Poodles - Choosing a Reputable Breeder

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.

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Knowing More About Standard Poodles

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.

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The Pros and Cons of Standard Poodles

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

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

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?

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

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.