Raising Poodle Puppies 

Raising Poodle Puppies 

by | Behavior, General, Poodles

Is there anything cuter than a Poodle puppy? Probably not. But while they are a bundle of absolute gorgeousness, they can also be a complete handful very much like having a toddler. So to help you on your journey of Poodle parenting, here are our best tips for raising Poodle puppies.

Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles

Before we even begin to touch on the different aspects of raising Poodle puppies, it’s crucial to know the different types. Poodles are identified in three categories, Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three with the Toy Poodle being the smallest.

Miniature Poodles typically stand at around 15 inches and generally weight between 12 and 20 pounds. Whereas Toy Poodles stand up to 10 inches and weigh 6 to 9 pounds. The most important thing to know is that both Toy and Miniature Poodles mature twice as fast as a Standard Poodle. Because of this Toy and Miniature Poodles are considered puppies for one year, but a Standard Poodle will be classed as a puppy for up to 2 years.

Puppy Supplies

Preparing for the day that a puppy comes home with you is very similar to getting everything ready for a baby. You need a supply of puppy essentials at the ready so that your new furry friend can get settled. Here are some of the essential items for Poodle puppies.

Also works on panda puppies! – from @kurumitaan

Dog Bed

Just like us dogs need beds too. They spend a lot of their time running around and playing, so it’s vital that they have a comfortable place to sleep or rest. A dog bed will also provide your pet with an area where they feel safe.

Walking and Travel Accessories

Once your puppy is up to date with its injections, you will then start to take them for walks. When you do, a strong and durable lead and harness will make all the difference when it comes to training. Dogs that travel in the car will also require a special doggy seat belt to keep them secure.

Toys

Getting your pooch active starts with toys. Not only will you and your Poodle have a load of fun playing with doggy toys, but they will also keep your puppy occupied when they are on their own.

Food and Bowls

The type of food that you feed your pet will depend on the breed of Poodle that you are getting. The breeder and a veterinary professional will be able to advise you on the best food for your Poodle puppy. Choosing dog bowls may seem like a basic and obvious task. However, plastic dog bowls can actually stain your Poodles coat. This is because there are a lot of dyes in the plastic and over time it can transfer to your Poodle’s fu. The better choice would be ceramic or stainless steel bowls.

Grooming Gear

A Poodle’sr coat requires a lot of maintenance and its because of this that grooming supplies are needed. Many Poodle owners choose to have them groomed at a professional groomer on a regular basis but its always handy to keep shampoo, conditioner, and a pair of dog clippers at home as well.

Training a Poodle

All breeds of Poodles are extremely intelligent, which makes them relatively easy to teach. They love to please their owners and exercise their brain. It is advisable for Poodle parents to start to train their dog from a young age as they are usually, fast learners.

Caring for a Poodle Puppy

Unless they have a specific medical condition, Poodle’s don’t really require any special care. Of course, they need a whole lot of love, but that bit comes naturally. As mentioned above, they do need to have their coat looked after thoroughly, but as long as it is maintained regularly, it shouldn’t involve that much work. Poodles are dogs that suit many different lifestyles. They love to exercise, but they also adapt quickly to lifestyles that can’t always cater to it as much.

Poodle Puppy Best Buys

Since there are countless products on the market for puppies, we have narrowed down a few of our favorites for Poodles. Below is our Poodle Puppy best buys for 2019.

Smart Pet Love New Puppy Starter Kit

The perfect way to get your puppy settled into its new home is the Smart Pet Love New Puppy Starter Kit. It comes with a snuggle blanket, a puppy teething popsicle, and a heated plush toy. Additional features include,

  • Plush toy has a real-feel pulsing heartbeat for added comfort
  • Kit contains three heat packs
  • The teething popsicle has massaging ridges, and the core can be frozen

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Frisco Ortho Textured Plush Bolster Sofa

The raised edges on the Frisco Ortho Textured Plush Bolster Sofa gives your pup that added a sense of security. It has a built-in dip at the entrance making it easy for your pooch to get in and out of.

The high-quality soft materials ensure that your pet gets a great nights sleep. More specifications are,

  • Machine washable materials
  • Removable cover
  • Plush carved center
  • 3-inch foam and 1-inch memory foam

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YML Wrought Iron Stand With Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

Earlier on in the article, we mentioned how plastic food and water bowls could stain a Poodle’s luscious coat over time because of the excessive use of dyes.

The YML Wrought Iron Stand With Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a perfect way to avoid that. Stainless steel bowls do not contain any coloring, and the wrought iron stand keeps the bowl elevated. Not only does this give your pup a better eating and drinking experience, but it also prevents food from getting stuck in your Poodle’s coat. Additional features include,

  • Stainless steel makes for a much more sanitary eating surface
  • Elevated eating position averts stomach upset
  • Available in three sizes
  • Doesn’t cause strain to the back and neck

Check out on Chewy

Conclusion

These adorable and loveable dogs are a great addition to any household. They are fantastic around children and generally have a great temperament. Raising a Poodle puppy pretty much comes naturally. Aside from food and water, they only really care about one thing, and that’s your love.

Poodle Colors: How Do They Get Them?

Poodle Colors: How Do They Get Them?

by | Behavior, Poodles

If someone were to ask you to think about which poodle color you would choose if you were to buy a poodle, you would think that’s not such a difficult choice. How hard can it be to pick a favorite out of three poodle colors: black, white, and cream? If this is you, then you would be surprised to hear how many different coat colors of poodles there are to choose from. Read on to explore all the varieties of poodle colors.

It’s All in the Genes

How does a poodle get its colors? It’s all in the genes. Each parent is responsible for one gene that determines the color of the coat, and each gene is either dominant or recessive. The two genes received from the parents can be of a different color, but only one, the dominant one, will be visible in the new pup.

To make things simple and more visual, let’s give an example of Ralphie, a black toy poodle. Ralphie could’ve received a black gene from his mother and a brown gene from his father. In this case, since the dominant gene is black, Ralphie will turn out to be a black poodle. But he still has the brown gene that was passed on by his father.

When the time comes for Ralphie to mate, he may pass on the recessive gene to his offspring. If the female also passes the brown gene to the offspring, Ralphie may end up having a brown daughter.

It’s not so uncommon to find poodles with a diluted color of the coat, different patterns, or added markings.

Solid Color Options

Apricot Poodles

One of the prettiest and most favored colors for poodles is apricot. Even if not interested in competitions, their proud owners will make sure to keep the lovely looking coat shiny and tangle-free. Together with the red, it is also the newest color for the breed. It’s not so rare that these two colors get mistaken for each other.

People also tend to mistake a creme for an apricot if it has a richer color. As the pup gets older, the color may get lighter or darker, so a puppy that seemed to be a light apricot may turn into a solid cream.

Most often, the apricot will have some variation in color, such as slightly darker ears or neck. The points of the poodle (nose, eye-rims, and lips) are usually black along with very dark eyes, although this is not a rule. Genes of apricot poodles are recessive to all other colors apart from white.

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Black Poodles

The color that adds most to the elegance and proud posture a poodle already naturally possesses is black. It can be easy to mistake a puppy for a black poodle even though that may not be the case. Poodles have three layers to their coat, the surface layer, middle layer, and inner layer, the one that is visible only during grooming. So, it is not so uncommon for a poodle that seems black on the outside to have a different color, grey, blue or silver.

For a poodle to be a “true black,” the hair needs to be black all the way down to the root and should stay black during the time the puppy grows up to the adult stage. Grey hair due to aging is a different story and can happen to black poodles as well. A black poodle will also have black points and dark brown eyes.

Blue Poodles

Blue is another captivating coat color that adds to the dignified appearance of poodles, provided the owner keeps the dog clean and smelling good, as there is nothing dignified in a stinky dog, no matter the color. This is one example of when a puppy can be mistaken for a black. Blue poodles are born with an entirely black coat.

When the pup starts reaching adulthood, his coat color will change to an intriguing dark blue. This shade occurs when a dominant gene and a recessive silvering gene are part of their gene mix. Points of the blue poodle are black with very dark brown eyes.

Silver Poodles

Another example of a puppy born black and changing colors over time is seen in the silver poodle. With the most aristocratic look of all, silver poodles get their color usually during the first year. The genetics is similar to that of the blue poodle and is caused by a present silvering gene within a black poodle. Only this time the dog must have two recessive versions of the silvering gene to produce this color.

Brown Poodles

Brown is another common solid color that gives a poodle a gorgeous, warm, and fluffy look. It is not to be confused with the Café Au Lait, as the color is much darker. For a poodle to be considered a brown, there should be no traces of black, not even in the eyes and nose. Brown poodles actually have liver-colored points and dark amber eyes. In order for a poodle to turn out brown, the dog must carry two of the brown recessive genes.

Café Au Lait Poodles

Café Au Lait appeared as a mixture of apricot, brown and silver. It has both the apricot gene as well as a dominant and a recessive version of the silvering gene. The color is a light tan and can often be confused with a silver. One differentiation is the color of the points; a Café Au Lait will always have a liver-colored nose and paws. Another differentiator is that a Café Au Lait is born with its true color, while a silver needs to fade to its true color eventually.

Red Poodles

Being the newest and the rarest color of them all, it is no surprise that they are one of the most desired. Their appearance is exceptionally striking and a sign that the owner holds himself to certain beauty standards. Surprising as it may be, the reds come from the apricot gene. But it’s another gene referred to as “Rufus” that is having a darkening effect to the apricot color. The complete science and is yet to be better understood. For now, it’s important to know that this color may fade with time.

White Poodles

The pure, snow-white coat of a true white poodle is truly stunning. Sure, the bright white coat is the quickest to get dirty and stained. However, that is easily solved with good quality grooming products. Having some black spotting is tolerable on white, but black-tipped hairs are not. The black tipping appears to form a completely different gene, and these poodles are known as sable poodles.  True white poodles have black points and very dark eyes.

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Keeping the Coat Beautiful

No matter the color of the poodle, keeping the coat shiny and beautiful requires regular grooming. Just as with us humans, the coat of the poodle is influenced by outside conditions, such as air pollution, exposure to the sunlight, cold weather, etc. Due to these influences, it is not uncommon for a poodle’s coat to become dull, shrill, or yellowish, as the dog grows older.

It is easy to not notice the difference in the richness, thickness, and overall glow of the coat until enough hairs have dulled and lost its shine to make a visible difference. That’s why regular grooming plays an important role in the overall health of the skin and coat. Besides good quality, color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners, regular hair cuts and brushing, it is the diet that by far has the greatest influence on the overall quality of the coat.

A good, well-balanced diet, high in omega-3 fatty acids will make sure the coat is soft and fluffy for a longer time.

Dog Emotions and the Emotional IQ of Poodles

Dog Emotions and the Emotional IQ of Poodles

by | Behavior, General, Poodles

Dog Emotions and the Emotional IQ of Poodles

For quite some time, scientists and dog owners both have wondered if dogs feel emotions. After much debate, it has become accepted that the non-verbal and verbal signals we see in dogs have always been there to demonstrate emotion. Most dogs with intentional owners have a vocabulary of about 200 words; however, they cannot speak. So, it is up to the owner to communicate with the dog via body language and sounds the dog makes in coordination with body language. Some body parts show emotions quite obviously (such as a wagging tail), while other cues are much more subtle. Most often, the cues will come in combination and be quite visually obvious.

The Seven Emotions of Dogs

After much observation, scientists have finally settled on lucky number seven as the number of emotions that dogs express and the signals that come with them.

Fear

Loud noises, sudden events, or strangers can evoke fear in a dog. They will tend to avoid eye contact, look away from the troublesome source, flatten their ears against their heads, tremble through the whole body, have raised hair along the spine, and a tuck the tail.

Joy or Excitement

Dogs can be happy most of their lives if their family is very loving and gives the animal the necessary exercise and attention. A joyful or excited dog will have a relaxed posture, perked ears, a highly-held tail, will bound around, and may have an open mouth that resembles a smile.

Anxiety

Anxious dogs can lash out unexpectedly or nip at an owner. They also tend to lick their lips, yawn, pant, avoid eye contact, and lower or tuck their tail.

Uncertainty

When a dog doesn’t know what to do in a situation, they can demonstrate some odd behaviors: hold up a paw, humping, licking their lips, avoiding eye contact, yawning, or rolling over to expose the belly.

Extreme Fear or Self-Defense

When a dog feels threatened, fear is coupled with aggression. The dog does have a fight-or-flight response and will defend itself if it needs to. Most often, you can recognize this when the dog uses a hard stare and low growl, the baring of teeth, crouched body, a tense tail, hair standing on end, and overly alert ears.

What Is Emotional IQ?

Emotional IQ in a dog is the ability to recognize emotions in itself and in others (dogs and people). The dog with extremely high emotional intelligence will not only be able to recognize emotions, but they can respond to them appropriately. There are some obvious signs of emotion in dogs in certain situations. Let’s say you come home to an overturned garbage can and a dog hanging its head.

While we may interpret this as guilt, it is actually the dog anticipating our angry, emotional reaction. The famous and adorable, head tilt is a dog’s way of showing that it is trying to interpret our emotions through our tone of voice. Herding, working, and retrieving breeds are especially keen at interpreting the emotions of humans.

Emotional IQ of Poodles

Poodles are generally accepted as the 2nd smartest dog in the world. And that intelligence also includes emotional intelligence.As the Poodle was originally a working and retrieving breed, they have a keen sense of emotional intelligence. Poodles bond quite strongly with the home’s “pack leader” (the human who appears to be in charge) and have a deep awareness of the leader’s moods.

The ways they communicate their moods and needs are similar to those humans use. A child who has broken something will often drop their gaze to the floor—the “hang-dog” look. Poodles are also quite alert. They will sense the approach of strangers or new animals within their home territory. This is an expression of emotional intelligence;a demonstration of uncertainty. The Poodle is also a breed that has a great connection to humans and their emotions.

Poodles can sense tension at home or if a member of the family is extremely emotional. They will sense stress within the home and can act out or have health issues if the home environment isn’t pleasant. Poodles are also known to have great intuition. They will connect with an owner and mirror their moods. These dogs are always eager to help. Helping others is one of the key signs of emotional intelligence. Poodles are often trained as emotional support animals because they can relate quickly to the needs of the owner.

Emotional IQ of Poodles

Poodles for Emotional Support

From the Standard Poodle to the Toy Poodle, they are curious, eager, obedient and easy to train. Their ancestry as working and retrieving dogs means they are awesome as personal assistance animals. They are particularly well-suited to help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (including panic attacks), and anxiety.

Poodles are known to be extremely focused when on task and not easy to distract—a bonus for people who need the attention of an emotional support animal. Poodles love mental tasks and love to be physical. They adapt easily to different environments; this allows them to be focused on the human’s needs at home as well as being a good assistance animal in public outings.

Poodles are friendly but don’t get overly excited around unknown animals or people. They stay calm and are attentive to the needs of the owner. Poodles also don’t like to be left alone. As an emotional support animal, the Poodle will have nearly unlimited interaction and the owner will benefit from the constant companionship of the animal. Poodles also tend to live longer than other breeds so you will have your companion for many, many years. It is a truly mutually beneficial relationship.

Final Thoughts

The Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, including emotional intelligence. Poodles love to play, they are great with kids, they are super social, and they are great at adapting to any environment. Their intelligence and emotional intelligence make them both great family companions and great service animals. Their emotional intelligence is a gift to any family.

What Breeds Do Poodles Get Along With?

What Breeds Do Poodles Get Along With?

by | Behavior, General, Poodles, Training

What Breeds Do Poodles Get Along With?

Whether you have Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, a Standard Poodle, or a Poodle mix at home, and you are considering getting a second dog, you must choose carefully to ensure dog compatibility. You must take into account the age of both dogs, the genders, and the personalities (you really don’t want two alpha dogs in your home pack). While many breeds will happily accept other animals (dogs or cats) and make great family dogs, some breeds are simply too dangerous to put with other animals (and is the same with certain types of Poodles). Even though Poodles generally have a good temperament, it is critical that you consider both the well-being and the safety of not only both dogs but the members of your family.

 

Poodle Characteristics

Poodles are good pets, but if you want to add another dog to the mix, you must socialize your Poodle. This can be done through regular walks in the park, around your neighborhood, or even at a local pet store. Just make sure that your Poodle has the opportunity to meet new people and new animals, and that it does not get aggressive with others. When you are ready to introduce your Poodle to a potential new addition, make sure to do so in a neutral space like an animal shelter, park, or training center. Poodles are very territorial and if you try to introduce the new dog in the home, the Poodle will not react well. It will see the new dog as an intruder that must be dealt with. Poodles are generally sweet and gentle dogs, but the introduction of a new canine must be handled cautiously to avoid injury to either dog or a member of the family. It is important that, before you choose, you know your breeds.

 

Know Your Breeds

Remember that Poodles were originally working and retrieving dogs:the herder and the hunter. They are protective, they are intelligent, and they are fiercely loyal to the pack. Let’s look at some breeds that can mix well with the Poodle:

  • Basset hound – relaxed, low-key dogs with a sweet disposition
  • English Foxhound – these pack dogs do very well around other dogs and like to exercise with other dogs
  • Cocker Spaniel – these happy, gentle, and smart pups make them great pup companions to a Poodle
  • Bolognese – these devoted, intelligent and comical little dogs get on well with other dogs and are great for families
  • Vizsla – Vizslas are sweet, loving dogs who do very well with other pets and children
  • Pug – these comedians of the canine cosmos. These silly little pups do especially well when socialized as pups with another dog
  • Coton de Tulear (known as Cotons) – these smart-aleck clowns also have great intelligence and get along great with other dogs
  • Labrador Retrievers – gentle spirits with a loving, eager to please personalities that make a great match for other breeds
  • Beagle – this perpetual puppy loves to have playmates and can get along with any family friendly breed
  • Shih Tzu – this fluffy buddy can get along well with the Poodle and makes a great addition to the pack
  • Pekingese – these long-haired royal dogs can get along well with Poodles as both breeds will stake out their own space in the home
  • Maltese – gentle and affectionate, these well-mannered pups will be great partners with the Poodle

While any of these breeds would make great companions with a Poodle, there are some general rules you must follow when introducing a new dog into a home with an existing pet.

 

Bringing Them Together

Bringing Them Together

When you have chosen your new dog, make sure you follow these helpful hints for making the transition as smooth as possible:

Neutral Location – the first meeting must always be in a neutral location. This way, your Poodle will not feel the need to protect their territory. Handle the dogs separately, on separate leashes (you will need a friend or family member to help out). Make sure the area is enclosed to avoid any unexpected escapes.

Use Positive Reinforcement – give the dogs the opportunity to get to know one another through sniffing and greeting. Give them positive reassurance that they are behaving well together.  Let them play for a bit and then give them the commands to sit and stay. This may take several tries. Once they will cooperate, you can walk them together as another chance to get to know each other.

Watch for Negative Body Language –if you see anything resembling a defensive posture, get into positive reinforcement behavior. Watch for hair standing up on the spine, crouching, deep growls, teeth-baring, or a prolonged stare. Once your dog has changed its body language to a more relaxed position, re-introduce the dogs for more socialization.

Bringing them Home – When your pups are tolerating each other well, and you don’t see any displays of aggressiveness, you can take them home. Remember that a new dog will probably be very nervous and could get sick on the ride home. Make sure you have someone with you to help. Bring the new dog into the home first to prevent territorial protective behavior in your first pet.

Introducing a Puppy to an Adult Dog – puppies are, by nature, hard to handle. When they are introduced to a new home, they are in a whirlwind state of learning. Any adult dogs present will become the puppy’s new best friend—much to that dog’s displeasure usually. If your adult dog is of good humor, it will growl at a playful puppy to set boundaries. While this is a good thing, never leave them alone together. Also, make sure to give your adult dog some extra attention away from the puppy. Puppies will suck the time out of your day and your adult dog could get very unhappy and start acting out. Finally, never let the adult dog and the puppy eat out of the same dish, as this can cause defensive behavior. You really don’t want to break up a food fight between a puppy with razor-sharp teeth and an adult dog with a full-grown bite.

 

Final Thoughts

Poodles can be easily matched with other breeds of dogs to increase the size of your pack. Make sure you have done your research and found a breed that is compatible not only with your Poodle but also with your family’s lifestyle.

Do Poodles Make Ideal Dog Volunteers?

Do Poodles Make Ideal Dog Volunteers?

by | Behavior, General, Poodles, Training

Poodles are no longer recognized for their funky haircuts and royal treatment. People are now becoming more informed about the intelligence of Poodles as more and more are being trained as dog volunteers and even used for Poodle rescue. So, poodles as dog volunteers? Are they suited to it? Is the Standard Poodle suitable for adoption? Read on.

What Is a Dog Volunteer?

Volunteer dogs are also referred to as therapy dogs and involve tagging along with their owners to visit places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. There are several requirements that need to be met in order for a dog to become a volunteer and not all breeds are good candidates. Poodles, however, are. Dog volunteers are not the same as service dogs which are specially trained to assist people who have disabilities or certain medical conditions with day-to-day living. In saying that, dog volunteers still help in a variety of ways; whether it’s bringing joy to an elderly patient in assisted living or cheering up a sick person.

A Poodle’s Intelligence

Going against the stereotype that Poodles simply lounge around all day getting pampered, they actually adore exercise. They are active dogs that thrive when they get a good amount of daily exercise. And as much as their body loves to be active like their mind, they make great rescue dogs. They are incredibly smart. In fact, they are among the most intelligent dog breeds around, which is one of the reasons why they make such good volunteer dogs. Initially bred for hunting, Poodles now have the reputation of coming in very handy for several service dog positions. Once they have developed a special bond with someone (which doesn’t really take that long for Poodles), they do everything they can to please that person. More often than not, their obedience and loyalty outshine many other breeds.

Training a Poodle

The thing to remember when training a Poodle is that they love to be praised. Therefore, when they start obeying commands, make sure that they are aware that they have done the right thing and that, most importantly, you are proud of them. For Poodles, obedience training comes naturally, which is yet another reason why they make such good candidates for dog volunteers and care. If you have had your Poodle since being a puppy, the first form of training you will likely want to conquer is house training. Luckily, this is light work and they generally pick it up in less than a few weeks. Following this, owners typically move on to basic commands such as sit, lie down, paw, etc. The easiest way to accomplish this is by offering treats. Once you have decided on the command you wish to teach, say it clearly several times before moving your Poodle in the correct position. Say that you are trying to teach your poodle to sit. First, look at them and say “sit” several times so that they are aware of the word. Then, apply gentle pressure to their back end, which will eventually result in them sitting. Once they have taken a seated position give them lots of praise and reward them with a treat. Gradually, you can reduce the giving of treats but make sure to continue with the praising. Although using treats as a reward is effective, it’s not always the healthiest option. However, make sure that you do your research on what the treats contain.

Socializing

Socializing

A top requirement for volunteer dogs is that they are perfectly happy in almost any social situation. They need to be well behaved around other dogs, children, adults, and just any living thing, in general. This will likely be the hardest part of training for a Poodle. They are great family pets and are known for being good around children. However, they do have a tendency for being jumpy and alert around people that they don’t know. Once they become familiar with the stranger,their anxiousness and weariness will, over time, fade. The key to overcoming this is to get your Poodle used to social situations as early as possible, especially for those who are training their Poodles to become volunteer dogs.

Bones & Chews All Natural Grain-Free Jerky

A great reward treat for dog training is the Bones & Chews All Natural Grain-Free Jerky. Made with real beef and formulated especially for dogs, your pooch will be hanging on your every word for a nibble on this jerky. This all-natural jerky is entirely grain-free and deliveries a protein boost that is ideal for training.

  • Free from wheat, grains, and corn
  • Contains no soy or by-product meal
  • Chewable texture and rich flavor
  • Doesn’t include preservatives, artificial colors, or flavorings

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Therapy Dog In Training Harness

What better way to let people know that meaningful work is in progress than to get your Poodle kitted out with a Therapy Dog In Training Harness. As well as informing people that your dog is in training, it also helps to keep your pooch safe as the entire chest strap is reflective. There is also a handle located on top of the harness that enables complete control for the owner.

  • Additional removable reflective patches on each side
  • Made in a durable nylon material
  • All stitching is double stitched to add strength
  • Adjustable straps for customization

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Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy

Training your Poodle to become a volunteer dog usually starts from when they are a puppy. It’s not uncommon for Poodles to experience anxiety when surrounded by a lot of people, which is one of the challenges during training. With the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy, your pup will have a tool to ease their own anxieties. The comfort toy also includes a real feeling heartbeat that helps a pup overcome loneliness. It is ideal for all puppies whether they are training to become a volunteer dog or not.

  • Real feeling heartbeat
  • Easy to wash
  • Contains a disposable heat pack to recreate physical warmth
  • Helps to reduce anxieties, stress, and loneliness

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Final Thoughts

Training your Poodle to become a dog volunteer to care for those who are in need is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s great to share the love for your pet with others and for your pet to also share their affection. There really is joy to be had by all parties—Poodle included.

Animal Physical Therapy for Poodles

Animal Physical Therapy for Poodles

by | Behavior, General, Health, Poodles, Training

It goes without saying that the Poodle is an incredibly popular pet—if not the most favored in America—along with breeds like the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever. But what many people don’t know is that there is much more to Poodles than just cuteness and fluff—a lot of fluff that is.

The History of the Poodle

You are probably well aware that purebred Poodles aren’t the only type. Over the years, Poodles have been crossed with other breeds to produce dogs such as Labradoodles, Maltipoos, Goldendoodles, Yorkie Poos, and several other dog types. They all look incredibly different yet all still resemble a Poodle in one way or another. The original Poodle dates back to the 15th century and was first recorded in Germany. The popularity of the Poodle quickly spread throughout other European countries before reaching England. Nowadays, Poodles are so popular that they are being worked successfully as service dogs.

The Temperament of Poodles

Generally, Poodles, including the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle, are very friendly dogs and are incredibly intelligent. Part of the reason why Poodles are so popular, aside from how adorable they look, is due to their train ability. They have a reputation for being particularly obedient and are very fast learners due to their appreciation of praise.

Having said that, this canine breed is quite alert especially in unfamiliar places or around new people. That’s not to say that they become aggressive; it simply means that they will be highly observational at first as they will likely become shy. This instinct is usually only temporary and the more time they spend with other people in different places, the more that they become used to socializing. Most Poodles are extremely loyal and are fantastic family pets as they are great around children.

Reasons as to Why a Poodle Would Need Physical Therapy

It’s not uncommon for Poodles to suffer from arthritis and joint pain as they grow older. In fact, many dog breeds experience this. Some owners are advised to try physical therapy for arthritis and joint pain as a way to avoid giving the dog too many drugs. In some cases, a Poodle may have a birth defect that affects their mobility. Nowadays, there are multiple treatment options that can help relieve the pain, boost circulation, and improve movement.

Certain breeds are prone to developing particular health conditions, but the Standard Poodle isn’t necessarily susceptible to anything other than the generic issues that come with age. When it comes to Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles, muscle problems are fairly common. This is mostly due to the size and consequences of the breeding pattern. Again, many veterinary professionals recommend physical therapy to help control and improve the condition. Furthermore, Poodles may need physical therapy for post-surgery or if they have suffered an injury as a result of an accident.

Poodles can suffer from a number of health issues, including:

  • Inflammatory skin diseases (sebaceous adenitis)
  • Problems with the knees (luxating patella)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Problems with their spinal cord
  • Blood disorders (Legg-Calve-Perthes disease)
  • Seizures

If you notice any symptoms and you think your pet is sick, you should visit your vet immediately.

Forms of Physical Therapy That Can Be Done

Forms of Physical Therapy That Can Be Done at Home

Veterinary bills can become extremely expensive. However, if you needed to add physical therapy charges on top, then it can become astronomical. If your Poodle suffers from arthritis, then you may be able to perform some animal physical therapy yourself. There’s a common misconception about arthritis in which many people assume that resting and using minimal movement will help to relieve the pain. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Mobility is key to arthritis relief as the pain usually intensifies with little to no mobility.

For your Poodle, continue with the routine of playtime and walks but just reduce the amount of time and speed. For instance, if you usually go for a fast-paced, mile-long walk with your Poodle, try reducing the distance and walk at a slower pace. The same should be done when playing with your pooch at home. Weight management is also an essential factor for Poodles with arthritis. Carrying extra body weight will add strain on the joints so ensuring that your dog maintains a healthy weight will also help to minimize joint pain and inflammation.

Are Poodles Good for Animal Physical Therapy?

Because of their obedience and willingness to please, Poodles are excellent dogs for physical therapy. They aren’t as stubborn as some other breeds tend to be and generally hang on your every word. Below, we have included some of our recommended items to help assist with animal physical therapy for your Poodle.

NutramaxCosequin Maximum Strength Chewable Joint Health Supplements

The brand Nutramax is highly recommended by most veterinary professionals as the name is trusted in animal health. NutramaxCosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplements are easily administered and contain multiple ingredients that help reduce inflammation. Some key benefits are:

  • Encourages cartilage production and strengthens existing cartilage
  • Chewable tablets make for easy administration
  • Ideal for adult dogs of all breeds
  • Includes glucosamine, sulfate, MSM, and chondroitin

See On Chewy.com

Lube All Plus Joint Supplement for Dogs and Horses

Lube All Plus Equiade, Joint Supplement for Dogs & HorsesThis specific formula was created to improve mobility and reduce pain. Originally, it was only available as an injection but now the Lube All Plus Joint Supplement is available as an oral liquid. It is a perfect supplement for Poodles with arthritis or other joint pain.

  • Boosts circulation
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Supports joints and cartilage
  • Contains Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin Sodium Hyaluronate HA

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Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip and Joint Support Chews

The Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip and Joint Support Chews are made with natural ingredients that target joint pain. As well as improving mobility, these dog chews include additional ingredients to promote heart health and improve the immune system. With a mouthwatering duck flavor, these chews eliminate the task of hiding them in your dog’s food.

  • Includes glucosamine, yucca extract, and MSM to reduce pains, soreness, inflammation, and aches
  • Supports joints to improve mobility
  • Promotes immune health and heart function

It’s never nice to see your Poodle in pain and, as owners, we want to do everything we can to take away their suffering. Always consult with a veterinary professional if you are concerned about the health of your dog. They will be able to diagnose them correctly and offer advice on the right course of action.

See On Chewy.com

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