A Practical Breakdown of Puppy Health Guarantees and What They Mean for You

Winter care for Aussiedoodles and Teddy Bear puppies: coat maintenance, safe play, grooming, and comfort tips.

When families bring home a new puppy, one of the first questions they often ask is, “When should I start training?” The answer may surprise you: long before you expect. At PTK Ranch, we remind our puppy families that raising a confident, well-adjusted dog isn’t just about commands and potty training, it’s about socialization. And science tells us that timing is everything. 

When most families begin looking for a puppy, the first things they notice are usually size and color. “I want a little lap dog,” or “I love that red coat.” While those details are fun, they don’t determine what really matters long-term: temperament and breed traits.

What if we told you the key to a more trainable, confident dog isn’t more training, but more freedom? While structured learning is essential, your dog’s brain needs space to breathe—and that’s exactly what free time provides.

At PTK Ranch , one of our highest priorities is raising puppies with steady temperaments and well-rounded social skills. Every step of early puppy development plays a crucial role in shaping a dog's future, and one of the most misunderstood yet important stages is the weaning process. While many breeders and pet owners traditionally wait until 7 to 8 weeks to fully wean, there’s growing evidence and practical experience showing that thoughtful, gradual weaning between 4.5 and 6 weeks of age offers significant behavioral and developmental advantages — both for the puppies and their mothers.

One of the wonderful things about low-shedding breeds is you won’t have fur covering your floors and furniture — but these beautiful coats come with a higher grooming commitment to keep them clean, healthy, and mat-free. At PTK Ranch, we raise Aussiedoodles , Standard Poodles , and Teddy Bears (Shichons) — all breeds known for their low-shedding, higher-maintenance coats. One of the most important things new owners need to understand is: The longer the coat, the more often your dog will need to visit the groomer.

When it comes to raising a happy and well-adjusted puppy, many people focus on physical exercise—long walks, endless games of fetch, or playdates at the dog park. But what if we told you that mental exercise is just as important (if not more!) than physical activity?  At PTK Ranch, we constantly remind our doodle, teddy, and poodle buyers: "Just like people, when they are mentally exhausted, they will become physically worn out too." This means that working your dog’s brain can be a game-changer when it comes to managing energy levels and fostering a well-mannered companion.

Choosing a Breeder versus a Shelter: What to Consider Before Choosing What's Best For Your Needs and Lifestyle When bringing a new furry friend into your family, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. Both options have their merits, but if you’re looking for predictability in health, temperament, and lineage, working with a responsible and reputable breeder—like PTK Ranch—has significant advantages.