Meeker's Ridge Standard Poodles

05/11/2026

Rohnin is from a Briar X Romeo litter.

Absolutely incredible weekend for Rhonin!

Rhonin, out of Briar at Meeker’s Ridge Standard Poodles and sired by my beloved Romeo — AmCH UKC NBOB MBIS MRBIS RBISS SGCH Canen Gossamer Stardust of Forest Lakes BCAT CGC RACEA SPOT-ON VCX — has been in the process of developing his beautiful corded coat for approximately three years with his dedicated mom, Chelsa. That is dedication!!

Handled beautifully by his dad, Matt, Rhonin showed only on Sunday and completely exceeded all expectations by earning:
• Two Champion class wins over 2 others
• A Best of Breed
• A Group 2 placement
• These last two wins over a highly accomplished Grand Champion and 2 other champions
• *His UKC Grand Championship title!*

Anyone familiar with corded coats understands the extraordinary level of dedication, maintenance, and conditioning required to present a dog like this successfully. Showcasing correct structure, movement, and presentation beneath a fully developed corded coat is no small accomplishment.

We are incredibly proud of Rhonin and so happy to see both his quality and the tremendous work Matt and Chelsa have invested in him recognized in the ring.

Congratulations to Team Rhonin on an unforgettable milestone weekend!

05/10/2026

12 weeks!

Little miss Tater had a growth spurt and now has legs 😆.

Meekers all that and a bag of chips at Forest lakes

05/06/2026

Tater says "I'll walk myself thank you!"

05/03/2026

📌 UPA Education Series: The 3-3-3 Rule for Dogs

As breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners, we know that bringing a new dog home, whether a puppy or an adult, is a period of transition. Many early behaviors are not training issues, but part of the adjustment process.

The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful guideline:

🔹 3 Days – Decompression
Your dog may feel overwhelmed or unsure. Keep the environment calm, predictable, and low-pressure.

🔹 3 Weeks – Learning Your Routine
Your dog begins to settle in and understand daily life. This is a great time to introduce structure, routines, and gentle training.

🔹 3 Months – Feeling at Home
Your dog is building trust, developing habits, and becoming more confident. Consistency is key to long-term success.

💡 This is a general pattern, not a fixed schedule and every dog adjusts at their own pace.

At UPA, we value education that supports the success of both dogs and their owners. Understanding the adjustment period helps set realistic expectations and builds stronger relationships.

Have you experienced the 3-3-3 rule with your dogs? We’d love to hear your experiences ⬇️🐩

05/03/2026

Tater is learning the ropes from dad.

05/02/2026

Last picture of both of them. Orange has headed home. Grateful to all my wonderful puppy families.

05/01/2026

It's not about the crate.

I know people feel very strongly about crates.
And I understand why.

So this isn’t about crating every dog.
But we do need to prepare them for times when they may have no choice.

Think overnight stays at the vet.
Evacuation centres that insist on them.
Kennels or dog stays that use them if you need to leave your dog.

This is about making sure they can cope if they ever need to.

The same crate can be a safe, predictable space or somewhere they panic in.

That difference doesn’t come from the crate.
It comes from what your dog has learned to feel in it.

Rushing is where distress starts.
Closing the door too soon.
Using it when they’re already stressed.
Expecting them to “get used to it” or “cry it out”.

That builds stress and pressure.
And those two things will never create the calm we are aiming for.

A well-introduced crate should be quiet, cosy and predictable.
A place where good things happen.
A place they can truly settle.

A poorly introduced one feels very different.
Restricting.
Confusing and distressing.
Somewhere they just don’t want to be.

Dogs don’t resist crates for no reason.
They’re responding to how it feels.

How it feels is up to us.

05/01/2026

Introducing.....Meeker's all that and a bag of chips at Forest lakes. Aka "Tater". She was red collar.

"Tater" will be co-owned with our friends at Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes . Michelle will helping get our girl out in the show ring.

This girl has had spice and flashy attitude from the get go. She is independent and acts just like her momma did as a puppy. Can't wait to see her in the ring.

GRCH Beatrice's Diamond Tempeste Di Neve BCAT
"Daphne"

X

GRCH Meekers Dark knight of Forest Lakes BCAT TKN CGC
"Deacon"

Daphne and Deacon are co-owned with Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes also

05/01/2026

❤️🧡I love these girls. Miss Orange is headed to her new home tomorrow. Im really gonna miss her. House is almost back to normal. We're still in recovery mode and catching up on sleep and cleaning.

04/29/2026

Miss Orange appears to have her dad's love of balls. She fell asleep with a ball in her mouth.