Poodle

Let’s clear up some misconceptions about their trademark froufrou coat. That distinctive cut—the furry “bracelets” on their ankles, followed by closely shaved legs known as the Continental clip—has a working dog background. Historically, people groomed Poodles that way to maximize their waterfowl-hunting abilities. The fur around their joints kept them warm in cold water, while the rest of their closely shaven body would reduce drag while chasing after ducks. Today, fancy Poodle styles are mostly for aesthetics. How you style your dog is completely up to you! Just be sure to follow these basic grooming tips:

• For routine grooming, you’ll need a slicker brush to brush your pup every day; be sure to get all the way to the skin to prevent mats. The more thoroughly you brush your Poodle, the less frequently you have to bathe them. You should bathe your Poodle every four to eight weeks unless they had a mud bath. You can find shampoos formulated specifically for Poodles, which can boost the color of light or white-colored poodles. Their fur will dry quickly (remember, they’re a water-loving breed) or you can use a high-velocity dryer designed for dogs.
• Check their eyes for tear stains. Tear stains are streaks that discolor your pup’s fur. This eye discharge is your pup’s way of getting rid of debris in the eye. Even though the tears are clear, there’s a pigment in the tears that stains your dog’s hair. Use a damp washcloth or eye care wipes to gently clean the fur around your pup’s eyes. (Get more tips for getting rid of tear stains here.)
• Your Poodle’s cute and floppy ears also need some TLC. Check their ears at least once a week, looking for buildup, hair growth or bad odors. You may need to pluck or trim the hair in their ears with rounded shears, then use an ear-cleaning solution to remove debris. Ask your vet at your puppy’s first well visit what to watch for and how best to clean their ears.
• Your pup will need a haircut every four to eight weeks, right alongside bath time.
• If you take your pup to the groomer, ask them to trim your dog’s nails. If you hear their nails clicking on the hardwood floor, though, you may need to give your pup a pedicure in between spa dates. (A nail grinder is great for this.)
• Be sure to brush your pup’s teeth a few times a week. Have your vet show you how if you need help. Start brushing those pearly whites while your dog’s a puppy since Poodles are prone to periodontal disease, and have your vet professionally clean their teeth once a year for optimal dental health.

Socialization is the most important part of a young Poodle’s training. Poodles learn basic commands and tricks easily, but they may struggle with new environments and encounters if they weren’t properly exposed to different people, places and things when they were little. Bring them as your plus-one on errands as soon as your vet gives you the go-ahead so they experience lots of positive interactions in a variety of environments.

Learn how to properly socialize a puppy.

Simultaneously, you can teach them basic commands, like sit, stay and come as well as tricks, like shake their paw. Poodles proudly take on the role of teacher’s pet, relishing learning and training sessions with their pet parents. Devote 20 minutes or so every day to training, giving your pet a chance to show off what they know.

As your Poodle puppy grows and masters basic training, consider enrolling your dog in classes such as agility or Canine Good Citizen training. Classes can help keep your Poodle mentally stimulated and provide socialization.

Ensuring your pet’s well-being is top priority, and a significant part of their health revolves around their diet. Poodles typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food, but it’s important to tailor their meals based on their life stage, be they puppy, adult or senior.

To make the right choice, always look for dog food formulas that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (look on the packaging for a nutritional adequacy statement). This ensures they get all the nutrients they need.

Like any other breed, Poodles are at risk for obesity. A pound or two of extra weight (or even just a few ounces in toy and miniature Poodle breeds) can lead to health problems. The challenge is to not feed your Poodle too many treats during training sessions. Coming up with a smart treat strategy is crucial.

In addition to dog-specific treats in moderation, consider offering healthier alternatives such as frozen blueberries, peas, cut-up carrots, pieces of cucumber or celery.

Work with your vet to create a balanced meal plan; they’re in the best position to make recommendations specific to your individual pet.

Sometimes, food intolerances or sensitivities may lead to  health problems, such as itchy ears or dry skin. In some cases, your veterinarian may suggest your Poodle steer clear of certain ingredients, like wheat, or add more of something like healthy fats for a lustrous coat and healthy skin.

By proactively managing their diet and treat choices, you can give your Poodle the best chance at a long, healthy and happy life.

Don’t let the “non-sporting” label fool you: Poodles are high-energy athletes. They shine in competitive agility, obedience and tracking, and love getting in touch with their inner hunter by playing fetch and retrieving games with toys like disc toys and balls.

They’re capable jocks, to be sure, but they’re also suited to many activity levels. They need at least one hour a day of engaging exercise, whether that’s a casual daily walk or a trip to the dog run. Some may even enjoy jogging with you (just check with the vet before you embark on a couch-to-5K with your canine).

Since Poodles are water retrievers, they love to play fetch in water with balls designed to float. They’re generally good swimmers and can have a lot of fun in the pool or on the lake. However, some Poodles may need a slow introduction to water. They also love running, digging and jumping, and don’t mind getting their coats dirty in pursuit of a good time.

Whatever exercise route you choose, rest assured your Poodle will love every minute spent with you. Their enthusiasm and athleticism allows them to embrace all kinds of activity.

Despite popular opinion that Poodles are persnickety, the Poodle dog breed is actually remarkably adaptable.Whether as a loving family companion or a devoted partner to a solo pup parent, Poodles excel in both roles thanks to their affable nature.

When it comes to kids, Poodles are usually great playmates, but be sure to consider a dog’s individual personality. Some Poodles used to being the center of attention might find sharing the spotlight with a high-energy toddler stressful. So if you need another reason to start socializing and training your pooch as a puppy, here it is.

Poodles want to feel like valued members of the family, interacting with people throughout the day in and out of the home. If you need to leave your pup by their lonesome for a few hours, consider hiring a dog walker, enlisting the help of a neighbor or enrolling your pup in doggy daycare.