies who undergo ENS are less likely to develop behavioral problems such as fearfulness or aggression. When to Start ENS For Toy Poodles, the right time to begin ENS is when the puppies are 3-5 days old, as this is when their neurological development is at a crucial stage. The exercises should be performed every day until they reach 16 days of age, after which the benefits of ENS start to decline. Important Considerations Moderation: ENS should be done gently and briefly (3-5 seconds per exercise) to avoid overwhelming the puppy. Consistency: The exercises should be done every day for the full duration of the critical period to have the most beneficial effect. Handling: Always be gentle and mindful when handling young puppies to avoid causing any harm. If you are unsure about performing ENS or have any concerns, consult a veterinarian or professional breeder with experience in this practice. ENS is a valuable practice for enhancing the development of Toy Poodles, helping them grow into well-adjusted, confident, and resilient dogs.
Poodle Health
Obedience Training
Key Principles Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, or play as rewards for good behavior. Avoid punishment, as Poodles are sensitive and may become anxious or fearful. Consistency: Use the same commands and signals every time. Ensure everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses the same training approach. Short and Fun Sessions: Tiny Toy Poodles have short attention spans. Keep training sessions between 5–10 minutes. End sessions on a positive note. Patience: Remember that progress may be gradual. Celebrate small successes! Basic Obedience Commands 1. Sit How to Teach: Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose. Move the treat upward, causing their head to follow and their bottom to lower. Say "Sit" as their bottom touches the ground and immediately reward. Practice: 5–10 repetitions per session. 2. Stay How to Teach: Ask your puppy to "Sit." Open your palm in front of their face and say "Stay." Take one step back, then return and reward if they stay in place. Gradually increase the distance and duration. Tip: Always release them with a cue like "Okay" or "Come." 3. Come How to Teach: Attach a lightweight leash. Say "Come" enthusiastically while gently pulling the leash. Reward generously when they reach you. Practice: Indoors first, then move to a fenced outdoor area. 4. Down How to Teach: Start with your puppy in a "Sit" position. Hold a treat close to their nose and move it down toward the floor. Say "Down" as they lie down and immediately reward. Tip: Be patient, as "Down" can take time to master. 5. Leave It How to Teach: Place a treat in your closed fist and say "Leave it." Wait until your puppy stops trying to get it and reward them with a different treat. Gradually progress to placing the treat on the floor. 6. Heel (Walk Nicely on a Leash) How to Teach: Use a leash and hold a treat near your side to guide your puppy. Say "Heel" and take a step forward. Reward them for walking calmly at your side. If they pull, stop and wait for them to return to you before continuing.
Socialization Techniques
1. Start Early (3–16 Weeks) This period is critical for shaping your puppy’s personality. Expose them to as many positive experiences as possible during this time. However, even older dogs can benefit from gradual socialization. 2. Exposure to New Environments Take Short Outings: Introduce your puppy to different settings, like parks, sidewalks, pet stores, or outdoor cafés. Surfaces: Walk your puppy on grass, sand, tile, carpet, and other textures to build confidence. Noise Desensitization: Expose them to everyday sounds like vacuum cleaners, doorbells, traffic, or children playing. Start with low volume and increase gradually. 3. Meeting People Variety of People: Introduce your puppy to people of different ages, appearances, and clothing (e.g., hats, uniforms). Positive Interactions: Allow people to offer treats or toys to make interactions enjoyable. Supervise: Ensure interactions are gentle and stress-free. 4. Interaction with Other Animals Safe Playdates: Arrange controlled play sessions with vaccinated, friendly dogs or other pets. Dog Parks: Visit dog parks, but supervise closely. Start in a small dog area or quieter times. Observe Body Language: Ensure your puppy feels safe. If they seem scared, create space and reintroduce them slowly. 5. Positive Reinforcement Reward your puppy with treats, praise, or toys during and after successful encounters. Avoid forcing your puppy into situations that scare them. Let them approach at their own pace. 6. Introduce Handling and Grooming Handle your puppy daily to get them comfortable with being touched: Touch their paws, ears, and tail. Practice mock grooming sessions with a brush, nail clippers, or a towel. Visit the groomer early to familiarize them with the environment and tools. 7. Gradual Exposure to Alone Time Leave your puppy alone for short periods to prevent separation anxiety. Start with a few minutes and gradually increase the time. 8. Puppy Classes Enroll in a puppy socialization or obedience class to provide structured interactions with other puppies and professional guidance. 9. Introduce Unusual Experiences Expose your puppy to harmless but unusual objects and scenarios: Umbrellas opening. People on bicycles, skateboards, or wheelchairs. Balloons, mirrors, or household items. 10. Monitor and Adapt Observe your puppy’s reactions. If they seem stressed or overwhelmed, remove them from the situation and try again later. Gradual exposure is key—don’t rush the process. Signs of Successful Socialization Approaches new situations with curiosity. Remains calm around unfamiliar people or animals. Recovers quickly from startling sounds or experiences. Common Socialization Mistakes Forcing Interactions: Never force your puppy to engage if they seem fearful or hesitant. Skipping Socialization: Failing to introduce them to varied experiences can result in fearfulness later. Negative Associations: Avoid scolding or creating stressful experiences during socialization. By using these techniques consistently and positively, your Tiny Toy Poodle will grow into a confident, adaptable, and happy companion.
Behavioral Correction
General Principles for Behavioral Correction Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or toys to encourage repetition. Redirect Behavior: Distract your dog from undesired actions and guide them toward appropriate alternatives. Consistency: Use the same cues, rules, and responses every time a behavior occurs. Timing: Correct or reward immediately so your Poodle associates the action with the consequence.
Fun Activities
Outdoor Activities Walks and Strolls: Take your Poodle on short walks around the neighborhood or park. They love exploring new sights and smells. Try varying your route to keep things exciting. Fetch: Use a small, lightweight ball or toy to play fetch. This game combines exercise and bonding time. Agility Training: Set up a mini obstacle course in your backyard with tunnels, jumps, or weave poles. Tiny Toy Poodles excel in agility due to their intelligence and agility. Picnics or Outings: Bring your Poodle along for a picnic or a visit to a pet-friendly café or park. It’s a great way to socialize and explore together. Hiking (Light Trails): Choose easy, flat trails for your Poodle to explore. Always bring water and watch for signs of fatigue. Indoor Activities Hide-and-Seek: Hide in a room and call your Poodle’s name, rewarding them with a treat or praise when they find you. Puzzle Toys: Invest in treat-dispensing or interactive puzzle toys to challenge their problem-solving skills. Tug-of-War: Use a small, soft rope toy to play tug-of-war. Ensure it’s a controlled game where you teach them to “drop it” when needed. Training Sessions: Teach new tricks like “spin,” “roll over,” or “high five.” Poodles love learning and thrive on positive reinforcement. DIY Games: Create a simple snuffle mat by tying strips of fabric to a rubber mat and hiding treats inside. Make a treat scavenger hunt by hiding small rewards around the house. Social Activities Playdates: Arrange meetups with other small, friendly dogs for playtime. Doggy Daycare: If appropriate, send your Poodle to a reputable daycare for supervised socialization and play. Creative Activities Photo Sessions: Dress your Poodle in cute outfits or use props to have a fun photoshoot. Dog Art: Put a piece of canvas inside a plastic bag with a few drops of pet-safe paint. Let your Poodle paw at it to create “art.” Relaxing Activities Cuddle Time: Tiny Toy Poodles love being close to their humans. Spend time cuddling on the couch with their favorite blanket. Massage: Gently massage your Poodle to relax them and build trust. Seasonal Activities Splash Play: In warm weather, let them splash around in a shallow kiddie pool or chase water from a sprinkler. Costume Contests: Participate in local or online pet costume contests. Poodles look adorable in themed outfits! Holiday Fun: Wrap small toys or treats for your Poodle to "unwrap" during holidays like Christmas.