Trainability

Known for their ease in training, Poodles excel in many dog sports and obedience groups. They simply love to learn new tricks and sports to keep their very intelligent minds active. However, the importance of training for the smaller version of this stunning breed, are sometimes mistakenly overlooked. If you are considering opening your home to a Miniature or Toy Poodle please keep up with your training, you’ll be truly amazed with how much your precious pup will simply love to learn. Plus; it will ward away any bad manners or problems that your untrained wee-one might incur later down the track. Being a very gifted breed, variety in your training regime is the key. Keep it upbeat, fun and interesting. Poodles love to play, incorporating this into their training is a great way to inject some fun into a session. The Poodle is a friendly breed but will require early socialisation to ensure this happy-go nature sticks around after puppyhood.

Grooming

The Poodle is a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. If you are a first-time Poodle owner you will need some professional advice from a groomer when it comes to taking care of your pup’s beautiful coat. It’s also a good idea to seriously take this expense into account when considering this breed. Many owners send their beloved Poodles to a professional groomer to address the hard-stuff like, clipping, every three to six weeks. However, regardless if your poodle does head off for a cut-and-blow dry, daily grooming is still required to ensure your pups coat is immaculate and tangle free between hair-dressing appointments. Poodles don’t shed like other breeds so daily grooming to remove this hair is paramount in preventing painful tangles and mats.

Exercise Requirements

Regardless of their size the Poodle does require daily exercise to keep that highly intelligent mind happy and relaxed. A good run or play is adequate for your smaller variety while your Standard Poodle will simply love a good swim or run down the park. Poodles do not like being alone, so if you are intending on leaving your pup alone for long periods of time you may need to reconsider this particular breed. A lonely Poodle can become a destructive Poodle so if you are leaving your pup alone, please ensure you have adequately exercised your dog and also considered utilizing boredom busting ideas such as treat balls, and games to keep them stimulated during your time away.

Intelligence

Being one of the smartest dog breeds to grace the land, the Poodle excels in any dog sport or hunting activity they find. The simply thrive from learning new things and pleasing their owners. Being a very smart breed they will also quickly learn any bad behaviours, this is important to keep in-mind during puppyhood.

Family Friendly

Poodles are a very family friendly dogs, however it is very important, particularly with the Toy and Miniature varieties that you teach your children how to correctly handle the dogs. Many smaller breeds can be easily injured with incorrect handling or accidental dropping. Sitting is always the best place for a cuddle. Socialisation with children is also very important, like with all breeds. This is imperative if you do not have children but are considering children later down the track. Poodles adapt well when correctly socialised to life with other pets and children. They simply love anyone who will offer them a playful game and a good scratch.

Indoor/ Outdoor

Poodles will tolerate being outside during the day, but as they simply adore being around their human companions, they will not take to being left alone for long periods of time. Care also needs to be considered in regard to grooming and outdoor time. If you have chosen to clip your pup during the cooler months you may need to ensure your dog is kept in a warm environment during the day and think about possibly using a dog coat. Also consider grooming practises and frequency during warmer weather, plus provide ample shade and water during the blistering heat.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.