Moonlight Mesa Ranch
Providing health tested, family raised poodles and doodles
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AKC Poodles
Micro, Mini & Standard Bernedoodles

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Intentionally Raised







Health testing

Each dame and sire has to complete genetic health testing to ensure they will produce genetically sound offspring. 


Ultrasounds

Each dame has a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound at 30 days gestation.


Whelping

We are a hands-on breeder. We stay with our dames during the entire birthing process to ensure safety of her and her pups. 






















Dew Claws & Tail Docking

Our Vet docks our AKC poodle tails to show length at 3-5 days old and removes front dew claws.


Deworming

We have a strict deworming protocol that was recommended by our veterinarian.


Vaccinations

All of puppies receive their first series of vaccinations at 6 weeks from our veterinarian. Each puppy will receive a copy of their vaccination record and receipt from the vet to show what has been given. We are also able to fax records to your vet's office if needed. 


Potty Training

We introduce potty area at 3 weeks. At this stage, pups naturally move from sleep area to potty. We provide a grass pellet area for them which is not only sanitary and safer than other methods, but also imitates the smells of backyard grass.  We do not use shavings or potty pads as these methods do not assist in potty transition to home. At 6 weeks, we allow access to doggie door use into our grass yard, weather/temperature permitting. We have many families come back praising the ease of potty training their new puppy compared to other dogs they have tried to potty train. 


Kennel Training

We begin gentle kennel training at 5 weeks. We start with several puppies in each kennel with short, positive sessions. As the puppies become accustomed to their kennel time, sessions are lengthened and puppies transition to solo time. 

Puppies need a safe, comfortable place to stay for short periods of time at night and when family is away. A kennel, which feels very much like a dog den, is a great place to keep you puppy safe during their early years and on into adulthood. 


Socialization

Our puppies are handled from birth until they go to their forever homes. We raise our puppies in our home with our family. Our extended family is encouraged to visit as well with careful adherence to our strict sanitation protocols. Meeting new people is a big part of puppy socialization. 


Grooming

Beginning at 3 weeks old, puppies are introduced to gentle vibration which simulates the feeling of clippers on their body. As they tolerate this, stronger and longer sessions are performed. We also ease into dremel filing on puppy nails which is a great nail trimming method that does not cause cracking or splitting of the nails like traditional nail clipping can. Puppies will have sanitary shaves, feet and face trims and a grooming schedule. Each puppy will have gentle baths as needed.


Puppy Medical Health Insurance

Each puppy will go home with FREE Trupanion pet insurance. Owners will be required to activate the insurance but no need to give them any cc #. This is a completely free perk. There is also no need to cancel. 1 month after puppy goes home, the insurance is automatically cancelled. If you would like to continue with the coverage, you may contact Trupanion and pay the discounted rate for puppies who were covered from Us. 

*If new owners fail to activate their 1 month FREE Trupanion insurance, health contract is void.


Early Neurological Stimulation

The US Military developed this method that we have began utilizing. Puppies are introduced to unique scents and textures to encourage development of confident dogs. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises, which are conducted once daily from the third to the 16th days, a period believed to be a time of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are very immature during this time frame, they are sensitive and respond to ENS.

The ENS exercises include: 

1. Tactile stimulation –

Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds. 


2. Head held erect – Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.


3. Head pointed down – Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.


4. Supine position – Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.


5. Thermal stimulation— Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.


*Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate); stronger heart beats; stronger adrenal glands; more tolerance to stress; and greater resistance to disease.*