In addition to puppy kindergarten, socialize him on your own at home. Invite your friends over to expose your puppy to new people in a friendly environment. When you take him out on walks, introduce him to friendly neighbors and let him hear some of the sounds of everyday life, like cars passing on the street.
Obedience class will not only teach your poodle basic commands, but will also teach him to see you as his leader. [4] X Research source Whichever commands you learn in class, practice these commands at home between classes.
Make the training sessions fun to prevent boredom. For example, show lots of enthusiasm and give your poodle positive reinforcement. The more excited you are, the more he will enjoy the training sessions. Daily, consistent training will help you and your poodle develop a close bond. Since poodles enjoy working closely with their owners, your Poodle will likely enjoy working with you every day. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
You can also be consistent by giving the same command, in the same tone of voice, for a specific action. If you have other household members, make sure everyone uses the same commands so your poodle does not become confused with which command to follow. For example, if you say ‘stay,’ then other household members should not say something like ‘stay here. ’
A toy or miniature poodle’s crate should be 24 x 18 inches (61 x 46 cm) or 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm). For a standard poodle, an ideal crate size is 48 x 36 inches (122 x 91 cm).
Place the crate in an area close to people. [10] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Since poodles love human companionship, having your Poodle’s crate in area with a lot of human activity will help him feel more comfortable. Remember that the crate should be a place of comfort and peace, not punishment.
Work up to feeding him his meals in the crate. [12] X Research source It may help to give your poodle a verbal command, such as ‘kennel,’ when you want him to enter the kennel. Immediately give him a treat when he enters the crate after your command. Being consistent will greatly help. Make a crate routine, set time each day to put you poodle in the crate and give a treat after, Start slowly for about five minutes and then build up over time to about two hours. This will take time. [13] X Research source
Do not open the crate door if your poodle whines or fusses. Doing so will teach him a bad habit for getting attention. [15] X Research source Even as your puppy becomes comfortable with staying in the crate with the door closed, you should not leave him in there day and night. He will not be able to hold his bladder for that long, and he will start feeling lonely by not being able to interact with you. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Poodles tend to be house trained quite easily. [18] X Research source Poodles have great memories, and will therefore remember the good and bad habits. [19] X Research source Make sure he remembers only the good bathroom habits!
As a rule of thumb, puppies can hold their bladder for approximately 1 hour per month of age, up until 9 to 12 months. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source As your puppy poodle ages, wait for longer periods before taking him out after different activities. This will strengthen his bladder muscles. [22] X Research source Adult dogs can hold their bladders for longer, but should still be on a bathroom schedule. Keep the schedule consistent to decrease the chance of accidents in the house.
If you have a puppy and are not able to take him out several times a day, consider setting up an indoor bathroom area near his crate. Put some puppy pee pads down so he can relieve himself when you are not home. As he gets older and can hold his bladder for longer, discontinue using the pee pads. [24] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source If you do not have a yard, pick a nearby grassy area.
Ideally, you should give your poodle about 15 to 20 minutes outside. [26] X Research source
If he has an accident, clean it up without making a fuss. Use an enzymatic cleaner that will remove the odor so your poodle will not go back to that same spot. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source If you catch him in the act of having an accident, interrupt him with a firm verbal command (e. g. , ‘outside!’), pick him up, and take him outside to his designated bathroom spot. When he finishes eliminating outside, give him verbal praise and a treat. [30] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Use a plain, flat collar. It should be snug around his neck (snug enough to stick 1 or 2 fingers between his fur and the collar), but not tight. Use a non-extendable leash that is 4 to 6 feet (1. 2 to 1. 8 meters) long. [31] X Research source To acclimate your puppy to the leash, attach the leash to the collar and let him walk around like that inside your home. Keep a close eye on him so he doesn’t entangle himself in the leash. [32] X Research source
When he behaves well on the leash inside, start taking him on short walks outside. Gradually increase the lengths of the walks as your puppy becomes more comfortable with walking on the leash.
With your poodle standing on your left side, hold a squeaky toy or treat in your right hand. Allow him to see the toy, say ‘heel,’ and begin walking forward. [33] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Give him a reward (the toy or a treat) when he can walk beside you for 20 to 30 seconds.
