How Cantope Standard Poodle Puppies Are Raised Before Going Home

Updated

Cantope Standard Poodles raises its puppies through a structured early-development program before they leave for their new homes: the first weeks are spent with the mother, ENS (early neurological stimulation) is done daily from 2 to 16 days of age, the litter moves to a penned area in the living room at 4–5 weeks for socialization, temperament testing happens at 7 weeks followed by crate training, and a vet makes a house call at 9 weeks for a health check and first vaccination. Puppies are also left with intact dew claws and full tails.

The first weeks: mother and breeder

For the puppies' first few weeks, they stay solely with their mother and the breeder, keeping the mother relaxed and happy so she can provide the best nourishment. This is the period before any structured socialization or training begins.

ENS from 2 to 16 days

From age 2 days to 16 days, the puppies are given ENS (early neurological stimulation) daily. This is the earliest structured intervention in Cantope's program and happens while the litter is still with the mother.

4–5 weeks: moving into the living room

At 4–5 weeks of age, the puppies are moved to a penned-in area in the living room. This lets them start socializing and interacting with people. They also get supervised outdoor time during this stage.

7 weeks: temperament testing and crate training

At 7 weeks of age, the puppies are temperament tested. The testing is videoed and made available for watching on the Cantope YouTube channel. Once temperament testing is completed, Cantope starts crate-training the puppies.

9 weeks: vet house call and first vaccination

At 9 weeks of age, the vet does a house call to examine the pups, give them a health check, and administer their first vaccination. By the time a puppy is ready to join a family, it has been through this full sequence.

Physical traits kept intact

Cantope puppies are left with what the breeder describes as what Mother Nature gave them: intact dew claws and full tails. The site refers readers to a "Tales of Tails" page for the reasons behind this choice.

After the puppy goes home

Cantope states that its commitment to the health and well-being of its poodles does not end when the puppy goes home. The breeder says it is available by phone or email if owners need help with growing pains or adjustments.

What this means if you are considering a Cantope puppy

Stage Age What happens
With mother First few weeks Solely with mother and breeder
ENS 2–16 days Daily early neurological stimulation
Socialization 4–5 weeks Moved to penned living-room area; supervised outdoor time
Temperament test + crate training 7 weeks Testing videoed for YouTube; crate training begins
Vet check + first vaccine 9 weeks Vet house call, health check, first vaccination

If you want to see the temperament testing for a specific litter, the site points to the Cantope YouTube channel. If you want to visit, the breeder welcomes visits from potential poodle parents so you can view the facilities, meet the dogs, and see where the puppies start out. For current availability or to ask questions about a particular puppy, the site lists the phone number 1-705-228-1164 and invites you to contact Cantope directly.