Poodle Care

Emotional Benefits of Owning a Poodle

2012-01-21T22:48:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: By bitmask

Our pets can influence how we feel about ourselves in a positive manner. There are great emotional benefits of owning a dog. Your new Poodle puppy may look and act so cute.

The bond that develops between a new puppy and their owner may develop quickly. However, as time goes by, all the experiences that you share with your dog help to strengthen the emotional bond.

Each family member usually develops a special emotional attachment with their Poodle, around the time when your puppy is about one year old or more. Sometimes, children even turn to their pets for comfort if a family member happens to leave the family or becomes ill. Adults that may have lost a loved one may feel comfort and less lonely if they have a pet. They may feel happy to have a special pet to share their life with. A Poodle can be a very nice companion.

People that live all alone may feel a little isolated. If they decide to select a dog or cat and they are physically able to take care of their pet, it may help make them feel they are needed.

Often times, dogs can help us focus our attention away from our worries. When we feel sad or stressed just spending a little time with our friendly dog or cat may brighten our day.

Our daily lives may include many responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Your Poodle may happen to do some cute and funny things, which may help you to relax and laugh a little.

When we come home from a frustrating work day it can be so nice to be greeted by our family dog, with their big beautiful eyes and their tail wagging because they are so happy to see us. It is wonderful that our pets can accept us just as we are and we can be ourselves when we are around them. Our pets don't care if we are disabled, old or young, rich or poor. Dogs and cats can provide great companionship.

Dogs can add some consistency and routine to our lives and give us something positive to look forward to every day. Many people may come and go in our lives, but our dogs are usually with us for their lifetime.

Your Poodle can help to keep you active by getting more exercise, like when you are taking your dog for a nice walk and getting fresh air and sunshine. It may be nice to play Frisbee outside with him. The responsibilities of caring for a dog, such as daily feedings, grooming and playtime will help to keep you both active.

Your Poodle may have great affection for all the family members. Each family member may also play an important role for your dog. The man in the house may be the one that usually takes the dog outside for his walks and plays fetch outside with him in the backyard. The woman in the house may be the one that routinely gives the dog his meals and lots of attention. If there are any children in the family they may offer the Poodle a lot of hugs and fun playtime together.

The dog appreciates the family interaction and affection. Your Poodle has probably established great trust in the family. As a proud pet owner you will be able to recognize the maturity in your dog. As time goes by, you will learn the favorite things that your dog likes, such as his strengths, weaknesses, and any fears he may have at times.

The human-animal emotional bond between an owner and their dog is one of trust, affection, and love. Poodles enjoy being part of the family and a loyal dog can be a best friend. If we love them, they usually show us unconditional love in return!

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Video

2012-01-21T01:48:00.000-08:00

Basic Rules In Training Your Puppy

2011-12-11T01:02:00.001-08:00

By Sandy Rutherforde

Having a new puppy is always a joy as they can brighten up any home. However, training your puppy can be difficult, especially for first time owners. When it comes to house training your puppy, the rule is the earlier the better. Just like people, puppies develop differently. It's crucial that owners not push their pets. Instead, follow their pace of learning. At the same time, owners need to get into the mind of their puppies and understand what they are thinking in order to avoid frustration.

Puppies, or any animal for that matter, have only one thing on their minds when it comes to relieving themselves - they will do it when and where the need sets in. This is exactly why an untrained pet will see nothing wrong with doing it right on your living room floor. At the same time, dogs tend to look for a spot which is away from their feeding and sleeping quarters, and which provides them with some privacy.

Owners need to pick a specific spot in the backyard where they want their pets to do their business and be very consistent about it. The main principle of training your puppy has to do with consistency and getting used to a routine. It is also necessary to know when a puppy is more likely to feel the need to relieve itself. Most of the time, pets feel the need right after they have woken up, after they have eaten, and when they are excited. Owners have to be very quick with letting their pets out during these instances because puppies are unable to control their bladder that well.

Training a pet means that one has to keep an extra eye on the pooch. A pet who has to go will exhibit a few signs which include walking around in a circle with an upright tail and sniffing the ground. After seeing that ritual, the owner has to take the puppy out to the designated spot and then wait for the pup to urinate or defecate.

There are some times when a puppy will not immediately do anything. In this case, it is not advisable to have the dog linger for a long time in the yard or garden, and the owner should take his or her pet inside. This is to keep the puppy from thinking that taking him out means play time. Instead, the owner has to keep his or her eyes peeled for more signs and then take the pup out again in ten minutes or so.

Training a puppy does not come easy and the pooch will have a few accidents in the course of the training. Owners should never punish their pets for these accidents since doing so will only lead to trauma and fear. Practice and constant positive reinforcement is the way to go in house training any pet.

Do you need help with puppy behavior problems? Be sure to visit my site to learn how to stop puppy begging and puppy jumping.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Video of a Very Cute Dog Dancing

2011-10-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

Cute Video of Dog Doing Basic Tricks

2011-10-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Video of Toy Poodle

2011-10-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

Cute Video of Puppy Stalking Squirrel

2011-10-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Poodles - Choosing a Reputable Breeder

2011-10-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

By Richard Cussons

Poodles are highly energetic and active dogs with sweet temperament and eagerness to please everybody. They are easy to train - whether potty training or training in preparation for circus performances. They can live for up to 17 years or even longer if they are in good health condition and live a healthy lifestyle. However, you and your pet may not enjoy long years of happy friendship when the one you chose happen to be the offspring of parents with faulty genes. That is why it is important to know more about the prospective dog and its history before you make a decision that could alter you and an animal's life. And where on earth can you get a reliable information about a good quality Poodle puppy?

Look for a reputable dog breeder or I must say, a reputable Poodle breeder. Reputable breeders have their dog's interest at heart. They are not after the money they can gain from selling the animal - but are after the welfare of the puppies they produce. People should learn to identify a reputable breeder from a disreputable and irresponsible one. Here are some tips to help you on your quest for a reputable Poodle breeder.

- Visit a veterinarian and ask if there is someone he/she can refer to you. A reputable dog breeder visits vet regularly and sees to it that his animals are cared for properly.

- Contact Kennel Clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC has list of Poodle breeders by locale.

- Ask relatives, friends and other Poodle owners you know. You may also visit dog shows, pet stores and dog parks. They will gladly share their experience and contact information with you.

- Ask your prospective breeder everything you want to know about the breed. Ask about the dog's history and how many times a year this particular dog is bred. If possible, ask if you can see both parents of the litter.

-Inquire if the parents have been tested for any congenital diseases. These tests will make sure that the puppies will not develop any congenital disorders such as hip dysplasia, joint problems, allergies and eye problems as they grow old.

- Ask if you can see the puppies. During the visit, pay attention to the surroundings and how the puppies are cared for. Is the surroundings clean and comfortable place for the puppies? Are the puppies and mother appear to be healthy? Ask also if they have completed their vaccinations against rabies, parvovirus and other vaccines required by law.

- A reputable breeder in turn will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your work, your family and others. This will ensure that you can provide what the dog needs in order to grow healthy and happy.

Take time to find a reputable breeder, and once you have found the right one, your next step will be to find that Poodle puppy perfect for you and your family.

Richard Cussons knows a lot about the Poodle dog breed. Check out this site to discover more Poodle training tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Knowing More About Standard Poodles

2011-10-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

By Richard Cussons

As you explore the web, you come across a video featuring Standard Poodles. In this video, you have seen how these dogs move with dignity, how they obey basic commands and how beautiful they are in their dense coat clipped in varying styles. Oh what a fun it would be if you can have one of these Standard Poodles as a new member of the family! But don't be too excited and bring home that Standard Poodle at once. There are a lot of things you need to know before you finally become a parent of this beautiful breed and enjoy the love and companionship it offers.

You should know that Standard Poodles, like other Poodle variety, have curly dense coat with naturally harsh texture. The coat is similar to that of human - it never stops growing. This certain characteristic necessitates the need for regular grooming. The coat must be brushed on a daily basis to prevent mats and tangles. The breed does need not only brushing but

clipping as well. Clipping should be done every six to eight weeks. This can be done by a professional groomer or you can learn how to groom your dog at home. You should also know that there are various clip styles for every dog owner to choose from. A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the Puppy clip and Poodles over that age may be shown in English Saddle or Continental clip. If the Poodle is not intended to appear in conformation shows or if the show career is over, the coat can be put into a lower-maintenance cut.

Despite the fact that it is the main attraction of a Poodle, let not this coat take most of your time and overlook other aspects of this breed. As much as they need regular grooming, Standard Poodles also need proper training, regular exercise and properly balanced foods. Training is essential to make them behave in a way that is pleasant to be around. Daily exercise also contributes to their well-being, not to mention the fact that they love doing the activity. This breed is agile, active and athletic breed thus daily exercise and play session would be a great idea to keep their bodies as well as minds working.

Owners or soon-to-be owners should also bear in mind the high incidence of bloat or GDV in this breed. Addison's disease, thyroid issues, hip dysplasia and cancer are other health issues of Standard Poodles.

Richard Cussons writes articles of diverse topics. Learn more about Standard Poodles and effective Standard Poodle training tips at poodlesavvy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

The Pros and Cons of Standard Poodles

2011-09-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

By Lisa A Collins

No one breed of dog is perfect, but experts in dog information (not just Poodle information) will often claim that the Standard Poodle is close to canine perfection. This immensely popular and influential dog is one of the world's favorite canine companions. The Standard Poodle is the oldest and largest of the Poodle types. The breed is so old its origins are mysterious. It was probably developed in Germany and not France (Poodle types are never to be referred to as French Poodles).

Standard Poodles are big dogs. If you are not used to living with big dogs, you will either need to the help of a professional trainer or cross your fingers. Big dogs like these need regular, vigorous exercise and need to be fed two or three small meals a day (instead of one big meal) in order to avoid bloat. The temperament of the Standard Poodles is excellent, and they like to learn things. This good temperament is even listed in the breed standard.

The body of the Standard Poodle basically looks like a hound in a long curly coat. The legs should be in proportion to the body, the topline (spine) should be level and the dog should stand squarely with their heads and tails naturally held up. When they trot, they often look like they are bouncing. The minimum height is fifteen inches at the shoulder - thankfully, there is no maximum limit. They can weigh anywhere from forty-five to seventy pounds.

And that coat! It's actually hair and not fur, which is why all Poodle types are often recommended for those with dog allergies. This is where the Standard Poodle falls short of being a perfect dog - their coats require a lot of special attention. They need to go to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. If this is ignored, the resulting mess will make the dog not only filthy, but also miserable and ill.

The breed standard of the Standard Poodle also lists temperament characteristics. The breed is gentle, extremely intelligent, easily trained and seem to live to be admired. Poodle information sources let you know that these are lively dogs that need regular exercise and daily walks. They love anything to do with water, including running on the beach and diving into the surf.

Standard Poodles are long-lived dogs (often nearing twenty years old), but are prone to some health problems. However, they are usually calm dogs and so going to the vet is usually not a big drama. They are prone to eye problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia, bloat (common in all breeds of dogs over fifty pounds), ear infections, runny eyes and Von Willebrand's disease (a blood condition). These are all treatable conditions. Your Poodle will need to go to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. This is one breed where it is not recommended for any amateurs to clip.

Lisa Collins has published hundreds of articles about dogs, including dozens on Standard Poodles. The many Poodle types must have a good sense of humor to put up with the way people clip them. There would be a lot fewer abandoned Poodles in the world if people knew basic Poodle information before they brought one home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Collins

Poodle Dogs - All About This Wonderful Breed

2011-09-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

By Jacki Panzik

Poodle Dogs are my favorite breed of dogs. They have been thought of for a very long time as having one of the the highest intellects of any purebred canine. Poodles are versatile in that they come in a variety of three sizes: Small (the Toy Poodle), Medium (the Miniature Poodle) and Large (the Standard Poodle). This great breed also comes in a large variety of colors including: black, white, blue, chocolate, silver, red and many other striking colors.

Poodle Dogs also are known to excel in modern dog sport competitions. They are extremely agile, making them very competitive when it comes to the exciting sport of Agility. Poodles also show exceptional skills in Obedience and they are superb Trackers. They have been known to do an excellent job of Herding as well. Poodles are very strong in the competition of Conformation, the judging of correct structure and temperament at dogs shows. They are known as the aristocrats of the show ring and have proven this time and time again with Best In Shows at such prestigious events as the Westminster Kennel Club and the World Dog Show. Whatever type of competition a Poodle may be involved in, you can bet they will "wow" the crowd with their elegance and grace.

Temperament

The Poodle temperament has been bred to have an aptitude for Duck Retrieval, which makes most Poodles very much at home in the water. For decades Poodle Dogs have been at the hunter's side and are known in present day to be precision Gun Dogs. "Pudelhund " is the origin of the poodle's current breed name and is reminiscent of the water dog developed through the years . The English language relates "pudel" to "puddle", also eluding to the water dog in this fine breed. The French have been credited for the Poodle's variety of sizes and refer to the breed as a Caniche. The word "caniche" relates to ducks and water. In the US the Poodle has been transformed from a heavy-boned utility looking dog to the elegant refined dog we see today. This refinement was exported back to Europe and now is the standard for which we all strive for. Elegance, attitude and working ability -- that is the Poodle in modern times.

The Coat

The coat texture of Poodle Dogs should be somewhat coarse and very plush. Tight curls are a must. Poodles do not shed like other dogs, however they do go through a "coat change" at around 9 months of age that requires extra brushing and grooming to remove the puppy-coat that is being expelled. This stage fades at around one a half years of age. It is recommended at this stage to keep the coat very short so that matting does not occur, or to brush the coat daily to help keep it tangle-free. Poodles should have a solid colored coat according to kennel registries, however Poodles do come in two multi-colored patterns. Silver and blue Poodles are born black and "clear" to the platinum hues over a course of approximately three years.

Poodle Health

Among Poodle health issues are epilepsy, addison's disease, cancer, sebaseous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, nloat/torsion and tracheal collapse (mostly in Toys). These can be avoided in most cases by proper breeding practices, proper nutrition and care. Poodles' average age at time of death is around 12 years of age, however there have been those who have lived to 20 and beyond.

Jacki Panzik is a Poodle Expert, Groomer, Trainer, Breeder, Handler and Poodle Consultant. Her passion for Poodles spans nearly 40 years. She resides in Southern California at Poodletown, a lovely 5-acre ranch devoted to her charming Poodle Dogs.

Poodle Dogs

Poodle Dogs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacki_Panzik

Adopting A Dog From an Animal Shelter

2011-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Animal shelters can be filled with animals that may become cherished pets for lots of families. Animal shelters help match the animals to new responsible owners. For the most part, shelters have both dogs and cats of varied ages.

Some of the animals in the shelters could possibly be purebred. Maybe, you may even happen to find a nice Poodle, if that is the specific breed you're looking for right now. Many animals in the shelters may have good behavior and habits. Shelter animals are in need of new homes with owners that sincerely want to care for them and bring them into their family.

The staff that work in the shelters are usually very dedicated and they help find good homes for many animals. There are several reasons listed below why animals could possibly be in a shelter.

Possibly their original owners were not able or uninterested in caring for them anymore.

Maybe, their previous owner could no longer financially afford the essential maintenance necessary for the dog.

There may have been a significant change in the household: children may not have gotten along with the dog, or possibly there was just a new baby born in the family; or there was a divorce, or a death or major illness in the family.

The family may have needed to move, and they were not allowed to have a dog in their new apartment complex or townhouse due to rules and regulations.

Change in lifestyle: employment and career changes may have included more traveling away from home or a significant shift change or numerous overtime hours in their work schedule. Or the family realized they simply did not have the necessary time required for a dog.

Medical reasons: someone in the family developed allergies to the dog or experienced a chronic health condition and was no longer able to properly care for their pet.

Possibly the dog had certain behavioral problems.

The dog could have experienced some training problems, such as house training issues.

Maybe, the dog was a homeless stray dog, or unfortunately he might have come from an abusive situation.

Certain shelters may provide an evaluation, which includes a history of animal health and behavior at their prior home, and a veterinary exam and screening. If you get a pet from the shelter, it would be helpful if you could acquire a written copy of the evaluation and any veterinary health records to keep, if at all possible.

Before you go to the shelter or anywhere to get a dog, there are several crucial things to consider when deciding if you should get a dog.

1. Did you do any research on the the type of dog or breed that you would be interested in? When you see all of the animals in need of good homes at the shelter, it may seem somewhat overwhelming. You should decide on the characteristics you are looking for in a dog, such as the size of the dog, the temperament, age, male or female, and any grooming needs.

2. Do you have enough time available daily to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your dog and helping him get the proper exercise, nutritious diet, and any necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and fully committed to look after a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. If there are children in your family are they old enough to know about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a dog?

5. Can you afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

6. Do you have a secure and comfortable place to keep your dog when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, for example when you might be at your place of employment, or doing all of your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

7. Do you know what dog or puppy supplies that you might need to bring a brand new puppy or adult dog into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe?

If you definitely know that you want to adopt a dog from the shelter, then here are a few things you may want to think about when choosing a dog.

The age of the puppy or adult dog.

Does the dog have a pleasant temperament?

Is the dog successfully house trained?

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

Does the dog have any pre-existing or ongoing health problems?

Is the dog up-to-date with his vaccinations?

Does the dog get along well with children and other dogs?

Does the dog have any pre-existing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness?

How much prior training did the dog have in their previous home?

Does the dog look properly nourished?

Next, I will list a few steps that may be part of the adoption process.

Filling out an application

Choosing your pet

Signing a contract (the adoption contract may possibly have provisions such as the following: you will provide good housing, nutrition and health care for your new pet, and also you will return the animal to the shelter if you can no longer take care of him.)

It can be a very rewarding experience to adopt a dog from a shelter. People are so glad they could save a life of an animal by providing them a great, safe home with lots of love. Keep in mind that animals in shelters have had some stress. They might deeply miss their owner who had to give them up and their previous home environment.

They more than likely will welcome your patience, affection, guidance and love. Hopefully, you will choose a dog that matches your lifestyle. And maybe you can even find a nice Poodle in the shelter.

If you are bringing a new dog home you may be thinking about some specific items that you may be shopping for to make the transition easy for you and your dog in his new home. For example, your dog will need an appropriate place to play and sleep, and he will also need some items for daily maintenance. The list below includes certain items that many people may consider when getting a new dog.

Feeding and Water dishes

Appropriate dog food and treats

Dog brushes and combs

Appropriate dog collar and leashes

Possibly a dog pen

Safe dog toys

Safe and comfortable dog bed and dog blanket

Dog shampoo

Dog nametag or ID

If your dog is quiet and shy, just allow for some extra time for him to adjust to his new life. If you take good care of him and show him positive attention and love, he may be very devoted to you forever!

Are You Thinking About Getting a Poodle?

2011-06-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

I wrote an inventory of some helpful things to think about when you are deciding if a Poodle is the right dog for you and your family.

1. Did you do your research about the Poodle breed? There are many informative books available as well as a great deal of online information regarding the Poodle, including the characteristics of the breed and routine care.

2. Do you have enough time available daily to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your puppy, and helping him get the appropriate exercise, healthy diet, and necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and committed to take care of a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. Are you interested in a dog that is playful, pleasant, and typically loves to be with people?

5. If there are children in your house are they old enough to know about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a puppy?

6. Are you able to afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

7. Did you consider a plan for maintaining your new Poodle's beautiful coat? Are you able to afford routine professional grooming or do you plan on purchasing grooming supplies and learning how to do this yourself in the proper manner?

8. Do you have a safe and comfortable place to keep your Poodle when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

9. Are you aware what dog or puppy supplies that you may need to bring a new puppy into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe?

10. Do you routinely need to travel away from home for any job requirements? Do you always take a vacation away from home once or twice a year? If you need to be away from your home for more than a few hours, what are you planning to do with your dog? Are you planning on taking him on vacation with you and your family, if possible? If you are unable to bring your dog with you during your travel time away from home, are you able and willing to make the required arrangements for your dog to be properly cared for during that time period. Always remember the importance of your dog's comfort, health and safety.

Socializing Your Puppy

2011-06-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

Your goal may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so essential for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is useful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. I read that the time before the puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the remainder of his life.

Until your puppy has had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about socialization. I read that you should consult your veterinarian about when, as well as, how to introduce your puppy to other animals in a safe manner.

Once you know that it is fine to socialize your puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new puppy to some of your close friends or relatives in a pleasant, supervised manner. Your puppy can learn to get accustomed to people who are quiet or talkative, young (active), or old (possibly more inactive). You may wish to introduce your puppy to people wearing glasses or wearing hats or bike helmets, or to people carrying an umbrella, or wearing coats and gloves.

If your puppy seems scared about a certain object or specific person it may be a good idea to introduce that object or person more slowly, and you can try to associate the object or person with something positive, like a favorite treat. If your puppy is fearful of your grandfather who happens to be tall and speaks in a very loud voice, have your grandfather offer treats to the puppy.

You may want to get your puppy comfortable with handling, especially if they may need routine grooming in the future. You can safely and comfortably hold your cute puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you. Your friends and family can help by gently handling the puppy the proper way. Positive reinforcement for your puppy may include lots of friendly praise and maybe also their favorite treats.

It may be lots of fun to safely take the puppy on short car rides, so he becomes familiar with riding in the car. This positive experience may make it easier for the both of you when you need to go for any future veterinarian office visits.

When the puppy is the appropriate age, you may decide to invite people that you already know that own pets who are friendly, healthy and vaccinated who can come over to your home for a little visit, and with your knowledge and supervision you can work on socializing your puppy.

If you happen to already have another pet in the home, you may want to make sure that you provide enough individual attention to your new puppy to help them develop their own personality.

You can even gradually introduce your puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds which may be new to your puppy are the following:

Doorbell ringing

Telephone ringing

TV and radio

Any music playing

Computer noises

Video games

Vacuum cleaner

Sound from a hair dryer, blender, or fan

Noise from a washing machine or dish washer

Any noise from your childrens toys

Thunderstorms

Any noise from electric grooming tools, if your dog may need grooming in the future

After your veterinarian says it is safe for you to take the puppy out into the real world, you can safely introduce the puppy to walks in your the neighborhood. Your walks together can be so enjoyable for you and your puppy.

In summary, if you are patient and consistent with socializing and training your puppy, he will likely be happier and feel comfortable throughout his life. Always keep in mind that praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training.

Choosing a Healthy Poodle Puppy

2011-05-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

When you are choosing a new puppy you may be thinking about very important things that you might want to check for in your new Poodle puppy, such as the following few examples that I have listed for you below:

A puppy that has a normal active energy level, not a lethargic appearance.

A puppy that shows a happy expression and appropriate actions (not shy, fearful or nasty).

A Poodle puppy that might be pleasantly plump, but not fat (not one that looks sick or in poor condition or undernourished).

A puppy that has bright, clear eyes (not running eyes or running, crusted nose).

A Poodle puppy that has a shiny, healthy looking coat (clean and soft) as compared to a dull coat.

The inside of the puppy's ears may be pink and clean, with no discharge or strong odor.

A puppy that has pink, healthy looking gums and clean white teeth.

Schnauzers available, www.MaximilianSchnauzers.com

2011-05-14T22:58:00.001-07:00

Live Video streaming by Ustream

Dog Trainer Career Ideas

2011-04-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

You may wish to check out the information below regarding the Dog Trainer Handbook if you are thinking about pursuing a career in which you would be training dogs.

The Poodle Puppy's Stages of Development

2010-12-08T23:56:00.000-08:00

Poodle puppies have various stages of development during their puppyhood. I will discuss three different stages below.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

Poodles, like most puppies have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Poodle puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family. It is such an important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a great deal during these first weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Poodle puppies may be somewhat well socialized with each other. The Poodle puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

One of your goals may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your Poodle puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A Poodle puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the Poodle puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

Your Poodle puppy may be at the developmental stage where he is very curious about his new environment. It is so important to puppy proof your house. You may want to read my recent blog post about puppy proofing your house.

At this age, your Poodle puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy.

Your Poodle puppy may be in a very good developmental stage to hopefully learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Poodle puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

Your Poodle puppy may be more independent and may want to test you or his environment a little more. You may need some patience and be consistent and keep up your training lessons during this developmental stage. Your Poodle puppy may be slightly more brave with his efforts. It is helpful for you to guide and encourage your puppy along.

Video of How to Train a Poodle to Lay Down on Command

2010-08-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

Keeping Your Poodle Puppy Safe While Outdoors this Summer

2010-07-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is getting a little warmer and more enjoyable in many locations, your new puppy or adult dog may be more eager to go outside. Puppies are usually very curious and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new puppy home the puppy may want to start checking out many things inside and outside the house. You may be interested in puppy proofing your home to keep your Poodle puppy very safe at all times. You will want to make sure there is nothing within his reach that could harm him indoors or outdoors.

It is very important to make sure the outside of your home is safe. You can consult your veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. You may wish to read Puppy Proofing Your Home. There are so many great ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful. Hopefully, you can puppy proof your backyard before your puppy goes outside. You will want to be with your Poodle puppy when he is outside, so you can supervise him.

If you have any fencing in your yard, you can check to make sure there are no holes through which your puppy could squeeze through and sneak out of the yard. Check to see if all of the gates are securely closed and that your Poodle puppy would not be able to crawl underneath the gate.

It is also important that your dog gets the proper exercise for his well-being. A responsible dog owner will obey leash laws and not let their dog run loose. You will probably need to get a license, and possibly a name tag for identification for your puppy. It is also important for your dog to be up-to-date with his vaccinations. You may be interested in reading 10 Pet Safety Tips You Should KnowDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It is also very important for a good dog owner to keep their dog safe while riding in a car. Car safety for dogs: "Safety tips for securing your dog for car rides" is a helpful article about this subject.

Some plants and trees outside may be toxic to dogs. Many bulb plants can also be poisonous. Some mulch can be toxic to dogs. Again, you can ask the veterinarian for a complete list of plants and trees that are dangerous or toxic to dogs. You may want to read Plants Which Are Potentially Poisonous. You will want to keep your Poodle puppy off of freshly treated lawns.

Keep all gasoline, auto supplies, insecticides, fertilizers for your lawn, oil, or any paint in securely closed containers out of reach from your puppy. Also, keep antifreeze out of reach from your puppy.

Swimming pools or hot tubs should be properly covered or fenced off.

For a safety measure, keep your Poodle puppy away from any barbecue grills during outdoor cooking.

Garbage should be kept in closed containers that have secure lids.

It is so important to keep your Poodle puppy healthy and safe.

Hypoallergenic Puppy Breeds and Their Benefits

2010-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

By Jeff Van Dalsum

A puppy can bring so much joy to your household. However, if someone in your family has an allergy to your pup, they can't enjoy his company without itching, scratching, and sneezing.

People who are allergic to puppies are sensitive to dander or saliva. Dander is the flakes of skin and scurf that are shed by every dog throughout the course of a day.

Many people believe that some breeds of puppy are less likely to cause a reaction in sensitive people. Poodle puppies seem to have a coat that is more like hair than fur, so it may be less likely to cause a problem. The Labradoodle was bred by crossing Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, to try and produce a larger hypoallergenic dog.

Dander tends to be shed with hair, so a pup with a thick fur coat is more likely to cause reactions in allergic people. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic pup, it may be a good idea to choose a breed with a short thin coat, such as a Greyhound or Whippet.

Hairless pups, such as the Chinese Crested Dog or Mexican Hairless Dog are also considered to be a lower allergy risk than most other breeds.

Keep in mind that there is also lots of variation between individual dogs. Just because your family member can cuddle one dog with no problems, that doesn't mean they'll be fine with all other dogs of that breed.

So as you can see, there really is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic puppy, because all pups shed hair or dander and all dogs produce saliva. However, if you choose your breed carefully, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions but you're not likely to eliminate them completely.

People with allergies can still enjoy the company of a puppy, but it takes a little work.

Firstly, reduce the amount of hair and dander that drifts through your home. This means vacuuming the house every day, and washing your pup's bedding to remove excess hair and skin scurf. Bathe and brush your pup twice weekly, so he doesn't shed as much hair. Both these tasks should be done by a non- allergic family member. Keep in mind that if you wash your pup with the wrong shampoo, it can dry out his coat. The result is more skin scurf and dander, which can make allergies worse. Choose a mild, soap free shampoo, and consider adding a fatty acid supplement to your pup's diet, to condition his coat from the inside.

There are also medications that can stop your body reacting to an allergen, and these can be helpful in controlling the symptoms of an allergy to pups.

There are so many health benefits to owning a pup such as reducing your stress levels and encouraging you to exercise more. If you choose your pup carefully, and keep your environment free of dog hair, your allergic family member can also enjoy your pup without constantly reaching for a tissue.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated to helping your raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy. We have taken it as our goal to provide you with all of the information you need to know in order to make living with your puppy a memorable and fun experience. We want to make sure that you understand all of your choices for your puppy and that you will be able to make fully-informed decisions in respect to training, health, dietary, and general puppy care situations. We update our blog daily with new information on puppy care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Van_Dalsum

Adopting a Rescue Dog for a Family Pet

2010-07-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

Rescue refers to dogs that have come to rescue groups because of a variety of possible reasons. The dogs may have come from dog pounds, dog shelters or puppy mills. They may have been a stray dog. Possibly, their original owners were no longer able to care for them anymore. There may be several reasons why dog owners may give up dogs of various ages. The important fact is that rescue dogs are in need of new homes with owners that want to care for them and bring them into their family. Some of the reasons why dogs may be in a rescue shelter are the following:

Possibly, the owner could no longer afford the necessary expenses required to maintain a dog, such as routine veterinary check-ups, the cost of dog food, cost of grooming, or any medication that may be needed for the dog.

The dog may have deteriorating or chronic health problems, and the veterinary expenses that are needed to properly take care of the dog are too expensive for the owner.

There may have been a change in the household. Maybe the children did not get along with the dog, or possibly there was just a new baby born in the family. There could have been a divorce, a death or major illness in the family. The family may have needed to move, and they were not allowed to have a dog in their new apartment or townhouse due to rules and regulations.

The original owner could have experienced a major change in lifestyle. Their employment and career changes could have involved more traveling away from home, or a major shift change with lots of overtime hours in their work schedule. The family may have realized they just did not have the necessary time required to take good care of a dog.

There could have been medical reasons for the owner to give up their dog. Someone in the family may have developed allergies to the dog, or experienced a chronic health condition and was no longer able to properly care for their dog.

Possibly, the dog had some behavioral problems.

The dog could have some training problems, such as housetraining issues.

It is important to note that a rescue dog may or may not come from an environment where he was mistreated. Any special needs of the rescue dog, such as health related issues should be considered when selecting a new home.

When you are considering adopting a rescue dog, you may want to consider the following:

The age of the puppy or adult dog.

How much prior training did the dog have in their previous home?

Is the dog successfully housetrained?

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

Does the dog have any pre-existing or ongoing health problems?

Does the dog routinely take any medications prescribed by a veterinarian?

Is the dog on any special diet?

Is the dog up-to-date with his vaccinations?

Does the dog get along well with children and other pets?

Does the dog have any pre-existing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness?

Does the dog have any problems with socialization or separation anxiety?

Does the dog look properly nourished?

Is the dog accustomed to walking with a leash?

Does the dog have a nice temperament?

If you are thinking about adopting a dog from a rescue group, you may need to fill out an application and also be interviewed. The rescue group may need to assess your ability and time to take care of a dog, and provide a safe home.

The wonderful reward of owning a rescue dog may be that the dog will, hopefully, provide lots of unconditional love and great companionship in return for the proper care and love that it will receive!

What Determines Whether A Certain Dog Bed Is Comfortable?

2010-07-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

By: Terry Walker

With dog bed business thriving, an individual can't help but think that these dog beds may just be worthy of the buzz, as well as the cash. Designer dog beds can keep their spot as sought-after ornamental and completely functional furniture items. Memory foam dog beds have been invaluable in keeping the good old family dog happy. Once you come to think of it, it truly is understandable that many consumers want to obtain sleep-stuff for his or her best friends.

A dog's anatomy might not be like a human being's, but like ours it too consists of joints plus muscle mass. Unquestionably, arthritis or no arthritis, almost everyone may find it comfortable to rest on a plush bed. Consider how pleasant it would be for your dogs and cats to acquire some semblance of this comfort, as opposed to needing to deal with with a cold and hard floor. The simple truth is, dog beds, with the exemption of most expensive or custom products, are usually low-cost, thus there really isn't any explanation for the dog owner to disregard the comfortableness of a pet, at least when it comes to sleeping hubs. To find out what makes a dog bed comfortable, take a look at the examples below.

Protection

Most dogs are no different than any other living creature. They want to be secure, and feel safe; otherwise, it's not great for its health and well being. One way of ensuring security is by checking on how sturdy the frame of your pet bed is. In case you have a nest-shape, a doughnut-type or a similar bed, then it would not matter. If the bed contains a frame, ensure that the cushioning is adequate and also the frame is solid. Another way to ensure that your dog is comfy would be to study their particular sleeping habits. When they have a tendency to curl when resting, you may need to acquire round, or doughnut style beds. Note that younger dogs tend to be more anxious, and may want a nest-type or possibly a walled bed for added comfort.

Stuffing

What tends to make dog beds genuinely cozy is the materials used for stuffing in addition to being a protective cover. While it's true that it is better to have extra stuffing, well-padded dog beds aren't for every single dog. There aren't any strict recommendations for this. It is advisable to (once again) study the sleeping routines and determine if your pet would prefer a pillowy mattress or a more solid one. Figure out whether or not your dog likes sitting on the sofa, or rest on the hard floor. Smaller dogs usually like luxuriant fabrics and beds they can sink into, given that they are not likely to weigh much and smush the foam or something like that. Then again, large breed dogs want a more solid sleeping area where they could fully stretch.

Nobody really understands what's happening in a dog's brain. Nonetheless, it does not take a rocket scientist to learn what may make an animal, particularly dogs and cats, happy. A clean spot, sufficient food plus a comfy home may do a lot. Add a quality pet bed and you'll have a pet that will feel as relaxed as any dog would've helped its owner feel comfortable.

Author Resource: Confused about where to begin when shopping for a new outdoor dog bed? Turn to the Internet's trusted dog bed resource. Visit our website for the latest information on all styles of dog beds including outdoor dog beds and heated dog beds.

Article From Article Directory

A Video of How to Train a Poodle to Heel

2010-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Getting A New Pet - 7 Tips

2010-07-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

By: Mike Singh

Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life. This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as well. Keeping in mind that you need to take care of your animal, no matter what you do decide to bring home, here are some tips to help to prepare yourself, the animal and your home for your new adventure together.

Realize how much space you really do have. While everyone would like to own a pet, it's not always the right choice. Before you even head to the pet shop, take into account the amount of room your new animal will need and how much room you have. Dogs need room to run and to play. The larger the pet, the more space he or she will need. What size pet works best for your home, then?
Prepare your home then. Just like having a new baby at home, there are things you need to do to prepare your home for your new pet. You'll need to make sure they will not get hurt on anything within your home. Move furniture if necessary to keep them safe.
Prepare a bed or sleeping area for your pet next. A dog often enjoys sleeping on a padded, warm area whereas a cat will want more of a dark area to sleep. The larger the animal, the more room you'll need to make room for.
Set up a place to feed them. The location should be someplace they can get to easily. They should be able to get to their water and food at anytime. It should be in the same place each day and should be continuously cleaned and well taken care of.
Time is also a necessary factor to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Dogs need to be walked. Will you commit a certain amount of time each day to doing this?
Let's not forget about our animal's bathroom needs. Where will your pet go? Who will be responsible for scooping up the cat litter or cleaning the yard as needed? This is a task no one wants to do that is necessary when it comes to properly taking care of your pet.
Lastly, prepare yourself. It is very important for you to be ready for the challenge of taking care of a pet. It is a large job and can be a costly one when you take into consideration your needs for a vet and pet care in general.

Author Resource: Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of pet-related websites. Please check out his pictures of all dog breeds and articles on buying a cat.

Article From Article Directory

Video of How to Teach Your Poodle to Stay

2010-07-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Poodles: Why Do Dogs Bark and How To Help Prevent Excessive Barking

2010-07-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's only natural, dogs bark to communicate with humans and other animals. It is important for your Poodle to understand when to bark and when to be quiet. Dogs will bark for several different reasons. It's their way of communicating and expressing themselves. Listed below are some common reasons why dogs bark.

To Get Attention: They may start young as puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, or when they are frustrated or scared, or just when they want some attention. It is common for a new Poodle puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely or scared. Sometimes we may not realize it at first, but we may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be helpful not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention, but when he is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. It is important to remember that teaching your Poodle puppy appropriate behavior from the start is easier than changing undesirable behavior later on.

Socializing the Poodle puppy is very important. You may want to introduce the puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive way. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

You can go slow and gradually introduce your Poodle puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sound of the TV, or any music playing, and also the noise from a vacuum cleaner.

Barks from Playful Happiness or Happy Excitement: The dog or puppy may be so happy about playing outside or going for a nice walk or ride in a car, or he may be excited because he sees one of his favorite relatives or friends of the family coming over to visit.

Barking when He Hears Other Dogs Bark: Your Poodle may be barking to respond to other dogs he hears barking in the neighborhood.

Warning Bark: The dog may bark if he sees a stranger approaching the house. Dogs often bark at mail carriers, joggers, or people riding bikes on the street by the house.

Bored Barkers: It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog. Dogs who are bored need something to do besides barking.

Separation Anxiety: You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a Poodle that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your dog may bark, whine, cry or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your Poodle in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

Ideas To Help Prevent Excessive Barking:

1. Try to have the dog get enough routine daily attention.
2. The dog should get adequate appropriate exercise.
3. Try the methods listed above to help separation anxiety.
4. Try not to give positive reinforcement to the dog or puppy when he is only barking or whining just for attention. You can reward the quiet, relaxed behavior instead.

Video on How to Teach Your Poodle to Sit on Command

2010-07-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Video of How to Train a Poodle

2010-07-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

A Few Tips About Trying to Make the Inside of the Home Puppy Proof for Your Poodle

2010-07-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Puppies are usually very curious and playful and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new Poodle puppy home, the puppy may want to start checking out many things throughout the house because he probably will see lots of interesting items that are all new to him.

I wanted to write about a few tips that I read about regarding the topic of puppy proofing the inside of a house. Consult the veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house.

There are many ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful.

I will jot down a few tips that I read about relating to puppy proofing the inside of the home. I read that it may be helpful to try to think about a puppy's eye view of a house.

Plants: Some specific plants inside and outside of the house may be potentially harmful to the puppy. Consult the veterinarian for a complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs.

Medications can be kept in a very safe area where the puppy definitely does not have access.

Cleaning supplies can be kept in high cabinets where the puppy definitely does not have access or childproof safety latches may be used to safely secure cabinets.

Household wastebaskets may be placed in an area that the puppy cannot access.

Electrical cords: I read that people who are trying to puppy proof their house can unplug, remove or safely cover any electrical cords that would be around the puppy's area. Electrical outlets may also be covered when they are not in use.

Bathroom: Toilet lids can be kept down. Bathroom trash cans may be put up high where the puppy cannot access them.

Any possible drawstrings or cords used for draperies or blinds in the home may be tied up high enough so the puppy cannot access them.

Precaution may be taken regarding a rocking chair or chair recliner. A Poodle puppy could happen to have his tail near that area or even try to crawl under the area. Take proper safety precautions.

Laundry baskets and clothing can be kept off the floor and out of reach from the puppy.

Small objects can be kept out of reach so the puppy does not have access. Some examples of small objects are the following:

Many childrens toys have small peices and parts

Crayons, pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, tacks, staples

Jewelry, hair barrettes

String, ribbons, yarn

Buttons, sewing needles, pins

Coins

Safe gates made for dogs may be used across stairs and other areas where the puppy isn't allowed.

There are certain human foods that can cause problems for pets. Consult the veterinarian for the specific list of human foods that can cause problems or be potentially harmful to your Poodle puppy.

Good supervision of the puppy is very important!

Does Your Poodle Have The Blues When He is Home Alone or is He Bored?

2010-07-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

You may be working hard at your daily office job and your kids are away in school all throughout the day. The house may be too quiet and your Poodle might feel lonely or bored. Your Poodle might even experience a little separation anxiety when you leave the house.

Dogs of all ages can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Young dogs and even older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them. You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dog's life. You may now begin to realize that when a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your Poodle may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

What behavior may your Poodle display if he is experiencing separation anxiety?

The most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include the following:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your Poodle makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. If you are in the kitchen cooking, or folding laundry, or watching television your dog would want to be right with you. When you go out of the house to do a few errands, your dog may always give you a dramatic, overwhelming greeting as soon as you return home.

When you or your kids finally come home from work or school, you may also find that your Poodle has become very clingy, and he never lets you or the kids out of his sight.

What are some other characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety?

The behavior occurs mostly when your Poodle is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

But it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

What are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your Poodle?

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Some other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your Poodle and reassure him.

When you have to leave your dog in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your Poodle you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

You can try to alter your daily habits a little bit. Do you have a set routine time each day before you leave the house to go to work or school? Maybe you jingle your keys, put your purse, briefcase, packed lunch or jacket near the door right before you are ready to leave the house. Your Poodle may pick up on these visual cues and associate them with your leaving the house. It may be a little helpful to try and mix up your normal routine by doing your usual activities in a different order.

It may be a big help to take your dog for a nice walk before you leave. It might give your dog a reason to look forward to your leaving. It will be good exercise for him and a little change of scenery.

Hopefully, with a few of these helpful tips, your Poodle will feel relaxed instead of anxious when you leave the house.

The Importance Of A Well Behaved Dog

2010-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

By: Amy Nutt

If you have a dog, you have probably been concerned with his or her behavior at some point. This is important if you frequently have company, or if your dog is your constant companion out in public. Even if this isn't the case, it is still important to be sure your dog is well-behaved and will obey you. This also helps you develop a good relationship with your dog.

The first step to having a well behaved dog is to fully understand the dog's behavior. Only then will you be able to learn to communicate effectively with your pet, thereby, building a successful partnership. This is important, especially if you are the sole owner of the dog.

If you are the sole dog owner, you will probably spend a lot of time with your dog. Another step toward having a great relationship with your animal is to make sure he or she receives proper care. This means that you should regularly walk your dog, take a vested interest in his or her health needs, and always make sure you provide love and affection.

If you are having difficulty with your dog's behavior, there are steps you can take to work out a solution that will work for both dog and owner. This can mean consulting your vet for ideas, or enrolling your pet in obedience school. Obedience will teach your dog how to behave in certain situations as well as how to respond to given commands. A trainer can also help break bad habits your dog may have that is affecting his or hers behavior.

You will also be provided with step-by-step obedience exercises that you can practice with your dog at home. This will help to enforce the behaviors learned in class. Not doing so will most likely result in your dog resorting back to past behavior because the new behaviors are not being re-enforced.

It is also important to talk to and listen to your dog. Pay attention to how your dog acts and responds to those behaviors. If they are negative, try to find out what you can do to stop and prevent them. If your dog is doing well, be sure to give him or her, the proper praise that is well-deserved. Praise is just as important for dogs as it is for people and will help to promote continuing good behavior.

Author Resource: Bark Busters is Canada's most successful dog obedience training organization and will come right to your home to help you! http://www.barkbusters.ca/

Article From Article Directory

Taking Your Dog To Work With You

2010-06-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

I recently read a really interesting article about taking your dog to work with you. You may enjoy reading Should You Take Your Dog To Work?: "A dog can bring smiles and joy to a workplace—if the circumstances are right. READ THIS FIRST"

First, you must know your company's dog policy. Some places of employment do not permit dogs on the premises due to different reasons.

You also need to be considerate of your co-workers. Even if your company says it is perfectly fine to bring your dog to the office, that doesn't necessary mean that all of your co-workers definitely agree with that idea. One of your co-workers may happen to be allergic to dogs. That is why it is so important to check with your co-workers and make sure they consent to the dog's visit.

If you have everyone's permission, there are a few things you may want to consider. How your dog responds to your work environment may depend on his own personality and prior training.

Always remember your dog's daily needs. If you take your dog to work with you, remember to bring his dog food and bowl, a water bowl, and some safe and appropriate dog toys. You may also want to bring a portable dog bed or crate. It may be helpful to bring some supplies to clean up after your dog, if necessary. It will be important to your dog to show him some attention throughout the day and schedule enough time to take him out for walks.

It may be a smart idea to just bring your dog in part-time, maybe half-days at first, so you can see how he reacts to your work office environment.

A dog can bring a lot of happiness and smiles to a workplace!

Create A Bond With Your Dog Through Puppy Obedience Training

2010-06-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

By: Mark Robert

Just because you love your puppy with all of your heart does not mean you shouldn't get the little fuzzy guy some obedience training.

In fact, if you have a new puppy, you should really look into all of the advantages and disadvantages of the training so you can make an educated decision on whether to enroll your pet or not.

There are a plethora of reasons why obedience training should be considered.

In the first place, there are some people who visit you who may not share the same love for your puppy that you have.

There are some pet owners who feel they have to lock their pet in a room or put them outside when visitors come to their home, but a little bit of obedience training can fix this problem.

This way, you will be able to keep your pet with you, and you will not run into any expected problems while your guests are there.

Secondly, many dogs, and especially puppies, are at to run out the front door and into the street when a new guest arrives. You certainly don't want them to get hit by a car!

You definitely don't want your beloved four-legged friend to be hit by a vehicle! Through obedience training, your dog will figure out where you want him to be and when. This way, you will be able to ensure that he is safe at all times.

This will increase his safety and give you peace of mind.

Many pet owners have rooms that are off-limit to their pets, and these can range from sitting rooms to the kitchen.

The temperament of you dog is an important determining factor for the need of obedience training, because certain breeds have aggressive tendencies that make such training a must.

There are a variety of dog breeds, including German Shepherds and Bulldogs that can greatly benefit from obedience training, and it is important to start them at a young age.

Lastly, many owners find that going through obedience training with their pet helps them maintain a good relationship; spoiling only leads to subordination and domination -- usually by the pet.

Through proper communication and instruction, you will be able to house train your pet and establish boundaries that both of you can respect.

You will find that there are many options for obedience training, and the only thing you will have to do is decide what approach is best for you and your pet.

Author Resource: Looking to find the best advices on dogs obedience training, then visit www.puppyobediencetrainingtips.net/ to find the best information on puppy obedience training.

Article From Article Directory

Adorable Poodle Video!

2010-05-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

A Cute Video Of Poodles

2010-05-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Tips For Choosing the Right Dog As a Pet

2010-05-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

Dogs happen to be one of the best pets - there's a reason they are called "man's best friend." Of course, if you want a pet of your own, you'll want to make sure that you will get a dog that will fit your personality, living style, and more. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your canine pet.

You may want to consider going with a purebred puppy for your new pet, and there are many different breeds out there that you can choose from. The great thing about choosing a puppy that is pure bred is that you will know how your dog will turn out in the end. You can even research how easy that breed is to train, the grooming the breed needs, and how they behave. This can help you to better choose a pet that will adapt with your lifestyle.

Assuming that you are going to go with a purebred pet dog, you'll definitely want to consider the shedding that you're pet will do. Every dog is going to shed some hair, but some will shed more than others. If you plan to keep your dog in your home and want to avoid having hair everywhere, then choosing a dog breed that does not shed is going to be your best option.

You'll want to consider how easy your dog will be to train as well. If the dog is easy to train, you won't need as much time to train him. Another thing to think about is the grooming that your new pet is going to require. Dogs that have long coats usually require a lot more grooming than short haired dogs.

Ask yourself if you are looking for a pet to hang out with and cuddle with, or do you want an athletic dog that can keep up with you when you go out jogging or you engage in other activities with your dog. There are some breeds of dogs that have a lot of stamina, and if you want to go hiking, jogging, or walking with your dog, choose a breed that has plenty of stamina.

Another important tip to keep in mind when you are trying to choose the right dog as a pet is whether or not you have children. There are some breeds of dogs that are well known for being great with kids, and you'll want to choose one of these dogs if you have young children that will be around your dog on a regular basis. There are a couple dogs that may not be as great with children, and they should be avoided.

Choose the right dog and you'll have a faithful friend and pet for life. However, if you choose a dog that isn't suited to you, chances are that you and the dog will not be happy. Before you get a new dog as a pet, always keep these considerations in mind to ensure you make the right choice.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for organic dog treats online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Make Your Home Welcoming and Safe for Your Puppy

2010-05-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

By: Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Unlike bringing home a newborn child where you have some time to make your home safe, bringing home your new puppy means you need to puppy proof your home right away. Puppies are just like toddlers with lots of energy and ready to get into everything. They have an insatiable curiosity that makes them check out everything including those things that might not be so safe for them. As the puppy's new owner, you must puppy proof your home.

One good step to take towards puppy proofing your home is to look at it from the dog's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look around. You might be surprised at what you see down there that could look so tempting to a puppy in his new home. Remember your puppy will want to check out all this new stuff as he has never seen it before and it just might be dangerous to him.

Be very aware of electrical cords that your puppy can access and chew on. Just think of what a puppy chewing on an electrical cord, in use, could lead to. Place the cords where the puppy can't access them. Place them behind furniture or up high where he can't reach. Try laying them under something like a rubber mat.

Stairs can provide as much danger to a puppy as to a toddler. They can have trouble getting up and down them. In their boisterousness, they can even fall down a flight of stairs. Best to just block off the stairway until the puppy has grown and is more capable of navigating them. Stairs might also lead to a place you do not want your puppy to be such as the basement. If you have a door, then you must be sure the door is always closed.

Another step in making your home puppy proof is to be sure there are no hazardous household chemicals where he can get into them. Such are usually stored under the kitchen sink or even the bathroom sink. Can your puppy get ready access to these places? You may even have to go so far as to use those plastic cabinet locks that are used for toddlers.

These are a few steps to take in making your home puppy proof. Keep in mind the level of your home your puppy lives at and what he sees and can get into at that level. Having a puppy proof home can go a long ways to having a happy and healthy relationship with you puppy.

copyright 2005. Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Author Resource: Visit our Puppy Training website at http://ezpuppytraining.com/ for a free course on "Welcoming Your New Puppy Home and Puppy Training". Find more puppy training and care tips at our website.

Article From Article Directory

Are You Interested in Becoming A Professional Dog Trainer?

2010-05-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

Another Cute Video of a Toy Poodle

2010-05-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

A Video of a Cute Toy Poodle

2010-05-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

Dog Obedience Training - Professional Or DIY?

2010-05-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

By: Rebecca Prescott

Having a new puppy as an addition to the household can be very exciting. Although it is easy to get caught up with this excitement, it is important as a responsible dog owner to ensure that your dog receives proper socialization and obedience training.

Dog's are not humans, and whilst this statement may seem obvious, it can be suprising how much we unconsciously expect them to behave or learn as we might. No matter how much a part of the family they may seem, they communicate in a different way to humans, and this is why obedience training is so important. The right obedience training can help to make your life easier in terms of relating to your pet, and it can even help keep your dog safe when there are hazard around. A good example of this is being able to make him stop if he escapes the leash and heads for the road during his daily walk.

Getting the right obedience training

There are a number of options available when it comes to obedience training, but do bear in mind that training - particularly for the novice dog owner - may not be easy. Each dog will respond differently to obedience training methods. Some dogs tend to be very responsive to training, whereas others can be stubborn, strong willed, and determined, which can make training difficult. However, you are not alone, as there are plenty of resources and help out there.

For those that intend to undertake obedience training without going to a class, there are a number of resources available, including books, DVDs, and Internet advice. However, it is important to remember that many dogs will assume leadership unless you have the confidence and assertiveness to show him who is the boss. The way you do this is important too - it should be done using positive methods and reinforcement, and not by shouting and screaming at him, as the latter can result in fear and even aggression in your dog.

If you are not confident about taking on obedience training yourself then there is help available. Properly trained and experience trainers can prove the ideal solution for your dog's obedience training needs, and can help to teach your dog the basic commands as well as more advanced obedience training. The older your new dog is, the more difficult the training is likely to be Thus, those with adult dogs, or a new young adult, should consider using a professional trainer.

With professional training you can select from non-residential training, which involves going with your dog and helping with in the training process with the supervision of the professionals, or a residential course. In a residential course, your dog goes to 'boot camp' for a specified time and receives obedience training from the experts. Many owners prefer the former method, as it enables them to get assistance with obedience training whilst still enabling them to form a close bond with their pet. Plus, it helps them learn how to handle their dogs in an environment where good feedback is possible.

Author Resource: For tips on teaching your dog to come, click here. Rebecca writes on dog training and other topics here.

Article From Article Directory

Cute Video of a Poodle Doing Tricks

2010-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

How to Properly Train a Puppy

2010-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

By: Andrew Bicknell

There is nothing quite like bringing home a new puppy. The excitement level can be quite high, particularly if children are waiting anxiously. But before you even bring home a new puppy be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons because while puppies make great gifts they are a responsibility that lasts for their entire life. A new puppy can make a lifetime of great memories but they also require a lot of training and work if they are to become a member of your family.

Your puppies breed and temperament will go along ways in determining what sort of training may work best for him. Of course the smarter the breed of puppy the easier it will be to train, but at the same time a smart dog will probably be somewhat resistant to being told what to do at first, at least until it is determined who is dominant in the dog/human relationship.

Training a puppy is something that can take a short amount of time depending on how much time and attention you spend doing it. This does not mean that you need to spend hours a day training your puppy. Just like small children their attention span only lasts so long. Break your training sessions up into a few short sessions throughout the day and your puppy will respond in a positive manner.

When you first start training your puppy you will need to start with basic obedience training, teaching commands such as sit, come, stay, heel and fetch. As they get older and master these simple commands you can start to incorporate more difficult training.

The idea of training a puppy can be somewhat overwhelming for some people but it is really not that hard. Most puppies and the dogs they grow into really want to do nothing but please their owners. By teaching them correctly you will create a bond that will cause them to remember everything you teach them simply because they like to be rewarded.

If you choose not to train a new puppy the consequences may not be to your liking. They will learn that they do not have to listen and will essentially become the master of your house. And puppies can be very destructive. As they teeth they will chew on anything available if they don't know better. If they are taught the difference between right and wrong the damage they can do will be limited.

While you can use any number of training aids to help you train your new puppy sometimes the best approach is to just work with him on a daily basis. The more interaction you have with your four legged friend the better his response to training will be. It is also important to remember that training should be a continuing process, even as your dog gets older and grows bigger. The positives of a well trained puppy and dog are many and will make for a lifelong companion who is happy and healthy.

Author Resource: For more puppy training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

Article From Article Directory

Cute Video of a Poodle Puppy

2010-05-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

Your Poodle’s Personality

2010-05-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

I recently read that research studies have concluded that dogs really do have their own individual personalities. Instinct can also influence a dog's personality. Did you ever wonder why Princess the Bichon Frise is so friendly and easy going, and Ashley the Miniature Poodle so smart or little Jack the Papillon so alert and peppy?

One reason may be due to selective breeding. In the past, dogs have been bred to perform certain functions and those instinctive behaviors may still remain in the specific breeds. For example, a beagle can easily follow different scents because of his hunting breed’s natural instinct.

It is important to note that dogs can also pick up on their owner’s individual personality. Dogs that are more relaxed and calm may have relaxed, friendly owners. It is interesting to know that your dog has his own unique personality, as well as the dominant qualities of his particular breed. This information may be helpful when training your dog. You may wish to read Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: "While some scientists have dismissed the idea of distinct pet personalities, recent studies prove what owners have always known—dogs really do have their own individual personalities."

So, in summary each dog has their own individual personality, but specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Poodles are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Poodles usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Poodles can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

Poodles usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Poodles may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Are You Interested in Becoming A Professional Pet Sitter or a Dog Trainer?

2010-05-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Tips For Bringing A New Puppy Or Dog Home

2010-04-29T19:13:00.001-07:00

By Matt LeClair

Have you been considering the thought of buying a new puppy or dog but you're just not sure where to start with all of the different things that need to done in order to make the process of buying a dog for sale go smoothly? There are a number of things you can do to help make your experience more pleasurable and worth your while including finding a trustworthy seller, making sure your home is ready for the puppy or dog, and making sure you have the proper supplies that your puppy will need.

First, before you even purchase the puppy or dog you must research your options to discover which breed of dog will be best for your family. This will depend on a number of factors like children, hobbies, and more. These factors will most likely include your dog so it's important to take them into consideration. Next, you'll want to find a trustworthy seller. There are a number of options for finding someone who has dogs for sale including the classifieds in the local paper, the phone book, or through online websites. Whatever method you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the buyer to make sure you know they are legit and will not pull a fast one on you buy selling you a bad puppy or dog.

Second, you'll want to make sure your home is ready for a new puppy or dog, sort of like child proofing it. Do you have a big back yard? If so, is it fenced in or does it need to be fenced in? This could be a concern if you live in a busy neighborhood or near a busy roadway where there is a lot of traffic. You want to eliminate all safety concerns before bringing your new dog home so that you don't have any trouble after the fact. It would be a good idea to check your home for safety hazards for the dog. Things like loose wiring, exposed household chemicals, or exposed sharp objects all pose a threat to your dog or puppy and should be taken care of before hand.

Finally, you'll need to get some essential supplies for your new puppy or dog before you bring them home in order to make their transition into your living environment more comfortable. You'll want to have supplies like food, a dog cage, dog bed, collar and leash, toys, bowls, and more which will all help to give your dog the care and attention that he or she needs to be happy. Many of these are necessities that you will have to purchase, some are things that are nice to have in order to keep your dog company or give him a little extra curricular activity to encourage being healthy and fit.

If you've been considering bringing home a new dog or puppy and want to make sure the process goes smoothly, just follow these few simple tips and you'll be well on your way to being a successful and happy dog owner.

Search for dogs for sale, dog supplies and more at FarmMedley.com.

Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

The Poodle as a Therapy Dog

2010-04-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Dogs can be trained to provide comfort and affection to certain people in need. A therapy dog may be trained to help people in nursing homes and hospital settings and much more. They may be trained to help disabled people.

Therapy dogs should have a friendly temperament. They are usually gentle in nature, patient and confident. The Poodle may be a good dog for this type of work. The Poodle is known for it's intelligence and pleasant personality. Is your Poodle social? A therapy dog should enjoy interacting with people. Is your Poodle well-mannered and adaptable to new situations? Some things that are important for a trained therapy dog are:

Accepting a friendly stranger: the therapy dog is usually trained to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it. For example, children in particular, and also adults may enjoy safely petting the trained therapy dogs. Some therapy dogs can actually perform small tricks during their visits.

The therapy dog is often trained by it's handler to sit and stay in place and to come when called. The dog should behave politely around other dogs.

The dog may be tested around medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker, or other medical devices which you might normally see at a medical facility. They may check the dog's reactions to these things during training.

Trained therapy dogs are sometimes used for the following:

To help the disabled.

Trained seeing eye dogs help the semi to permanently blind person.

Some dogs are actually trained to know when a person is going to have a seizure.

Sometimes children with difficulties will relate well to a dog or cat.

Therapy dogs are sometimes used in nursing homes for the elderly.

Poodles can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

You may wish to read The Toy Poodle as a Therapy Dog: "Toy Poodles are especially well suited to pet therapy work. DOES YOUR POOCH HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?"

Career Options for People Who Enjoy Working With Animals

2010-04-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Did you ever happen to think about having a career in which you would be able to work with dogs or other animals? You may need some professional training for certain careers in this field. I will include helpful job descriptions for several career options that would enable you to be working with dogs or other animals in general.

The first career professional that comes to my mind is the veterinarian. To become a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) you may need to complete a four-year undergraduate program and then an additional four years of veterinarian training for your career. Veterinarians may diagnose animal health problems and prescribe the proper medications for animals suffering from certain illnesses. They may provide appropriate vaccinations for the animals against diseases, such as distemper and rabies. Veterinarians may also offer some advise to pet owners about behavior and preventive care for the animals. They can usually perform diagnostic tests such as Xrays, blood work, urine tests and much more.

Next, there is the interesting career of the professional veterinary technician or veterinary assistant. These technicians may help with many duties in the veterinarian's office. To qualify as a licensed veterinary technician you may need to complete a two-year or possibly a four-year educational program. You could even search online to check for schools that train people to be veterinary assistants. If you are sincerely interested in pursuing this career, you may wish to ask a reputable veterinarian for some information about becoming a veterinary technician or an assistant. There is also the option of performing clerical work in a veterinarian's office or being a receptionist.

A pet sitter is another animal related career option. Sometimes dog owners may have to leave their home temporarily for a few days or more and they are unable to bring their dog with them, so they may hire a professional pet sitter. They usually look for a reputable pet sitter that is honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general. The pet owner may carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that they would like the pet sitter to fulfill while they are away. This is an ideal time for the owner to write down any important information about their pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by their veterinarian for their pet or special diet). They should write down their veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. They will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where they can be reached. The pet owner will want to talk about what specific food to feed their pet and how often to feed their pet. They may want to explain where they routinely walk their dog and how often their dog needs to be walked. The pet owner will want to know their pet will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while they are away.

Another option that involves working directly with dogs is a job working in a doggy daycare. Doggy daycare is an available option for dog care if dog owners just need supervised care for a few hours a day, or during certain occasions. Sometimes dogs just need some additional companionship. Doggy daycare should be a safe place, fully supervised by trained staff members. It is a place where dogs can play with other dogs that match their similar temperament.

There may be safe and appropriate dog toys and comfortable dog beds for napping. Most doggy daycares have an outdoor area for exercise. You may wish to read the following article: Doggie Day Care? Really? The staff should be trained to understand and appropriately respond to dog behavior and interactions.

There should be enough humans around to give each dog nice attention and positive reinforcement. Doggy daycare should be secure and safe. All dogs in doggy daycare usually need to meet minimum health requirements. Dogs must have their current vaccinations and be free of infectious diseases. The dogs may be evaluated to make sure their temperament is fine for the daycare environment.

A dog groomer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs and have patience. If you think you may be interested in this line of work, you may wish to visit and talk with a professional dog groomer in your area.

Another job for people who like to work with pets is to work in a pet shop. You could also decide to volunteer or work in an animal shelter.

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

It must be a fun career to be a dog trainer for celebrities or who happen to be lucky enough to work with dogs that appear in movies. If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

Very Cute Video of Poodle Doing Tricks

2010-04-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

Separation Anxiety and the Poodle

2010-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Dogs of all ages can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Young dogs and even older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them. You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your Poodle may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

What behavior may your dog display if he is experiencing separation anxiety?

The most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include the following:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your Poodle makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. My dad used to have a very cute, long haired, male chihuahua and he would follow my dad everywhere that he would go in the house all day long. If my dad was in the kitchen cooking, or folding laundry, or watching television his chihuahua would be right with him. He would constantly be right by my dad's side almost every minute of each day, if possible. When my dad had to go out of the house to do a few errands, his chihuahua would always give him a dramatic, overwhelming greeting as soon as he would return home.

What are some other characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety?

The behavior occurs mostly when your dog is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

But it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

What are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your dog?

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Some other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your Poodle in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your Poodle you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

Bringing Home an Older Puppy

2010-04-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

By Jeff Van Dalsum

Most of the time, when bringing a new puppy into the family, a puppy is selected that is around 8 weeks old. As a result of this stage in his life, he is in the ideal situation to accept a new home. He will also be more open to training and conditioning which will make the bonding process easier and faster.

There are also many cases where a family chooses an older puppy over a younger one. The biggest drawback here is that the ideal training stage for the puppy has already passed. Therefore, bringing home an older puppy requires you to be more flexible and patient with your training routines.

There are many things to look into when you're thinking of getting an older puppy. When compared to younger puppies, the older ones are usually calmer and less energetic. Also, older puppy training might be a little easier since he may have already received some basic training. He might be familiar with children, people, and other pets. However, there is also just as good of a chance that he was not taught any commands or properly socialized which is why it is important to find out his background.

Be very careful with a puppy that has been abused or neglected by his previous owner. These puppies are typically harder to train and to live with as they are more prone to stress, fear, and anxiety towards people. Sometimes, they can even develop aggressive behavior. This isn't to say that all abused or neglected puppies are like this, in fact some are the nicest puppies you will ever meet, but it's important to be aware of the possibility.

Once you've chosen a puppy, make sure to bring the entire family to meet him. This is important because it will allow you to see how the puppy reacts to different people. You'll be able to find out if the puppy dislikes children, women, or other pets. Observe closely and note his overall behavior.

Also take notice to how he reacts to different circumstances. Try dropping your keys on the floor and see his reaction. A normal response would simply be to ignore the noise or to go sniff the keys out of curiosity. If he begins barking, biting, and jumping you may have some problems to deal with down the road.

If you can, ask a staff member to carry the puppy around for a few minutes. See how the puppy reacts to being picked up and carried. If you notice any hints of aggression or fear, you will need to address them through training routines in the future.

Remember, the most important aspect to bringing home an older puppy is knowledge. Ask the staff or breeder as many questions as you can in respect to training, behavior, vaccinations, health, and overall mentality. Also, make sure to investigate the reason why the previous owner left the puppy or why he has not been adopted yet. All of this information can help you better prepare for living with and training your new puppy.

Whatever puppy you decide to bring home, you should know that puppy ownership is like a journey between you, your family, and your puppy. No matter what age you bring that little guy home at, he will be a large part of your life for a long time to come. Older puppy training takes time, patience, and energy but arm yourself with knowledge and dedication and you will set yourself up for success.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated and developed by puppy care enthusiasts who have taken it as their goal to help you raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Van_Dalsum

Housetraining Your Poodle Puppy

2010-04-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

There are some simple steps for housetraining your Poodle puppy. One of the first things you will want to teach your new puppy when you bring him home is housetraining. This is the start of your bond with you and your puppy and it is good to make it a positive, stress free experience for both of you. Housetraining your puppy requires patience, consistency and commitment. You may wish to read Housebreaking Your Dog In Four Simple StepsDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It may take a few weeks to successfully housetrain your puppy. Your puppy will learn to get used to a routine schedule for eating, playing, and going outside to eliminate.

To begin the housetraining you may want to take your puppy outside at least every two hours during the day. You may take him outside after every meal or drink, or after he wakes up from a nap. Always remember to take your puppy out when he wakes up in the morning and also after playing, and before going to bed at night.

Choose an area outside and try to take your puppy close to that same spot each time, so he becomes very familiar with it. When you are going through this housetraining process, it is really helpful if you praise and reward your puppy when he eliminates outside. Praise him verbally and you may also want to give him a treat. This is a type of positive reinforcement for your Poodle puppy. He will learn that going to the bathroom outside is what is expected of him. Also, feeding your puppy at the same times each day is helpful to keep a good routine.

During the night, some puppies can sleep for several hours without having to eliminate. Your puppy may wake you up during the night. If that happens you may quietly take him out to eliminate, and then help him get back to his bed.

During the day when you are with your Poodle puppy, you can learn to watch for signs that your puppy needs to eliminate. Some signs may be restlessness, sniffing around, barking, going to the door, or trying to squat. When you see these signs you may quickly take your puppy outside to his bathroom spot. If he eliminates, you can praise him and reward him with a treat. Hopefully some of these housetraining tips are helpful!

Spending Quality Time with Your Poodle

2010-04-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

It is important for your dog to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them.

It is helpful if your Poodle understands the house rules. Here are some examples of some common house rules:

Being polite with people: you may want to teach the dog to sit, instead of jumping up on people when greeting them.

Discourage chewing of furniture and other items: As a new owner you may want to provide safe and appropriate chew toys and routinely spend time with your dog so he is not bored.

You may want to discourage excessive barking for attention.

Good house training habits are also very important for your Poodle.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Spending quality time with your dog is very important. Here are a few ideas:

You can enjoy walks together with your Poodle.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your Poodle. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat, or some nice play time.

Finding a Reputable Veterinarian for Your New Puppy or Adult Dog

2010-04-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe you recently adopted a new puppy or an adult dog and you need to find a veterinarian. Or possibly you just moved to a new town because you just got married or you needed to relocate for a new job. Are you looking for a good veterinarian? A new Poodle puppy will probably need a check up soon after coming into your family. It is a good idea to find a veterinarian before you bring your new puppy home. You may wish to read Searching for a veterinarian: The essential checklist: "The essential steps you should take to find the right veterinarian for your dog".

Here is a helpful list of some important things to think about when looking for a new veterinarian.

1.You may wish to contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask if they can give you a list of veterinarians in your area.

2.Talk to other dog owners that happen to live in your neighborhood about their veterinarian. You can ask a friend, a dog groomer or even a pet sitter for a good recommendation.

3.The phone book is a good resource of information. You can easily search for Veterinarians and Animal Hospitals.

4.You can also do a search online for local veterinarians in your area.

5.It is important to check if the veterinarian has a membership in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

6.If you happen to be looking for a specialist, you may want to check if the vet is board certified in the specialty you are interested in for your pet's needs.

Once you have narrowed down your search for a veterinarian, there are some questions to think about at this point.

1. Do you have a flexible schedule that would allow you to go to an office appointment during the morning or afternoon hours of the day? What are the veterinarian's regular office hours? Is the office open on Saturdays or open in the evenings a few days a week? It may be very important to know if there are after-hour emergency services available.

2.Do you mind driving a little distance across town to get to a good veterinarian or would you prefer an office nearby?

3.How many veterinarians are actually in the office practice?

4.Do they routinely offer any boarding services?

5.Does the veterinarian have any areas of specialty in his practice?

6.Are services like x-rays, bloodwork or other diagnostics done in their office?

7.What is their normal procedure for scheduling appointments in advance for your pet?

8.What forms of payment are accepted and do their fees fit your financial budget at this time?

Next, you may want to schedule a visit to meet the office staff and learn about their specific policies. You can check to see if the office is clean and if the receptionists and assistants appear caring and knowledgeable. It may be helpful to know if they offer products like specialty dog food or items that are routinely used for grooming purposes, like specific dog shampoos.

Hopefully, this information will be of some help to you when you are looking for a veterinarian to take the very best care of your Poodle! You many also want to read this informative article: Choosing a Veterinarian : The Humane Society of the United States.

Finding a Good Pet Sitter for Your Poodle

2010-04-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

There may come a time for most dog owners when you need to decide exactly what to do if you have to leave your home temporarily for a few days or more and you are unable to bring your dog with you. This situation may happen due to travel requirements for your job, a planned vacation, or it may be due to medical reasons. Maybe you might have to travel out of town to see extended family and you are not able to bring your dog. As a good dog owner, I know you would want to plan for the very best care options for your puppy or adult dog. You may wish to read 6 Steps To Find The Perfect Dog SitterDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com.

You may decide to ask your friends who have pets if they know of a very reputable pet sitter. People sometimes ask their dog groomers if they know any names of professional pet sitters. A very good idea may be to check with your veterinarian about what he would recommend for your dog. Possibly your veterinarian can refer you to an excellent boarding facility for your Poodle. But, you may want to talk to him about finding a very reputable pet sitter. You will want to find a pet sitter that you can feel comfortable with and you will want them to be very honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general.

Before you contact a pet sitter, you may want to carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that you would like the sitter to fulfill while you are away. This is an ideal time to write down any important information about your pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by your veterinarian for your dog or special diet). You should write down your veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. You will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where you can be reached. You will be able to give the pet sitter your helpful list and discuss these essential things during your first meeting.

Then, if the pet sitter has some questions, he/she will have a good opportunity to ask you in person. You will want to talk about what specific food to feed your dog and how often to feed your dog. You may want to explain where you routinely walk your dog and how often your dog needs to be walked. It may be helpful for your Poodle to have an up-to-date ID tag.

At the appropriate time during your interview meeting you can introduce your dog to the pet sitter and see how well they interact together. The pet sitter may ask you if your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date and how your Poodle behaves when he is out walking around other animals and people.

It can be somewhat stressful for you and your dog, if you are leaving your Poodle for any reason at all. You will probably feel more reassured knowing that you have found a wonderful pet sitter whom you feel that you can trust. You will want to know that your dog will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while you are away.

Helping A Poodle Stay Calm and Relaxed When Going to the Veterinarian

2010-04-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Poodle’s visits to the vet can be calm and pleasant. There are some helpful ideas to make the experience a positive one. Taking your dog to the vet isn’t always the easiest thing to do. A little planning ahead can help to make the trip much easier. You may want to have your dog go to the bathroom before getting into the car to go to the vet's office. (Some offices have a place outside the building where you can take the dog if he needs to go to the bathroom.)

You may wish to bring a favorite dog toy or the dog's favorite blanket for him to have in the car when you are riding to the vet's office. Having something familiar may help to relax him. Many people use a dog leash or dog carrier when they take their dog into the office. It is helpful to give your dog praise for his good behavior while he is in the vet's office.

If you act like you are confident and in control during the visit you will reassure your Poodle that it’s routine and fine and nothing to get worried about. Keeping your Poodle occupied will take some of the attention away from any other pets, owners, receptionists, assistants, or technicians that may be in the office area.

Occasional praise for being a well behaved dog helps to make it a positive experience. In the examining room if you have conversation with the vet or his assistants, the dog will hopefully feel calm and relaxed.

You may decide to stop by with your Poodle and make an informal visit to your vet's office at another time just to say hello or to purchase a dog supply, like dog shampoo, so that your visits can be associated with routine, positive experiences for your dog.

How to Help Your Poodle Puppy Sleep Through the Night

2010-04-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

If you are bringing home a new Poodle puppy or a new adult dog into your family, you may need some patience and planning to come up with a daily routine for your puppy to help him sleep throughout the night, so that you will both feel rested and happy. Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

This may be a very exciting time if you are bringing home a new puppy or new adult dog into your family! You may have decided already on exactly what dog supplies you want to have on hand, like feeding dishes, appropriate puppy or dog food and treats, collar and leash and maybe a very nice dog bed. You may wish to read Dogs & Dog Beds. Another helpful article to read is the following: Why Every Dog Needs a Bed: "Dog beds provide both physical and emotional comfort. HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE".

You may want to have the puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable corner or section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a nice, safe, cozy dog bed for the Poodle puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise that would disturb him.

The puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. Most puppies in a new home environment may feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home. He may miss his mom and family litter in the beginning.

The Poodle puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of familiarity and security. Dogs sometimes instinctively circle around their sleeping place where they are going to sleep. If you want the puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if the Poodle puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When the puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So the Poodle puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate and appropriate exercise for the puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for the puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. It may be helpful to get into the habit of some calm, quiet time before the actual bedtime. The puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If the puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. The Poodle puppy will learn that his owner is a good leader and he will feel loved and protected. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get sufficient sleep every night and be happy!

Teaching a Puppy to Sit

2010-04-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

You probably know by now that your Poodle is a very intelligent dog. You may want to begin training your dog simple commands such as sit, stay, come and lie down. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior or new commands to your Poodle.

Be consistent when training your dog. Remember to keep your Poodle's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your Poodle when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him.

You may want to watch this Video on Teaching Puppy to Sit | DailyPuppy.com, a puppy training video which shows a nice demonstration on how to teach a puppy to sit on command. The dog expert works with a Boxer puppy in the video and she shows how to reward good behavior with treats while teaching the puppy how to sit.

In general, it may be helpful to try to maintain a regular daily routine or schedule so that it will be easier for your Poodle to understand what is expected of him. Hopefully, you will both enjoy your quality time together when you are teaching him new commands and having some fun together!

How To Help a Shy Poodle Become More Social

2010-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

An important goal for an owner is to have a puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. That is why positive socialization is so important for puppies. You want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

Is your Poodle shy? One common reason that a dog may be shy is because he possibly had a lack of exposure to new people, places and things when he was at a young age. You can help your dog at any age to overcome his shyness with lots of love and patience.

Puppyhood is an important period for a dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your Poodle puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life. Shy dogs may not have experienced many positive opportunities to socialize when they were younger.

I want to mention some ideas to help puppies become well socialized and hopefully prevent them from becoming shy dogs as they mature. If you have a Poodle puppy that shows signs of being shy and he has already had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about when and also how to introduce your puppy to other animals in a safe manner. Once you know that it is fine to socialize your puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new Poodle puppy to some of your close friends or relatives in a pleasant, supervised manner.

If your puppy seems scared about a certain object or specific person it may be a good idea to introduce that object or person more slowly, and you can try to associate the object or person with something positive, like a favorite treat. If your puppy is afraid of your husband who happens to be tall and speaks in a very loud voice, have your husband offer treats to the puppy.

You may want to get your Poodle puppy comfortable with handling, especially if they may need routine grooming in the future. You can safely and comfortably hold your cute puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you. Your friends and family can help by gently handling the puppy the proper way. Positive reinforcement for your puppy may include lots of friendly praise and maybe also their favorite treats.

It may be lots of fun to safely take the puppy on short car rides, so he becomes familiar with riding in the car. This positive experience may make it easier for the both of you when you need to go for any future veterinarian office visits.

When the puppy is the appropriate age, you may decide to invite people that you already know that own pets who are friendly, healthy and vaccinated who can come over to your home for a little visit, and with your knowledge and supervision you can work on socializing your Poodle puppy.

If you happen to already have another pet in the home, you may want to make sure that you provide enough individual attention to your new dog to help them develop their own personality.

After your veterinarian says it is safe for you to take the puppy out into the real world, you can safely introduce the puppy to walks in the neighborhood. Your walks together can be so enjoyable for you and your puppy.

If you are patient and consistent with socializing and training your puppy, he will likely be happier and feel comfortable throughout his life. Always remember that praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training.

I will also mention a few ideas to possibly help an adult dog that seems to be shy and very dependent on his owner. Maybe your Poodle wants to be right with you the majority of the time.

You can help build your dog's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You can give your dog lots of praise as he learns the commands. It is positive reinforcement to reward your dog with treats or verbal praise when he acts with confidence.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Dog obedience classes may offer an opportunity for the dog to socialize with people and other dogs in a safe, supervised setting. Some professional dog trainers specialize in helping shy dogs.

Spending quality time with your dog is very important for his mental well-being. Here are a few easy ideas:

You can enjoy walks together.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your dog and build his trust and confidence. Always remember to reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat, or some nice play time.

Keep training periods short, upbeat and fun. Reward desirable behavior and ignore wrong behavior. Helping your dog feel a sense of accomplishment is a great confidence builder.

Can Your Poodle Understand Words?

2010-03-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

Most dogs seem to understand simple words such as sit, fetch, stay, eat, outside, ride and treat. Dogs are intelligent animals and studies have shown that dogs can understand words and gestures. Researchers that study canine intelligence have found that dogs may understand over 100 words or more. I also recently read that dogs may possibly be able to count. You may read the following article entitled Dogs' Intelligence On Par With Two-year-old Human, Canine Researcher Says for more information.

Dogs may respond to what they associate the word with. A dog may understand what the word “beef” is because when he was learning the word he would actually get a piece of beef when you said the word. Dogs can associate a word with a specific object or an action or event, such as going out or taking a ride in the car.

Another way that dogs seem to understand us is through our body language. Studies have shown that dogs pick up on human gestures or our tone of voice. It is not only important about what you say to your Poodle, but also how you say it that will help you to communicate. Your pet may be sensitive to your tone of voice. Dogs can usually understand whether you are speaking to them in a happy, sad or angry manner.

Dogs can be very good visual learners like when they learn commands with hand signals in training. Dogs can recognize people's facial expressions. Smiling when you are happy with your dog's training may be a positive reward for your Poodle. If your body language matches what you are trying to communicate to your Poodle it may easier for him to learn and understand.

Socializing Your New Poodle Puppy

2010-03-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Socialization is so important for your Poodle puppy. You will want your puppy to feel comfortable in his new world. Your goal may be to have your Poodle puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your Poodle puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

Until your puppy has had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about socialization. You may wish to consult your veterinarian about when and also how to introduce your Poodle puppy to other animals in a safe manner.

Once you know that it is fine to socialize your puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new puppy to some of your close friends or relatives in a pleasant, supervised manner. Your puppy can learn to get accustomed to people who are quiet or talkative, young (active), or old (possibly more inactive).

If your Poodle puppy seems scared about a certain object or specific person it may be a good idea to introduce that object or person more slowly and you can try to associate the object or person with something positive, like a favorite treat. If your puppy is afraid of your grandfather who happens to be tall and speaks in a very loud voice, have your grandfather offer treats to the puppy.

You may want to get your Poodle puppy comfortable with handling, especially if they may need routine grooming in the future. You can safely and comfortably hold your cute puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you. Your friends and family can help by gently handling the puppy the proper way. Positive reinforcement for your Poodle puppy may include lots of friendly praise and maybe also their favorite treats.

It may be lots of fun to safely take the puppy on short car rides, so he becomes familiar with riding in the car. This positive experience may make it easier for the both of you when you need to go for any future veterinarian office visits.

When the Poodle puppy is the appropriate age, you may decide to invite people that you already know that own pets who are friendly, healthy and vaccinated who can come over to your home for a little visit, and with your knowledge and supervision you can work on socializing your puppy.

If you happen to already have another pet in the home, you may want to make sure that you provide enough individual attention to your new puppy to help them develop their own personality.

You can also gradually introduce your puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds that may be new to your Poodle puppy are the following:

Doorbell ringing

Telephone ringing

TV and radio

Any music playing

Computer noises

Video games

Vacuum cleaner

Sound from a hair dryer, blender, or fan

Noise from a washing machine or dish washer

Any noise from your childrens toys

Thunderstorms

Any noise from electric grooming tools, if your dog may need grooming in the future

After your veterinarian says it is safe for you to take the puppy out into the real world, you can safely introduce the puppy to walks in your the neighborhood. Your walks together can be so enjoyable for you and your Poodle puppy.

In summary, if you are patient and consistent with socializing and training your puppy, he will likely be happier and feel comfortable throughout his life. Always remember that praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training.

You may also want to read Ask A Vet: How do I ensure my puppy bonds with me?: "By spending time with him".

A Cute Video of a Poodle Smiling

2010-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles

2010-03-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

There are Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles and also Toy Poodles. Poodles are known to be very intelligent dogs. They usually enjoy being around people. Maybe you are thinking about getting a nice Poodle puppy for a family pet. The poodle has a number of characteristics that gives it a positive reputation as a very good pet. Poodles are usually loyal, loving and happy companions.

We had a beautiful Miniature Poodle for many years and she had a very pleasant personality. If you would like to learn more about the Poodle breed in general, you may wish to read About Poodles | DailyPuppy.com for some more information.

Canine Good Citizen Program

2010-03-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

The Canine Good Citizen program is an American Kennel Club program to recognize dogs who demonstrate good behavior at home and in public. The Canine Good Citizen program is based on a test administered by certified evaluators. Basic obedience training may help your Poodle prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test. It is helpful if your Poodle is well socialized.

Dogs who pass the test may receive a Canine Good Citizen certificate recorded with the American Kennel Club (AKC). You may check the American Kennel Club website to find an evaluator or an upcoming test near your area.

A few things that are evaluated during the test are appearance and grooming, accepting a friendly stranger and some commands, such as sit, down, stay and come. You can read the following article to learn more about the 10-part Canine Good Citizen test: Who’s A Canine Good Citizen?

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

2010-03-13T21:46:00.000-08:00

Your Poodle puppy may be more independent and may want to test you or his environment a little more. You may need some patience and be consistent and keep up your training lessons during this developmental stage. Your Poodle puppy may be slightly more brave with his efforts. It is helpful for you to guide and encourage your puppy along.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

2010-03-13T00:13:00.000-08:00

Your Poodle puppy may be at the developmental stage where he is very curious about his new environment. It is so important to puppy proof your house. You may want to read my recent blog post about puppy proofing your house.

At this age, your Poodle puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy.

Your Poodle puppy may be in a very good developmental stage to hopefully learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Poodle puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

2010-03-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Poodles, like most puppies have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Poodle puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family. It is such an important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a great deal during these first weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Poodle puppies may be somewhat well socialized with each other. The Poodle puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

One of your goals may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your Poodle puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A Poodle puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the Poodle puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

Puppy Proofing Your Home for Your New Poodle

2010-03-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

Puppies are usually very curious and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new puppy home the puppy may want to start checking out many things throughout the house. You will be interested in puppy proofing your home to keep your Poodle puppy safe. You will want to make sure there is nothing within his reach that could harm him.

You can consult your veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. There are so many great ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful.

I will write down a few tips that I read about relating to puppy proofing the inside of the home. It may be helpful to try to think about a puppy's view of a house from what he can see at his eye level.

You may want to keep all breakable items out of your puppy's reach.

Plants: Some specific plants inside and outside of the house may be potentially harmful to the puppy. Consult your veterinarian for a complete list of plants that are dangerous or toxic to dogs.

Medications can be kept in a very safe area where the puppy definitely does not have access.

Cleaning supplies can be kept in high cabinets where the puppy definitely does not have access or childproof safety latches may be used to safely secure cabinets.

Household wastebaskets may be placed in an area that the puppy cannot access.

Electrical cords: I read that people who are trying to puppy proof their house can unplug, remove or safely cover any electrical cords that would be around the puppy's area. Electrical outlets may also be covered when they are not in use.

Bathroom: Toilet lids can be kept down. Bathroom trash cans may be put up high where the puppy cannot access them.

Any possible drawstrings or cords used for draperies or blinds in the home may be tied up high enough so the puppy cannot access them.

Precaution may be taken regarding a rocking chair or chair recliner. A puppy could happen to have his tail near that area or even try to crawl under the area. Take proper safety precautions.

Laundry baskets and clothing can be kept off the floor and out of reach from the puppy.

Small objects can be kept out of reach so the puppy does not have access. Some examples of small objects are the following:

Many childrens toys have small pieces and parts

Crayons, pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, tacks, staples

Jewelry, hair barrettes

String, ribbons, yarn

Buttons, sewing needles, pins

Coins

Safe gates made for dogs may be used across stairs and other areas where the puppy isn't allowed.

There are certain human foods that can cause problems for pets. Consult your veterinarian for the specific list of human foods that can cause problems or be potentially harmful to your puppy.

It is also very important to make sure the outside of your home is safe. Hopefully, you can puppy proof your backyard before your puppy goes outside. You will want to be with your Poodle puppy when he is outside, so you can supervise him.

If you have any fencing in your yard, you can check to make sure there are no holes through which your puppy could squeeze through and sneak out of the yard. Check to see if all of the gates are securely closed and that your Poodle puppy would not be able to crawl underneath the gate.

Some plants and trees outside may be toxic to dogs. Many bulb plants can also be poisonous. Some mulch can be toxic to dogs. Again, you can ask the veterinarian for a complete list of plants and trees that are dangerous or toxic to dogs. You will want to keep your Poodle puppy off of freshly treated lawns.

Keep all gasoline, auto supplies, insecticides, fertilizers for your lawn, oil, or any paint in securely closed containers out of reach from your puppy. Also, keep antifreeze out of reach from your puppy.

Swimming pools or hot tubs should be properly covered or fenced off.

For a safety measure, keep your Poodle puppy away from any barbecue grills during outdoor cooking.

Garbage should be kept in closed containers that have secure lids.

It is so important to keep your puppy healthy and safe.

A Cute Video of a Poodle Puppy

2010-03-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Crate Training Your New Poodle Puppy

2010-03-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

You may have just brought your adorable, new puppy home. This is an exciting time for you and your family. As a new responsible dog owner you probably did some research to pick the perfect breed that will easily fit into your lifestyle. Maybe you chose a friendly Poodle dog. Or possibly you and your family decided on a beautiful Golden Retriever, or maybe a lively Papillon or even a Yorkshire Terrier. There are so many nice breeds to choose from when deciding to buy a dog. Whatever breed of dog you chose, you more than likely bought most of your puppy supplies already and did more research to decide on a specific veterinarian for your new puppy.

I bet you had some fun coming up with a cute name for your new puppy, such as Snoopy, Princess, or Snowflake. You may now be in the process of reading informative books about puppy care and dog training. There are many excellent articles and even several videos about caring for your new puppy or adult dog, relating to nutrition, health, safety, grooming and training for your dog.

As a good dog owner, you probably already made the inside and outside of your home puppy proof. You have recently tried to make everything extremely safe for your new puppy and now you have realized that even if you are home the majority of the time, you may not be able to watch over your puppy every single minute of the day. If you happen to be able to work from home, or you are a stay-at-home mom, or maybe you are retired, you will probably still need to go out of the house routinely for some errands or appointments. After reading some of your books on puppy care, you may have gotten some ideas about using a safe dog crate or dog pen for your puppy while you temporarily need to leave the home for an hour or two while doing your errands, like grocery shopping, picking up the kids from school, or going to doctor's appointments.

But, if your circumstances are different and you routinely have to be out of the house for several hours at a time, you may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter, or take your dog to a doggie daycare facility. The idea behind using a dog crate is to be able to use it for a few hours at a time. For example, I recently read that puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time.

Your new puppy is probably a lively, little puppy that you will want to keep safe, healthy and happy. Dog crates have some effective use in dog care and training. A safe and appropriate dog crate can be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy for a short time. A dog crate can be like an indoor dog den for your dog. It can be your dog's quiet, safe place for him to go if he wants to relax and curl up and take a nice nap.

Dog crates are often used for housetraining purposes. The idea behind using the crate method is based on the theory that dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep or eat. Poodles are very intelligent dogs, but you may need to be patient and consistent when you are housetraining them. Crate training can sometimes take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age and temperament. The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and positive. A crate should never be used for punishment. If your puppy definitely does not like the dog crate at all after you have tried your best, you may wish to try a dog pen, which is somewhat bigger than a crate.

The dog crate used for your Poodle puppy should be big enough for your puppy to be able to easily stand up and lie down and get comfortable. Dog crates and dog pens come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores or pet supply catalogs. You may decide to place a safe, comfortable, washable dog blanket in the crate. Your Poodle may appreciate the cozy warmth of the blanket. You may wish to take your puppy's collar off while he is in the crate for safety reasons. It is helpful for your puppy if you keep the crate in the room where you are going to be in so that your puppy will still have your company and not be lonely, if at all possible. Your puppy will hopefully learn to think of his crate as his very own special place, almost like his own doghouse or den to go where he can rest and enjoy some quiet time.

A nice feature is that the crate is very portable. You can help to make the time that your Poodle puppy spends in his crate enjoyable. You can easily take it from room to room with you. Puppies need love and attention from their owner, so it may be a good idea not to leave your puppy inside the crate for longer than one hour at a time during the day, if possible. It is very important that at night you can have the crate near your bed where your puppy can definitely see you and let you know when he may need to go outside to go to the bathroom.

Puppies may need to go to the bathroom every two to three hours or more during the day when they are young. The time span will increase as your Poodle puppy gets a little older. Puppies will usually be ready to go to the bathroom when they first wake up in the morning, after eating and drinking and also after playing.

You may feed your puppy inside the crate at times, or offer your puppy his favorite treats or safe toy inside the crate, so he gets the idea that it can be enjoyable to be in his crate. When he is done eating, carry your puppy outside close to the area where you want him to go to the bathroom. Try to use the same approximate area every time, so your Poodle puppy gets into a familiar routine. After your puppy goes to the bathroom outside you may want to praise him for doing good. Then, when you go back inside you may want to offer him a treat, while having him walk back into his crate.

It is important to establish a daily time schedule for your puppy to eat his meals and also his routine schedule to go outside. After your puppy is housetrained, he may voluntarily use his crate to sleep in at night or to take some naps in during the day.

If you plan on using the crate for when you leave the house for short periods of time to do errands, a good tip is to make your departures in a calm manner. You can praise your Poodle by giving him a treat for entering the crate, and then leave the house quietly. Crates can provide a sense of comfort and security. Your Poodle may think of his comfortable crate as his special cozy den.

You can also read Crate Training : The Humane Society of the United States for more information and a video on this subject.

Here are some examples of dog crates, dog pens and a crate training book below.

Your Poodle Puppy's First Day and Night in His New Home!

2010-03-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

It is such an exciting time for you and your family when you bring your new puppy home for the very first time. You need to remember it is probably the first time your Poodle puppy is separated from his mom, the litter family and the breeder and you don't want to overwhelm him. I can just imagine all of the important puppy supplies you now have in your home, such as a feeding dish, maybe a new dog bed and blanket, collar and leash, appropriate puppy food and treats. You must have already picked out an adorable name for your new puppy.

You may want to keep your puppy happy and relaxed when he comes home for the first time. Talking in a calm manner to your Poodle puppy and handling him gently may help him get comfortable with his new family. Your Poodle puppy may want to explore some of his new home, with your supervision. Your Poodle will most certainly appreciate all the human attention that he will get from you and your family. You may want to get down on your puppy's level and let him sniff your hands so he can get familiar with you. You may want to pet him gently. This may be comforting to your Poodle puppy and you can start to form an emotional bond. Each person in the family may spend some time with the puppy, so he becomes familiar with them. Your puppy's socialization may have started with the breeder, but now it is your job to continue it.

What a busy day your puppy may have experienced! Maybe, your Poodle puppy had his very first car ride home. Possibly, he has even been to the veterinarians for a check-up or vaccinations. He probably had a good chance to meet all of the family members and explore his new house with them. Your Poodle puppy may have eaten his first meal in his new home already and checked out his backyard with you.

Your Poodle puppy is probably tired and getting ready for some sleep. This may be his first night that he will be without his mom and litter family. He could be a little apprehensive and lonely. You can be reassuring and comforting to your new Poodle puppy.

It may be time to show your puppy where he will sleep. It is important to set a good habit for bedtime in your home so that you and your puppy will both feel rested and happy! Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

You may wish to have your puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a safe, cozy dog bed for your Poodle puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise.

Your Poodle puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. It is common for most puppies in a new home environment to feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your Poodle puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home.

Your puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of security. If you want your Poodle puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if your Poodle puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When your Poodle puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So your Poodle puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate exercise for your puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for your Poodle puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. Your puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm your puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If your Poodle puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get adequate sleep every night and be happy!

It might take at least two weeks or more for your Poodle puppy to get accustomed to his new home environment. With lots of love and positive attention he will soon learn that his new home is a very safe place. You are his leader and his provider of food, water, shelter and security and your puppy will want to stay close to you!

Benefits of Owning a Dog

2010-03-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our pets can influence how we feel about ourselves in a positive way. There are so may wonderful emotional benefits of owning a dog. The bond that forms between a new puppy and their owner may develop quickly. Your new Poodle puppy may look and act so cute. As the time goes by, all the experiences that you share with your dog, both happy and sad help to strengthen the emotional bond.

When your puppy is about one year old or more, each family member usually develops a special emotional attachment with their Poodle. Sometimes, children even turn to their pet for comfort if a family member leaves the family or becomes ill. Adults that may have lost a loved one may feel comfort if they have a pet.

People that happen to live all alone may feel a little isolated. If they choose to have a dog or cat and they are physically able to take care of their pet, it may help to make them feel they are needed. They may feel happy to have a special pet to share their life with. A Poodle can be a very nice companion.

Dogs can help us focus our attention away from our worries. Sometimes when we feel sad or stressed spending a little time with our friendly dog or cat can hopefully brighten our day.

Our daily lives may be full of so many responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Often times, our Poodle may do some cute funny things, which may help us to relax and laugh. When we come home from a frustrating work day it can be so nice to be greeted by our family dog, with their big beautiful eyes and their tail wagging because they are so happy to see us. It is a wonderful thing that our pets can accept us just as we are and we can be ourselves when we are around them. Our pets don't care if we are disabled, old or young, rich or poor. Dogs can provide great companionship.

Dogs can add some consistency and routine to our lives and give us something nice to look forward to every single day. Many people may come and go in our lives, but our dogs are usually with us everyday.

Your Poodle can help to keep you active by getting more exercise, like when you are taking your dog for a nice walk and getting some fresh air and sunshine or playing Frisbee outside with him. The general basics of caring for a dog, such as daily feedings, grooming and playtime will help to keep you both active.

Your Poodle may view all the family members with great affection. Each family member may play an important role for your dog. The man in the house may be the one that usually takes the dog out for his walks and plays fetch outside with him in the backyard. The woman in the house may be the one that routinely gives the dog his meals and lots of attention. If there are any children in the family they may offer the Poodle a lot of hugs and fun playtime together.

The dog appreciates the family interaction and affection and he has probably established great trust in his family. As a proud pet owner you will be able to recognize the maturity in your dog and as time goes by you will learn the favorite things that your dog likes, his strengths, weaknesses and any fears he may have at times.

The human-animal emotional bond between an owner and their dog is one of trust, affection and love. Poodles enjoy being part of the family and a loyal dog can be a best friend. If we love them, they usually show us unconditional love in return!

Are You Thinking About Buying a Poodle Puppy from a Breeder?

2010-03-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

There are so many important things to think about when deciding to add a new puppy to your family. You may have been doing a lot of research about the Poodle breed. Now, you might have come to the conclusion that the time is right for you to get a puppy. Where are you planning to get your new Poodle puppy? If you are thinking about buying a Poodle puppy from a breeder, you will probably want them to be a legitimate and respected breeder.

One nice place where you may find some breeders is actually at a dog show. After the breeders show their dogs sometimes they have a little time to answer some of your questions about the Poodle breed. The breeder could tell you if they currently have any puppies or upcoming Poodle litters in the near future. Good breeders are usually very knowledgeable about their dogs and they are known to breed the Poodle dogs for the actual betterment of the breed.

Some example questions that people ask the breeders:

1. If the breeder would happen to live close to you, you may decide to ask if you would be allowed to see the puppies in their home environment where they were born and are currently being raised. You would hopefully see if the mother and the litter family appear healthy.

2. How many puppies are in the litter?

3. Are the puppies up-to-date with their exams and vaccinations by the veterinarian? Which vaccinations have the puppies received and do they have any specific health certifications or documentation from the veterinarian?

4. Are there any known health problems with the puppies or in the pup's family background?

5. Are the puppies registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)?

6. What type of food do the puppies eat and how often?

7. Did the puppies have any housetraining or crate training?

8. If at any time in the future something would happen and you were unable to keep the dog, will the breeder take the dog back?

9. Does the breeder provide any type of health guarantee?

Breeders may interview you to evaluate whether you would make a good owner for their Poodle puppies. Now, these are some example questions the breeder may ask the potential owner:

1. Do you have the necessary time that is needed to care for a Poodle each day? Will anyone routinely be at home during the daytime hours to care for the puppy?

2. Do you have children or other pets?

3. Do you have general knowledge about the Poodle breed?

4. Do you enjoy grooming or do you plan on hiring a professional on a routine basis?

5. Will you contact the breeder if something would ever happen and you would not be able to keep your Poodle?

6. Do you have a good, reputable veterinarian to continue regular health exams and future vaccinations for your new Poodle?

The breeder may keep the Poodle puppies with their mom for about 8 to 10 weeks or even 12 weeks of age to make sure the puppies get proper nourishment and socialization with the litter family.

It is important that when you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder that the proper documentation is provided to you, such as a copy of the dog's pedigree (AKC registration). Usually a certified copy of the pedigree can be obtained from the American Kennel Club.

The registration certificate is like the dog's birth certificate. The breeder should transfer this information to the new owner. The breeder should give you any documentation of the puppy's health record, including information such as the specific dates of vaccinations and also the information about when future vaccinations are due.

It may also be helpful if the breeder shares a feeding chart or schedule including information, such as how much food is being fed to the puppy and how often. Hopefully, all of this information will help you get off to a great start with taking wonderful care of your new Poodle puppy!

A Healthy Poodle Puppy

2010-03-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

When you are choosing a new Poodle puppy you may be thinking about some very important things that you might want to check for in your new puppy, such as the following few examples that I have listed for you below:

A Poodle puppy that has a normal, active energy level, not a lethargic appearance.

A Poodle puppy that has bright, clear eyes (not running eyes or running, crusted nose).

A puppy that has a shiny, healthy looking coat (clean and soft) as compared to a dull coat.

A Poodle puppy that shows a happy expression and appropriate actions (not shy, fearful or nasty).

A puppy that has pink, healthy looking gums and clean white teeth.

A Poodle puppy that might be pleasantly plump, but not fat (not one that looks sick or in poor condition or undernourished).

The inside of the puppy's ears may be pink and clean, with no discharge or strong odor.

Adopting A Dog From a Shelter

2010-03-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Animal shelters can be filled with animals that may become cherished pets for my many families. Animal shelters help match the animals to new responsible owners. Most shelters have both dogs and cats, of various ages. Some of the animals in the shelters may be purebred. Maybe, you may happen to find a nice Poodle, if that is the breed you are looking for at this time. Many animals in the shelters may have good behavior and habits. Shelter animals are in need of new homes with owners that want to care for them and bring them into their family.

The staff that work in the shelters are usually very dedicated and they help find good homes for a variety of animals. There are several reasons listed below why animals may be in a shelter.

Possibly their original owners were not able or uninterested in caring for them anymore.

Their previous owner could no longer financially afford the basic maintenance required for the dog.

There may have been a change in the household: children may not have gotten along with the dog, or maybe there was just a new baby born in the family; or there was a divorce, or a death or major illness in the family.

Possibly the family needed to move and they were not allowed to have a dog in their new apartment complex or townhouse due to rules and regulations.

Change in lifestyle: employment and career changes may have included more traveling away from home or a major shift change or lots of overtime hours in their work schedule. Or the family realized they just did not have the necessary time required for a dog.

Medical reasons: someone in the family developed allergies to the dog or experienced a major, chronic health condition and was no longer able to properly care for their pet.

Possibly the dog had some behavioral problems.

The dog could have experienced some training problems, such as house training issues.

Possibly the dog was a homeless stray dog or unfortunately he may have come from an abusive situation.

Some shelters may provide an evaluation, which includes a history of animal health and behavior at their prior home, and a veterinary exam and screening. If you get a pet from the shelter, it would be helpful if you could obtain a written copy of the evaluation and any veterinary health records to keep, if at all possible.

Before you go to the shelter or anywhere to get a dog, there are some important things to think about when deciding if you should get a dog.

1. Did you do any research on the the type of dog or breed that you would be interested in? When you see all of the animals in need of good homes at the shelter, it may seem a little overwhelming. You should decide on some characteristics you are looking for in a dog, such as the size of the dog, the temperament, age, male or female, and any grooming needs.

2. Do you have enough time available each day to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your dog and helping him get the proper exercise, healthy diet, and any necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and committed to take care of a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. If there are children in your family are they old enough to understand about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a dog?

5. Are you able to afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

6. Do you have a safe and comfortable place to keep your dog when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

7. Do you know what dog or puppy supplies that you might need to bring a new puppy or adult dog into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe?

If you definitely know that you want to adopt a dog from the shelter, then here are a few things you may want to consider when choosing a dog.

The age of the puppy or adult dog.

Does the dog have a nice temperament?

Is the dog successfully house trained?

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

Does the dog have any pre-existing or ongoing health problems?

Is the dog up-to-date with his vaccinations?

Does the dog get along well with children and other dogs?

Does the dog have any pre-existing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness?

How much prior training did the dog have in their previous home?

Does the dog look properly nourished?

Next, I will list a few steps that may be part of the adoption process.

Filling out an application

Choosing your pet

Signing a contract (the adoption contract may possibly have provisions such as the following: you will provide good housing, nutrition and health care for your new pet, and also you will return the animal to the shelter if you can no longer take care of him.)

Paying a fee (generally less expensive than buying a pet from a breeder or pet store)

It can be a very rewarding experience to adopt a dog from a shelter. People are so glad they could save a life of an animal by providing them a good, safe home with lots of love. Remember that animals in shelters have had some stress. They may deeply miss their owner who had to give them up and their previous home environment. They more than likely will welcome your patience, affection, guidance and love. Hopefully, you will choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. And maybe you could even find a nice Poodle in the shelter.

If you are bringing a new dog home you may be thinking about some specific items that you may be shopping for to make the transition easy for you and your dog in his new home. For example, your dog will need an appropriate place to play and sleep and he will also need some items for daily maintenance. The following list includes specific items that some people may think about and consider when getting a new dog.

Feeding and Water dishes

Appropriate dog food and treats

Dog brushes and combs

Appropriate dog collar and leashes

Possibly a dog pen

Safe dog toys

Safe and comfortable dog bed and dog blanket

Dog shampoo

Dog nametag or ID

If your dog is quiet and shy, just allow for some extra time for him to adjust to his new life. If you take good care of him and show him positive attention and love, he will probably be very devoted to you forever!

Are You Thinking About Getting a Poodle Puppy?

2010-03-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

I wrote a list of some helpful things to think about when you are deciding if a Poodle is the right dog for you and your family.

1. Did you do your research on the Poodle breed? There are many informative books available and also a great deal of online information regarding the Poodle, including the characteristics of the breed and routine care.

2. Do you have enough time available each day to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your puppy, and helping him get the proper exercise, healthy diet, and necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and committed to take of a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. Are you interested in a dog that is playful, pleasant, and usually loves to be with people?

5. If there are children in your home are they old enough to understand about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a puppy?

6. Are you able to afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

7. Did you think about a plan for maintaining your new Poodle's beautiful coat? Are you able to afford routine professional grooming or do you plan on purchasing grooming supplies and learning how to do this yourself in the proper manner?

8. Do you have a safe and comfortable place to keep your Poodle when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

9. Do you know what dog or puppy supplies that you might need to bring a new puppy into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe?

10. Do you routinely need to travel away from home for any job requirements? Do you usually take a vacation away from home once or twice a year? If you need to be away from your home for more than a few hours, what are you planning to do with your dog? Are you planning on taking him on vacation with you and your family, if possible? If you are unable to bring your dog with you during your travel time away from home, are you able and willing to make the necessary arrangements for your dog to be properly cared for during that time period. Always remember the importance of your dog's comfort, health and safety.