Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Early Development & Training

What is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), and what are its benefits?
At Impressive Cartwright Standards, we use Early Neurological Stimulation to help our puppies start off strong. These gentle exercises stimulate their developing nervous system to promote better stress resilience and brain development.
Benefits:

  • Builds stronger immunity

  • Improves the puppy’s ability to handle stress

  • Boosts overall well-being and confidence

What is Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and what are its benefits?
We introduce puppies to different scents early on to enhance their sense of smell and promote cognitive development. This not only helps them become better scent trackers, but it also builds confidence as they explore new environments.
Benefits:

  • Sharper scent recognition skills

  • Increased curiosity

  • Enhanced confidence in new situations

Breeding & Puppy Care

Do you dock your puppies’ tails?
Yes, we do. Tail docking in Poodles is part of meeting AKC breed standards and is also done to maintain the traditional look of the breed.

Do you remove the puppies' dewclaws?
Yes, we do. Dewclaw removal helps prevent injury and ensures the puppy’s health as they grow.

Do the puppies get vaccinated?
Yes, all puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their forever homes to ensure they are healthy and ready for their new families.

Family Compatibility

Are Standard Poodles good family dogs?
Yes! Standard Poodles are affectionate, loyal, and friendly. They make excellent family pets, especially in active homes where they can receive plenty of attention, exercise, and love.

Are Standard Poodles good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are generally great with kids and other pets, especially if they’ve been properly socialized. Their playful and patient nature makes them wonderful companions for children and other animals.

Do Standard Poodles bark a lot?
Standard Poodles are not known for excessive barking. They are alert and may bark to notify you of a visitor or an unusual sound, but with proper training, they are generally quiet.

Training & Intelligence

Are Standard Poodles easy to train?
Yes, they are extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Whether you want to teach basic commands or advanced tricks, Poodles excel in all forms of training.

Do Standard Poodles need a job or activity?
Yes, they thrive on both physical and mental stimulation. Activities like agility, scent work, and obedience training are great for keeping your Poodle engaged and happy.

Exercise & Lifestyle

How much exercise does a Standard Poodle need?
Standard Poodles need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. This can include walks, playtime, and mental enrichment to keep them physically and mentally fit.

Can Standard Poodles live in apartments?
Yes, Standard Poodles can adapt to apartment living as long as they get their required exercise and mental stimulation. They are friendly, well-behaved dogs that can do well in smaller spaces, provided they are regularly exercised.

Are Standard Poodles good off-leash?
With proper training, they can be reliable off-leash. Standard Poodles are curious and intelligent, so recall training is essential to ensure they stay close when outdoors.

Grooming & Care

How often do Standard Poodles need grooming?
Standard Poodles need daily brushing to avoid matting, and they should be professionally groomed every 6–8 weeksto keep their coat healthy and looking great.

Are Standard Poodles hypoallergenic?
Yes! Their curly, non-shedding coat makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers, though they still require regular grooming to maintain their coat.

Health & Lifespan

What is the average lifespan of a Standard Poodle?
Standard Poodles typically live 12 to 15 years, with proper care and attention to their health.

What health problems are common in Standard Poodles?
While Poodles are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to some health issues, including:

  • Hip Dysplasia

  • Von Willebrand’s Disease (blood clotting disorder)

  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) (life-threatening stomach condition)

  • Addison’s Disease (hormonal disorder)

How can I keep my Standard Poodle healthy?

  • Feed them a balanced diet

  • Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation

  • Schedule routine vet checkups

  • Stay on top of vaccinations and parasite prevention

  • Maintain consistent grooming

Fun & Unique Traits

Do Standard Poodles like water?
Yes! Standard Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, and many of them absolutely love swimming and playing in the water.

Why do Poodles have fancy haircuts?
The traditional Poodle cut was designed to protect their joints and vital organs in cold water, while keeping them agile. Today, the haircut is largely a stylistic choice, but it remains iconic to the breed.

Are Standard Poodles good service or therapy dogs?
Yes! Standard Poodles’ intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature make them ideal candidates for service work. They are often used as therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and service animals.

Deposit & Reservation Policy

What is your refundable deposit policy?
$300 deposit to join waiting list
Refundable (less 15%) until puppy is selected
Selection occurs at 6–7 weeks
Breeder-guided matching process
First-come, first-served order

Deposit Policy
At Impressive Cartwright Standards, our reservation process is designed to ensure fairness, clarity, and commitment for both our program and our families.
Reservation Deposit

A $300 reservation deposit is required to join our active waiting list.
This deposit secures your place in line, not a specific puppy.

Refundability Terms
The deposit is refundable for up to 12 months from the date submitted, less a 15% processing fee, provided a specific puppy has not yet been selected.
Once a puppy has been officially selected and reserved, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Transferability

Deposits may be transferred to a future litter within the 12-month period if timing, pairing, or availability does not align with your preferences.

Waiting List Structure
Our waiting list operates on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the order deposits are received.
Preference requests (gender, color, etc.) are noted but not guaranteed, as our program prioritizes health, structure, and temperament above all else.

Program Integrity
We reserve the right to decline or refund a deposit at any time if we determine that placement is not the right fit for the puppy or our program standards.

Puppy Selection Policy
Our selection process is intentionally structured to ensure that each puppy is placed in the home where it will thrive long-term.

Timing of Selection
Puppy selections take place at approximately 6–7 weeks of age.
At this stage, we are able to evaluate each puppy’s temperament, confidence level, energy, and overall disposition.

Breeder-Guided Matching
As experienced breeders, we take an active role in guiding placements.

While your preferences are carefully considered, final recommendations are based on:
Temperament compatibility
Household lifestyle and activity level
Experience with training and grooming
Long-term expectations

Pick Order Process
Families will select in the order of the waiting list (based on deposit date).
When it is your turn, you will be presented with the puppy (or puppies) that best align with your home.

Finalizing Your Puppy
Once you confirm your puppy selection:
Your deposit becomes non-refundable
Your puppy is officially reserved and removed from availability


Our Philosophy

At ICS, we do not operate on a “first pick based solely on appearance” model.
Our goal is to ensure that each placement is intentional, informed, and in the best interest of both the puppy and the family.

We hope this helps you understand our process and policies a little better! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us anytime. At Impressive Cartwright Standards, we are dedicated to raising healthy, happy puppies who will make wonderful family members for years to come.