Health & Welfare

Total transparency on how every puppy is raised — and how to care for them at home.

Ethical breeding isn't a marketing slogan for us — it's a checklist we live by. Here's exactly what goes into raising a Karocolin Poodle, followed by breeder-written advice for the years ahead.

Our Standards

How we raise every Karocolin puppy.

Health Testing

Both parents undergo DNA panels, hip scoring, eye checks and heart auscultations before any breeding decision.

Vaccinations

Puppies receive their first vaccinations from our trusted vet before leaving us, with full records in your puppy pack.

Worming

Wormed every fortnight from two weeks of age using veterinary products — schedule documented for your vet.

Microchipping

Every puppy is microchipped and registered in your name before collection — required by UK law and done with care.

Vet Checks

Each puppy receives an individual vet health check with a full report you can share with your own vet.

Socialisation

Puppies are gently exposed to household sounds, people, gentle handling and short car journeys before going home.

Puppy Advice Hub

Breeder-written guides for Poodle families.

Practical advice from nearly 20 years of raising Poodles — no fluff, no affiliate links, just what actually works.

Puppy Care

Settling your Poodle puppy in.

The first weeks at home shape confidence for life. Keep things calm, predictable and full of gentle reassurance.

First 48 hours

Quiet arrival, familiar blanket from us, and short visits from immediate family only. No big introductions yet.

Sleep routine

A cosy crate near you at first — Poodles are people-focused and settle best knowing you're close.

Toilet training

Outside every 45 minutes when awake, after every meal, nap and play — celebrate every success outdoors.

Handling

Gentle daily handling of paws, ears and mouth builds a puppy who loves grooming and vet visits.

Training

Kind, clear training for a clever breed.

Poodles are exceptionally intelligent — they thrive on short, reward-based sessions with a family who enjoys teaching them.

The first 16 weeks

Focus on socialisation over obedience — new sights, sounds and gentle experiences build a resilient adult.

Recall

Start indoors on a long line with high-value treats. Never call your puppy to something they'll dislike.

Crate & alone time

Build slowly, always positively. A calm crate routine prevents separation issues later.

Manners

Reward the behaviour you want to see more of. Ignore what you don't. Consistency beats intensity every time.

Nutrition

Feeding for slow, healthy growth.

Poodles do best on a high-quality, appropriately portioned diet. We send a starter bag home so you can transition gradually.

What we feed

Weaned onto a premium puppy food chosen for balanced growth. Full details in your puppy pack.

Feeding schedule

Four meals a day until 12 weeks, then three, then twice daily from around six months.

Treats & training

Keep treats small and factor them into daily calories. Use part of the daily kibble for training rewards.

What to avoid

Sudden food changes, table scraps, and over-feeding — lean puppies grow into healthier adults.

Grooming

Keeping that curly coat glorious.

Poodle coats are low-shedding but need real routine. Start young and grooming becomes a bonding ritual, not a battle.

Brushing

Line-brush a few minutes every day from day one — before matts appear, not after.

First groom

Book a short, positive first salon visit around 12–14 weeks. Face, feet and tail only to start.

Bathing

Every 3–4 weeks with a gentle shampoo, always brushed fully first, dried thoroughly.

Ears & nails

Check ears weekly, keep nails short. We'll show you exactly how at collection.

First-Time Owners

Real-life advice from a real family breeder.

The things nobody tells you before your first Poodle puppy — the gentle rhythms that make everything easier.

Enough is enough

An overtired puppy behaves like an overtired toddler. Enforce nap times in a quiet spot.

One rule, one house

Agree the rules as a family before your puppy arrives — sofa or not, upstairs or not.

The teenage phase

Around 6–10 months your angel may test the rules. Stay kind, stay consistent — it passes.

Ask us anything

We're at the end of a text for life. There is no such thing as a silly question.

Still have a question?

Every Karocolin family has us on speed-dial for life. If you're thinking of joining, we'd love to hear from you.