I don’t know about you, but I used to LOVE the old GEICO insurance commercials – especially the cave man saga.
Do you remember those?
Insurance is all about protecting some pretty important things in our life: our homes, our cars, our health, even our lives. Some people go to extreme lengths to protect that which is precious… Apparently, Bruce Springsteen (The Boss himself) has even insured his voice – for $6 million!
So, if you are reading this article right now, I think it is pretty safe to assume that you have a precious pup (or several!) in your life.
Did you know that you can insure your dear ol’ doge?
Wow. Such Doge. So Meme. Photograph: Know Your Meme
So, as we like to do here at Poodled.com, I wanted to provide a guide to the best pet insurance options out there.
But before we do that, I want to introduce my new favorite insurance spokesperson since GEICO’s cavemen: Progressive Insurance’s Dr. Rick, Parenta-Life Coach!
Here are the top 7 pet insurance plans I have found:
From Petplan’s own website: “As animal lovers ourselves, we strive to give our pets long, happy lives. As a pet insurance provider, we strive to deliver the most comprehensive coverage available, giving families peace of mind. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud.”
Petplan provides comprehensive pet insurance for a single monthly payment that covers up to 90% of your costs.
Some areas that Petplan Pet Insurance covers, that other companies often don’t include the chronic and hereditary health issues that plague certain breeds of cats and dogs.
This is doubly true of purebreds (like some of our beloved poodles!), where health issues are almost guaranteed.
You can also protect your pupper’s chompers, with insurance policies costing as little as $1 per day.
Embrace Pet Insurance likes to keep things simple, so they offer a single insurance plan for your furry friend.
They cover 90% of your vet bills, which can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars, but their policy will also come in handy to help pay for routine care, such as examinations.
A big deal here is that Embrace will consider pets with pre-existing health issues, something the vast majority of pet insurance providers will simply refuse.
As a bonus – $2 of each policy payment is donated to a pet charity, so you can sleep even sounder at night thinking of the cuddly creatures out there you are helping.
According to their website: “PetFirst helps take the worry out of covering the cost of unexpected visits to the vet with your furry family members.”
Dog insurance begins at only $15/month, and PetFirst policyholders save hundreds each year, even thousands, on a range of different accidents and illnesses, including everything from vestibular syndrome to cancer and heart disease.
PetFirst’s journey began back when Brent Hinton, co-founder of PetFirst, had to put his beloved dog to sleep in 2003. He decided to find a way to make money less of an issue for pet owners.
Eusoh could be considered somewhat of a disruptor in the pet insurance space. Theirs is a crowd-sourced insurance program, where the aim is to empower their members to share costs between themselves.
As for the unique name, according to their website: “Eusoh’s name is derived from the biological term ‘eusociality’, the highest level of social organization in nature. A key feature of eusocial species is their cooperation in caring for each other – just like Eusoh!”
Here is how Eusoh works, in a nutshell: the community pays into a “pool”, and that pool then pays for veterinarian bills. Their system is fully transparent and algorithmically balanced to ensure no member pays an unfair amount.
How much does this cost?
On average, members pay $32 per month, and never more than $65 per month, regardless of how much coverage pet owners need.
They aren’t leaving anything up to the imagination with that name, huh?
Pet Insurer provides you animal lovers with multiple options for your pet, according to some high level details you provide them up front (where you live, details about your dog or other pets). Simply plug this information into their website – et voilá! – their algorithm will show you the most competitive insurance providers for your pupper.
It’s pretty much Expedia, but for pet insurance!
Over 1 million people have used their algorithm in the past 10 years – so there’s gotta be something there; why not give it a shot?
These guys have been around the block a few times. As you can read on their website: “Since 2000, Trupanion has been innovating in the pet insurance industry. Our staff is comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and doting pet owners. We care passionately about pets and make sure our policy has what it takes to serve them and you.”
Similar to a couple other providers we have highlighted in this article, Trupanion offers one simple plan that covers 90% of actual veterinary costs for eligible claims once you meet the deductible.
Additionally, your pet receives unlimited lifetime insurance coverage without caps, and pets with hereditary and congenital health issues are also covered by their policy.
Speaking of having been around the block, the founder of Pets Best Pet Insurance started the first ever pet insurance company back in 1981, after veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens was asked to euthanize a family dog because the owners couldn’t afford treatment.
Pets Best is the net result of that decision, the same business he’s been part of since 2005.
Pets Best fills the gaps in other insurance policies, like routine care, a 24/7 helpline, and being able to pay your veterinarian directly.
But even better is that they don’t place an upper age limit on their accident and illness plans. So your frosty-faced friend can get the care they deserve in their later years.
Well, there you have it – Poodled.com’s top 7 picks for pet insurance options in 2020. What do you think? Have you used any of these providers?
Labradoodles first appeared in 1955 but came into prominence when they were bred as hypoallergenic guide dogs through the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia in the late 1980s. However, their wonderful personalities and love of people made them great family pets too.
Their demeanor as intelligent, sociable dogs in conjunction with their hypoallergenic nature made them highly desirable not only in the guide dog world but in a family scenario as well.
Labradoodles are a hybrid dog that is a blend of 2 lovable breeds, the poodle and Labrador retriever. The combination of these breeds usually bodes well for the genetics of this domestic pup. Their intelligence, personality, and aptitude make them not only good guide dogs but wonderful companions for humans as well.
Labradoodle Sizes & Appearance
Labradoodles can blend in with almost any family or lifestyle. They are very adaptable and hypoallergenic. They come in the sizes of miniature (toy), medium, and standard (large). The toy is usually between 14-16 inches from the shoulder and 15-25 pounds. The medium is 17-20 inches and 25-45 pounds and the standard, or large, is 21-24 inches in height ranging from 45-65
Since they are a cross breed, their characteristics can vary a little more than a regularly bred poodle or lab’s would. All sizes of Labradoodles tend to have longer legs, floppy ears, and mid-long muzzles. Their coats vary and can come in three styles: straight, wavy, or curly. The type of fur will depend on the prominent genetics as the straighter will come from the lab side and the curly from the poodle.
Toy vs. Large Labradoodles
Toy Labradoodles, also known as miniatures, are the smallest of the labradoodle sizes. They are easily transportable due to their petite nature but are big on personality. They enjoy people and are not dogs that will enjoy time on their own for great lengths of time.
When it is a puppy, the toy Labradoodle is only marginally smaller than a standard Labradoodle. This is why the difference between these puppies is measured by the features in their face, as well as the size of their paws.
Similar to the toy, large Labradoodles, have great personalities but are somewhat more difficult to transport than the toys. However, they too love people and are very friendly. Like any dog, both sizes need training and socializing as they grow. Equally, they are both quick to learn, so this makes teaching them fairly easy.
Households
Toy Labradoodles have much in common with their larger standard counterpart. They are similar in characteristics and general temperament. However, they differ in a few aspects.
Small breeds may not be the best size of dog if you have young children. Rough play can scare toys and make them nippy, but they can be wonderful companions for adults, families with older children, or perhaps retired people who lead a more relaxed lifestyle.
Standards, in contrast, love to play and are great with all sizes of children. There is always a need to watch any dog when they are interacting with kids, but these large Labradoodles tend to be gentle, fun, and more suitable for younger family members.
Finally, this is a hypoallergenic dog breed, as most mixed poodle dog breeds are, meaning that they are safe to be amongst people who have dog allergies.
Exercise
Toys need outdoor activity as much as larger dogs. Short walks will keep them healthy and fit. They enjoy a daily routine so are a good excuse to get owners out and about. They also enjoy hikes but don’t have the stamina that bigger dogs will have so items such as this Doggy Carrieris helpful if you take them on a bigger excursion. Along with walks, they love balls and other outdoor play toys that are interactive.
In contrast to the toys limited walking routine, large Labradoodles need more space and extended time to walk and play. They are personable and need to be challenged both physically and mentally. They are great running or hiking partners if you are outdoors for the day. They love to play catch and do puzzles such as to stay busy and mentally active. Both toy and large Labradoodles love activity but need it on a level that suits their body size and abilities.
Food
One of the biggest differences between toy and large Labradoodles is the type of food they require. Size-specific food is important for both of them so you can meet their appropriate nutritional needs. The dog’s diet will depend on both the size of the puppy, but also on the activity of small breeds, as well as the conditions in which they are living. While most Doodle breeds live inside, the preferred temperature of the pet owner will still count.
This quality product is great for toy Labradoodles. It has EPA and DHA to support their brain, eye, and skin health. It has extra small kibble for their smaller mouths and helps reduce tartar, which is important for toy’s, as they are more prone to dental issues.
For pups that are on the larger size of the toy sizing chart.
This dog food recipe is full of nutritious ingredients, including real meat, botanicals, and nutritional supplements. It is grain free with Omega Fatty acids found in salmon oil to protect their skin and coat.
There are no useless fillers or artificial ingredients, and it has Glucosamine & Chondroitin for bone and joint health. The only thing that may bother your small dog is the turkey can be an allergy trigger.
Large Labradoodles will also benefit from a good, nutritious dog food but need nutrients that will take their larger stature and activity level into consideration. The following does just that.
A quality recipe that will support larger dogs with a focus on joint health and mobility using Glucosamine and EPA.
It has a good flavor that comes from its primary protein of real chicken and also has Omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. A well balanced nutritional product that is easily digested and has optimal nutrients for large breeds.
Labradoodles are adaptable, active dogs whether you choose the toy or large size. They can be great companions no matter what their stature. However, it’s important to select the size of your pet to fit your lifestyle. Choosing the right dog will team you up with a great canine friend who will make your life fun and active.
Schnoodles are a dog breed that is a mix between a poodle and a schnauzer. They are a varied breed with a wide range of colors and sizes. A Schnoodle can range in eight from six to 76 pounds, though most tend to be on the smaller side. Regardless of its size, the Schnoodle considers itself a lap dog and it makes a great family dog because of its fun-loving personality. They also make great therapy dogs because they are gentle and easy to train.
People tend to mix breeds because they are hoping to get the best qualities from each breed and reduce some of the risks that are sometimes associated with pure breeding. When it comes to Schnoodles, most owners are looking for a dog that is sturdy, playful, eager to please, and moderately active. A dog that fits into most living situations, but is still a lot of fun to have as a companion.
Table of Contents
What Should You Know about the Schnoodle?
What Can Be a Challenge with a Schnoodle?
Why are Schnoodles So Different?
Schnoodle Health
Final Thoughts
What Should You Know about the Schnoodle?
The Schnoodle is a hybrid breed that typically stands about a foot to two feet tall, though they can be taller. The average weight is 20 to 50 pounds and they tend to live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. How much your Schnoodle eats will depend on its size and activity level, but if you’re able to find a nutritionally dense food, you’ll be able to provide what is needed for an affordable cost.
Schnoodles are often described as dogs that are always happy. They love to play and just hang out with their owners. They are bred to be companion dogs, but many of them do work as therapy dogs and some are skilled in agility. (Poodles are excellent agility dogs, so that’s where the Schnoodle gets it from!)
Schnoodles tend to be very loyal – that’s the Schnauzer in them – and they have a naturally protective nature. They make good watchdogs because they will alert you if something seems out of place. They do tend to bark a lot, which can be good but is also one of their negative qualities. However, if you work with your Schnoodle when he or she is young, you should be able to break them of the barking habit.
Schnoodles are active, but most of them are still able to burn off their energy efficiency in smaller spaces or shorter periods of time. They are famous for racing and playing “zoomies,” which expresses happiness and delight.
Schnoodles are undoubtedly wonderful dogs, but like all dogs, they have their negative qualities. Most can be trained out of them early in life, but there will be occasionally glimpses of some of the negative traits of either breed.
The Schnauzer in your Schnoodle will make him or her stubborn and independent, but the poodle qualities take away some of the frustration you’ll feel because they are also smart and eager to please.
Digging can sometimes be an issue, too, for Schnoodles, which comes from their Schnauzer side. They’ll use their front paws a lot, which means you’ll need to work to break any bad habits before your yard – or someone else’s – is destroyed.
Keep in mind, like all dogs, Schnoodles tend to act up if they are not burning off enough energy. They need to be active for about 30 to 60 minutes each day. Pent up energy brings out the worst in all dogs, so find ways to help them exhaust their minds and bodies. Schnoodles that aren’t properly exercised or stimulated can be destructive and difficult to handle. Contemplate the combination of smart, problem-solving, and bored out of his mind, and you’ll get the idea.
Agility training is a great way to get some of the built-up energy out and their poodle side will love agility challenges. You can get an agility kit of toys for a reasonable price that’s easy to set up and can be used in your backyard.
The reason why Schnoodles are so different from one another is that there are different types of Schnauzers and Poodles. Poodle varieties include the toy, miniature, and standard, and within the standard is a wide range of sizes. Schnauzers also come in three varieties including miniature, standard, and giant. There is no official breeding standard for Schnoodles, so breeders are free to breed as they see fit.
Before adopting a Schnoodle, it’s important to learn about that particular dog’s parents to determine your pup’s approximate size when grown. If you are looking for a smaller dog as an adult, you’ll want to adopt from parents that were the toy or miniature versions of each of the respective breeds.
Also, remember that the size of the dog you adopt can also play a role in his or her behavior. For instance, Giant Schnauzers tend to be far feistier than their smaller counterparts, which means that you’ll need to be a strong master that doesn’t tolerate bad behaviors. The poodle mixed into the Giant Schnauzer softens the end result a bit, but it’s still important to keep that stubborn temperament in mind when adopting.
As with any dog, you should do your best to know what you are getting into before adopting. It’s also important to work with a responsible breeder when possible who has taken the time to mate dogs that are healthy and have appropriate personalities. Unscrupulous breeders will put any two dogs together, which create a world of problems for owners down the road ranging from health to behavior.
Schnoodles are relatively healthy dogs but do face a few potential health risks. These include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Epilepsy
Diabetes Mellitus
Addison’s Disease
Gastric Torsion
Again, one of the most important things you can do if adopting a Schnoodle puppy from a breeder is to work with a responsible breeder. You should be given health clearances for both of your puppy’s parents which prove your dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Final Thoughts
Schnoodles are fun dogs that fit into a lot of different families. They are active, fun-loving, and a joy to be around. You’ll love life with a loyal, intelligent, active, and affectionate companion.
We know that poodles are one of the best dog breeds out there, but is it possible they can get even cuter? When mixed with the small and spunky pomeranian, the answer is a resounding yes! Pomapoo is a lovely mix of these two breeds, but are they the right dog for everyone? Keep reading to learn more about this designer dog and decide if it’s the right choice for your family.
What is a Pomapoo?
A Pomapoo is a cross between a poodle and a pomeranian. It’s an attempt to take the best of both of these lovable dog breeds and combine them into one cuddly animal.
Pomeranians are a descendant of Arctic working dogs—though they are named for the Pomerania region that stretches between Germany and Poland. They are highly intelligent and have a lot of personality, and are most notable for their puffy cloud-like coats.
Pomapoos are a “cross-breed” between Pomeranians and poodles. Cross-breeds have become more popular since the 1990s as people have searched for something “new” in the dog world. These “breeds” like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and others are wildly popular amongst families. But, they are not officially recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club because they are a cross of breeds.
However, the lack of official recognition doesn’t make these dogs any less lovable, and the Pomapoo is no exception! Pomapoos are kind, lovable dogs that are great for families. With low health risks and activities, and with a loyal love of people, these pups are adorable bundles who will quickly become a part of your family!
What Makes a Pomapoo Different from a Poodle or a Pomeranian?
In general, crossbreeds are somewhat of a surprise. Their personality and temperament can vary dramatically from litter to litter, and even from dog to dog. Unlike pure breeds, which have had generations and generations to create defined characteristics, these new cross-breeds are uncharted territory.
In general, you can expect a few things from a pomapoo to be roughly 5-15 pounds, highly intelligent, and to have fluffy fur and a lot of personality. But when it comes to temperament, appearance, personality, and training needs, pomapoos will vary widely depending on their genetics.
Pomapoos could be smaller and fluffier like a pomeranian, or the could be larger with curlier hair like a poodle. The texture will range from soft to wire-like, but regardless, the dog will have plenty of hair in a wide variety of colors. The dog’s grooming needs will depend on its particular coat, though it will require frequent grooming regardless.
Poodles need to be properly groomed roughly once every six weeks and need plenty of brushing in between to avoid matted fur. Pomeranians are equally high-maintenance in their grooming needs. Thus, the combination of the two means you will spend plenty of time taking care of your dog’s coat.
In terms of temperament and personality, your pomapoo could also fall anywhere. They can be on the spectrum between the reserved poodle and exuberant pomeranian. Both poodles and Pomeranians are both friendly dogs, but poodles tend to be more reserved while Pomeranians lean toward extraversion. Your dog could fall on either side of the line, but in any case, it’s important to socialize the dog from a young age.
Exercise will also vary depending on your dog. While Pomeranians require relatively little exercise, poodle exercise needs vary depending on their type. A good rule of thumb is to look at your dog’s size: the bigger the dog, the more exercise it needs.
You also might find that your dog enjoys splashing through the water. This is the poodle side of the equation coming out to play. People originally bred Poodles as retrieving dogs, so they have an innate love of the water! Swimming is a great form of exercise for your dog!
Training Needs
Pomeranians tend to be stubborn dogs, while poodles are more naturally obedient. Your dog will fall somewhere on this spectrum. This duality in personality might make training these dogs difficult, but the good news is that like a cross between two highly intelligent breeds, pomapoos will learn fast.
Pomeranians are generally easy to train, with the largest training issue being the fact that they can be difficult to housebreak. As with any toy-sized dog, housebreaking is a problem because your pet can find hidden places to pee. If you don’t know that your dog is peeing in the house, then you can’t change its behavior and teach it otherwise, and the bad habit will persist.
Your pomapoo might also have this problem, especially if it is small. To avoid this, you should start potty training as early as possible. Have a consistent place where the dog can pee, and take him out several times a day to do his business.
If you do discover an accident in the house, clean up the mess quickly and quietly and continue with training, but don’t punish the dog. You should also limit your dog’s freedom in your home until it is fully trained.
Best Practice
Poodles are obedient dogs and train easily. As intelligent dogs though, they get bored quickly. Your pomapoo will likely carry this training flaw to a certain extent, so plan for short, regularly scheduled training sessions throughout the day.
Pomeranians and poodles both learn best with consistent training and positive reinforcement. They also do not respond well to punishment. Never hit, raise your voice, or try to dominate the dog in any way, as this will only build more fear and anxiety in the animal. Instead, focus on what the dog does right, and give her lots of praise, pets, treats, and rewards for good behavior.
Is It the Right Dog for You?
Pomapoos are guaranteed to be lovable. They are intelligent, and fun dogs to have around your home. But if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog that has a steady, predictable personality, you might want to consider another breed. Like a cross between two wonderful but very different dogs, pomapoo personalities and needs will vary greatly from dog-to-dog.
Maltipoo dogs are a blend of two specific breeds: the Maltese and the toy or miniature Poodle. They have some of the best characteristics of both breeds, which make them smart, fun-loving, easy to train, and affectionate. They are a great breed for families or for empty nesters or single apartment dwellers.
Table of Contents
What Else is Important to Know about Maltipoos?
Keeping Your Maltipoo Active
What Do Maltipoos Eat?
Grooming
Final Thoughts
Many people choose Maltipoo because they are hypoallergenic. This means their coats do not shed and people who are allergic to most dogs might be able to adapt and live with a Maltipoo without triggering their allergies.
Maltipoos can be happy and content in smaller living spaces but still need activity. They should be taken for walks several times a week and have their minds stimulated with games and other activities.
Their Watch Continues
This breed makes for a good watchdog, which means you’ll be alerted by barking anytime something is out of the ordinary. They can be trained to bark on command, but you’ll need to invest a lot of time and energy into this as they tend to be vocal dogs. This is great for owners who are not looking for a dog to protect them necessarily but would like a dog around to act as a deterrent or alert system for their homes.
Maltipoos are great dogs, but like all dogs have their pros and cons. For instance, they are a breed that likes to be close to their owners and tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They make great companions, but can be a distraction if you have other tasks to attend to. Most people who adopt Maltipoos are fine with this because they, too, are looking for companions, but if your family is away from home frequently, it can have a negative effect on the pup.
Oso loves water, as did his Poodle ancestors – from @oso_the_maltipoo
What Else is Important to Know about Maltipoos?
The Maltipoo is not yet an officially recognized AKC breed, but they are increasing in popularity as more and more people are looking for dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. These pups tend to be on the smaller side, but their weight can vary between five and 20 pounds.
They are a fun-loving dog that tends to get along with people and animals like. They are energetic and feisty and need daily activity.
Maltipoos are a generally healthy breed and tend to live 10 to 13 years. They are at risk for a couple of health issues, including White Shaker Syndrome, epilepsy, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
This doesn’t mean all Maltipoos will have all of these health issues, but if you have a Maltipoo in your home is a good idea to be aware of the symptoms linked to these conditions and be on the lookout for them over the course of your dog’s life. It’s also important if you are adopting a puppy to work with a reputable breeder and discuss these health issues in advance. You can ask for health clearances from a variety of organizations that indicate a breeder is reputable and has done everything possible to ensure the health of their pups. If you are adopting an adult dog or adopting from a rescue, just know what risks the Maltipoo faces and be diligent about tending to your dog’s health.
Caring for a Maltipoo requires patience, love, and attentiveness. These dogs should live indoors with their families and be trained with rewards, play, and praise. They respond well to training and love to please their masters.
Keeping Your Maltipoo Dogs Active
If your Maltipoo tends to get into trouble, seems cagey, or is destructive, it’s likely because he or she is not getting enough activity. Daily walks and ample outdoor and indoor playtime can alleviate a number of behavior problems for the breed. Even a short 15 minute walk each day can be enough to keep your dog feeling their best and eliminate the majority of issues that arise.
As you might expect, Maltipoos are little dogs and don’t eat a lot of food. Typically, depending on their weight, a Maltipoo will consume about 5/8 to 1.5 cups of food per day, which is usually divided into two meals. The more active your dog the more he or she will need to eat. Occasional snacks can be given as rewards or to tide them over from the morning to the evening meal.
Maltipoos can eat a varied diet and it’s a good idea to choose a well-known high-quality brand of dog food. Like all dogs, they might be finicky with their food choices, so it could take a few tries before you find something your pup loves. Consider this mix of different flavors from Hill’s Science Diet for toy and small breeds to give your Maltipoo some variety.
Finally, you’ll need to groom your Maltipoo on a regular basis. This includes daily brushing and teeth cleaning and monthly baths. Most Maltipoos only need to be trimmed about once or twice per year, but most owners prefer to clip their dog’s heads a little more frequently. Your pup will need a nail trim every couple of weeks and you’ll know when the time has come when you hear nails clicking on the floor or pavement.
Maltipoos can be groomed professionally or at home or a combination of the two, depending on the extent of the grooming. These grooming kit can help if you decide to groom at home.
The earlier you begin grooming your Maltipoo puppy the better, whether you intend to groom at home or do so professionally. Take your time, introduce your pup to the tools you’ll be using when grooming, and be patient as your Maltipoo adjusts to the idea of being groomed by you. Remember, it’s an experience that can be scary until they are familiar with it and you don’t want to give them a bad first impression as you introduce them to the process.
Final Thoughts
Maltipoos are wonderful dogs that can adjust to many different living situations. They make great companions and are a welcome addition to many families.
When it comes time to start training your Poodle, good poodle training harnesses will make all the difference. All Poodles have an athletic and energetic personality and so training them when out and about is made difficult if you can’t get control of them properly. Here we are looking at the best training harnesses for Poodles as well as the benefits of having one.
Training a Poodle
Training a Poodle usually starts at home. Quite often, teaching a dog basic commands like ‘sit and ‘lie down’ is the first step. Then its time to try them out in public. Although they may obey the commands at home, it doesn’t mean that they will automatically do the same when outside of the house. The reason being, that there are a lot more distractions outside than there are inside so it will take a lot more control on the dog’s part.
Why Use a Harness For Training?
As we now know, training a Poodle, or any dog for that matter is a lot more difficult outside. Once you leave the house, there are a number of things that contribute to the difficulty of training a Poodle. For one, there is a lot more noise pollution making it more challenging for your dog to concentrate on what you are asking of them. There is also a range of smells, the pure thrill of going for a walk, and sometimes the numerous other dogs that are nearby.
All of these things can cause a Poodle to become excited and start pulling on the lead. Having a dog that tugs on the other end of the lead is never fun, and so it’s best to try and stop this as soon as possible. Standard collars end up choking the dog once they start pulling or when you try and get control, which isn’t a very nice solution. But a harness makes light work of getting back in control as it pulls the dog back from their chest rather than their neck. Much more humane for both you, and the Poodle.
The Benefits Of Using a Training Harness
There are several benefits of using a training harness for your Poodle, some of which are as follows.
Fewer Tangles Some dogs get that excited when they go for a walk that they jump around and run around you in circles. With a standard collar, this again results in choking as well as a tangled lead (sometimes wrapped around you). With a harness, this is much harder, and so you won’t have to spend much time detangling your dog.
Easy Control A harness provides the owner with a lot of control, even for very large dogs like Royal Poodles. Because it is secured around their torso, if the dog pulls, it is easy for the owner to keep them where they are instead of getting dragged along with the dog. When encountering another dog, a harness will help you prevent your dog from jumping up at the other dog much easier than a standard collar and leash.
Secure Because a leash is attached to a harness on the back, a dog can’t actually reach it themselves. This prevents a dog from chewing through the leash or wriggling out of their collar.
Fewer Injuries Since a harness isn’t wrapped around the neck like a collar is, it causes fewer injuries to the dog.
Easy Traveling Nowadays, there are relatively strict rules in place for traveling with a dog in the car. They have to be secured just like their humans. Doggy seatbelts are widely available, but most of them are designed to attach to a harness.
Should You Use a Harness for a Miniature or Toy Poodle?
Quite a lot of the time, people assume that harnesses are only beneficial for large or medium-sized dogs. But that isn’t really the case. While it’s true that harnesses are great for controlling large and medium dogs, they are also ideal for smaller dogs as well. If you have a small dog, then you will be well aware of the fact that they can get over-excited when its time to go for a walk and this usually ends up in them pulling on the lead.
A standard leash ends up choking the dog when they start pulling, and often this isn’t enough for them to stop. A harness will pull a dog back from their front, making it a much nicer option to stay in control when walking. Smaller dogs are also more prone to injuring their trachea or neck due to the pulling of a leash attached to a collar. A harness will prevent this from happening.
How To Choose Good Poodle Training Harnesses?
No matter what size dog you have, the quality of the harness will still be relevant. You want to ensure that it is comfortable for both you and your dog, so here are some things to consider.
V-Neck Harness The best type of harness for a dog will be one that doesn’t cause direct pressure on the center of the chest. Instead, it should go around the top of the front legs as this won’t cause any injury to the dog. V-neck is a term that describes the fact that the harness avoids the center of the chest.
Robust Since Poodles are highly active dogs, you will want to ensure that the harness you choose is made from durable materials. Product reviews should also help to inform you of how well the harness wears.
Comfortable The comfort of a harness is extremely important. If it is uncomfortable in any way, then it could ruin the walk for your Poodle and potentially cause irritation to the skin. Proper harnesses will include some form of padding, especially on the underside where it touches the skin.
Weather Proof Dogs are a commitment and if they aren’t bothered by the weather, then neither should you. Poodles love to go for a swim every now and then so it’s important that the harness can withstand being wet. On the other hand, it also needs to be suitable in hot weather. Inferior quality materials can disintegrate in the sun.
Adjustable Poodles, as you know, are renowned for their iconic coats. Some owners like to change the hairstyle of their Poodle depending on the season. If their hair is kept long, then the harness becomes tighter. Alternatively, if they are shaved, the harness becomes looser. For this reason, its ideal to get a harness that can be easily adjustable to cater for weight change and coat thickness.
Getting Your Poodle Used To a Harness
The first few times that you put a harness on your Poodle, it might feel slightly strange for them. However, there are several ways in which you can get your Poodle used to it. During the first few times of use, don’t be surprised if your Poodle tries to wriggle out of it.
This is an entirely normal reaction for all dogs. Over time they will realize that getting the harness out generally means going for a walk and they will likely get excited just by looking at it. When you first receive your harness, try taking it out of the packaging and leaving it on the ground. Your pup will sniff it and try and sus it out.
To get them used to wearing the harness, one tip would be to put it on them for 30 minutes or so while they are wandering around the house. Eventually, they will ignore it and wearing it for a short amount of time won’t bother them. When you do put the harness on your dog, make sure you give them affection and maybe even a treat. By doing this, your Poodle will understand that the harness is a positive thing and won’t become anxious.
After that, continue at a slow pace. You could first, walk them around the garden in it if you have one. Then go on a short walk with them until the harness becomes a normal part of everyday life for them.
Best Poodle Training Harnesses
There are countless harnesses on the market. All with different specifications and qualities. Below is our top training harness picks for Poodles.
A very affordable and extremely comfortable harness is that of PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness. The neckline on this particular harness is elasticized and along with the generous amount of padding ensures comfort.
To secure the harness, there are two snap buckles, and the top handle makes it easy to control. More benefits include,
Another excellent training harness for Standard or Royal Poodles is the Mighty Paw Padded Sports Dog Harness. It has a dual-clip feature which is unique in harnesses and enables the user to attach the leash to the front or back. While front attachment gives the owner control and reduces pulling, the rear attachment is primarily for running with your dog or for car restraints. Item specifications are as follows,
Weather-resistant material
Dual-clip feature promoting attachment to the front or rear
Many Poodle owners decide to train their dog as a therapy dog. This means that the Poodle, along with their owner, will spend some time at care homes and hospitals. The idea is that people who are lonely or sick will get great joy out of spending some time with a specially trained dog.
Therapy dogs help to reduce stress, depression, anxiousness, and much more. So they have a positive impact on people both physically and emotionally. Training a Poodle to become a therapy dog is normally done with the owner present so that they can learn how to prepare them at home as well as how to handle them.
When your out and about putting these lessons into practice, you need for people to be aware of the situation. And what better way of doing so than with the Doggie Stylz Therapy Dog In Training Harness. Being supportive and comfortable this harness will help to get the message out there while providing you with complete control. Additional features are,
Made with breathable neoprene and durable nylon, being comfortable and sturdy
If you are searching for a harness for a miniature Poodle, then the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness could be what you are looking for. Despite their small size, miniature Poodles do have a lot of strength and can still pull quite a bit when going for walks.
This harness is ideal for both walking and traveling. It has five different adjustable sections meaning that no matter how unique in size, this harness can be customized. Key benefits include,
A crash-tested harness (up to 75lbs)
Perfect for traveling and walking
Has a 10” doggy seat belt loop and a carabiner
Full-size customization due to the five adjustment points
For Toy Poodles, Best Pet Supplies Voyager All Season Mesh Dog Harness is a great option. A harness is a much better solution to pulling as it reduces the risk of neck and throat injuries. This harness is designed specifically to distribute weight around the body rather than putting pressure on one area.
Using a harness for a Toy Poodle can use up a lot of room on the body so its essential that the material won’t overheat your pooch while out and about. The Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness is made from breathable mesh material so that your pooch can stay cool all year round. More features include,
With so many dogs harnesses out there, you truly are spoilt for choice. Hopefully, this article has helped to establish why using a harness is good. On top of that, you should now have a good idea of the type of harness that you need and the things that you should look out for.
Selecting the best poodle training harnesses becomes very easy when you know your dog and its specific needs.
