Do I want a Standard Poodle?

jmom · 03-09-2007, 10:02 AM

Hello, a friend of mine is letting me adopt her Standard Poodle, age 1 year, because of a divorce, she can no longer care for her the way she should be. I have to be honest and say, I have never had a indoor pet, or outside for that matter. I am 45 years old, married and we have a darling little 4 year old boy. We live in a pretty large home with a medium size back yard. Oh, and she is white and is already housetrained of course.

I just don't know what to REALLY expect with a Standard Poodle. I have read on the internet as much as I can.

These are the things I worry about:

1. I worry if I will be able to cope with picking up poop in my backyard and is it too late to train her to go in one area. I could handle that, but not pooping all over the back yard where my little boy plays.

2. Will she be wandering around at night and waking us up early, or is that something that can be trained also? She now wakes my friend up at 5am to go out.

Those are the main issues I think I have, unless you can give me any more things to think about. I don't want to take a dog and then have to give it away, we are really trying to decide to do the right thing.

I never would have thought about a Standard Poodle, until I started reading about them, and she may seem ideal for us, or me, since I will be the main caregiver.

The grooming won't be a problem, money-wise, I am thinking of doing the sporting clip, since I'm not too fond of the fru-fru look, that's just me I guess.

Well, I think I've come to the right place for some answers, shoot away-LOL!

....and thanks!

MagicToller · 03-09-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

1. I worry if I will be able to cope with picking up poop in my backyard and is it too late to train her to go in one area. I could handle that, but not pooping all over the back yard where my little boy plays.

The very best you can do for the poodle as well as for the safety of your son, is to take her on daily walks. This will not only give her a chance to elminate in an area that won't compromise a playplace for your son or yourself, but it will help her burn off some energy.

Quote:

2. Will she be wandering around at night and waking us up early, or is that something that can be trained also? She now wakes my friend up at 5am to go out.

At first, it may take her some time to adjust - and she may retaliate, but don't dispair.. What I can suggest is to crate train her if she isn't already, and whatever routine or schedule you chose for her and yourself - stick with it. This will make it easier on her to adjust to.

Here's a link on crate training:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/ou..._training.html

..and another useful link on training standard poodles:

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/tra...rdpoodles.html

jmom · 03-09-2007, 10:40 AM

Sorry, I should have said that she is crate-trained right now when friend goes to work, but I guess I should ask her if she is in her crate at night also.

We do plan on "a daily walk"-is that enough? I'm sure we could accomodate more. Thanks for your quick reply.

Oh, I do not work out of the home, but we are on the go quite a bit during the day.

I was also wondering if there is anything particular about Standard Poodles that I might need to be aware of-good and bad.

MagicToller · 03-09-2007, 10:43 AM

Hmm.. is there any other way to somehow get her some exercise while you're gone? What time do you get back from work?

jmom · 03-09-2007, 02:10 PM

I do not work out of the home. I am in and out all day, so I could walk her more. I just didn't know what to expect. Thanks for the info!

Ginny01OT · 03-09-2007, 05:06 PM

I have an 8 1/2 month standard poodle and it is an absolutely wonderful dog. Standard poodles are arguably the most intelligent dog breed. I am sure your new dog will have to go through a period of adjustment as he/she is in a new situation as all of you will be but once everyone has adjusted things should be fine. Poodles are highly trainable, they love to be around people and sometimes I even think they understand everything you say. Good luck!

Keno's Mom · 03-09-2007, 08:45 PM

I do NOT like the minis or the toys. I've met a few standard and if we got a poodle it would be a standard cause they act like dogs!

Cleaning up after the dog is part of owning one. If you don't think you really can do what is required, then don't get a dog.

Poodles are very smart dogs. Keno was full grown when we adopted her and we taught her within a week of where to potty in the yard. And she doesn't go all over.

Its kinda easy to do - take the dog on leash and take to the area you want her to go - then stand there and encourage her to potty (be consistent with the term you want to use). When she does, praise her lots and THEN play or go for a walk, etc. Potty should not be play time. If she starts to want to play, ignore here and stand still - encourage her to "potty" till she does. Keno caught on pretty fast (she's a lab).

As far as walking around at nite - she may or may not. You can get her a big dog bed to sleep on or you can get a very large crate and teach her to sleep there.

Be glad she wakes your friend up in the morning to go potty! If that's too early for you, then gradually move the time up about 15 mins till she adjusts.