Toy Poodle

Poodle: Your new pet

We have all heard of the poodle dog: they are very appreciated dogs for how easy they are to train and for their elegant appearance worthy of any dog ​​show. Poodles do not come in a single size, there are 4 different varieties: giant, medium, dwarf, and toy. All of them are raised according to the preferences of the owner, although they have many characteristics in common, such as their affable and submissive attitude.

In general, poodles are very empathetic dogs that monitor the emotional changes of their owners, so they are excellent companion dogs. If you want to adopt a poodle and your home has somewhat reduced spaces, we recommend you a toy poodle, we have prepared the following article so that you can familiarize yourself with the most outstanding characteristics of this breed.

The toy variety is the smallest of the poodles, barely reaching 28 cm in height, while its length does not differ much from that figure. This small dog weighs between 3.5 and 5 kg.

They are dogs adapted to live indoors, however, like any dog, they won’t complain if you give them a large patio where it can perform huge amounts of physical activity.

If you do not have a large space for your poodle to exercise, it will still be possible for you to raise one. An apartment has enough space for this small pet to live, especially in its toy variety, although, you have to be aware that these dogs need constant physical activity and therefore you should allow them to exercise daily

If you want to buy a poodle because you think it is a delicate dog, you should probably reconsider. Poodles are athletic and versatile dogs, they love doing physical activity. In the case of not getting enough exercise, they may become overweight or stressed.

That’s why Poodles need to go for a walk regularly, it is also recommended that you play many games at home to drain some of their inexhaustible energy.

If possible, take your Poodle to a place where it can swim, this could become its favorite activity. Poodles are dogs with a great affinity for swimming; they love being in the water and this exercise helps them avoid musculoskeletal diseases.

Toy poodles live an average of 15 years, however, there have been some specimens that have even reached 20 years. So, if you want your beloved pet to reach such age, you mustn’t forget several essential cares.

The poodle’s fur is generally curly and thick, its color can vary greatly, some possible colors are cream, apricot, chocolate brown, and even metallic gray, but some breeders and experts only accept the colors white, black and dark brown.

Brushing their fur is a very important issue for these dogs, owners should take care of the fur by combing it at least 3 times a week, as a rule, they can brush before and after the bath, using a slicker brush for dogs first and then a metal tooth comb.

Poodles have a layer of thick fur that can protect them when it is cold, although this characteristic can be a great impediment in hot weather, therefore we must be careful when we take these dogs for a walk during a hot day.

They are energetic, very affectionate puppies, they love being with the family and they make a great effort to make their masters happy.

Poodles are intelligent; they do not usually get along as well with strangers as with their family members, they are likely to behave rather noisy, so it is not impossible to use them as alarm dogs.

In general, poodles are dogs that could easily get bored if they are not constantly given new stimuli, which is why games are their favorite activity. Children are excellent companions for them because they have enough energy to spend with the dog.

It is not a dog that becomes jealous if its owner shares his love with other animals, most likely he will get along excellent with other pets that live in the house.

History and Origin of Poodle dogs

Probably, the first records of poodle dogs come from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, from there these dogs began to appear in different European works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and even coins.

However, some historians argue that poodles could have originated in much older dates. One theory argues that they appeared in the first century after the Maltese and Spaniel crossed.

Even without knowing the exact date in which this occurred, we can affirm that there is a high probability that both breeds contributed to the genetics of the poodle, originating the coat and the friendly personality that characterizes them.

The country of origin of the poodle is not well defined, there are currently 3 likely candidates: Germany, France, and Russia. In these 3 countries, poodle dogs were bred in different versions, each designed for a different purpose, however, historical records do not help establish which one appeared first.

The German poodles were the most practical in terms of the work they performed, they had resistant bones and were accustomed to swimming to be able to catch the prey that fell into the water, such as ducks for example. This is how the name «poodle» would originate, as a variant of the word «pudel» whose meaning is to splash in the water.

For their part, Russian dogs had a more refined appearance and greater stature, because they were not dogs intended for work, but were expected to perform as companion dogs. As for the French poodles, we can say that they are the ones who imposed the model that is best known in movies and popular culture, of the dog with curly hair and different funny hairstyles that win the public’s admiration in canine competitions.

A function that would play an excellent poodle in any country is a leading role as a circus dog. This breed has always been easy to train and they are dogs with great intelligence that do everything to please their owner; therefore it was not difficult to do shows to entertain the public, in addition to that they were perfect to be transported during the removals.

The poodles did not undergo major changes until the 16th century. At that time, all the specimens were of great stature known as standard size, this was because most of them were dedicated to hunting and needed strong bodies to fulfill the work.

The changes began to appear ironically due to the beautiful fur that is so popular today. Such fur became so thick that it would be a very limiting factor when collecting prey in the water since it could absorb a lot of it and the dog could drown.

The hunters solved the problem by cutting off their hair until they had only the fur of their feet, face, tail, and hindquarters. They also preserved the breast coat so that it could withstand the temperature of the icy waters.

It was in that tradition for hunting that the poodle’s haircuts appeared, which have been preserved until today, is a requirement to enter dog shows.

This can be paradoxical for some people since they mistakenly believe that the haircut was an aesthetic measure and without practical utility.

In the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries began the breeding of the miniature poodle, which appeared thanks to the selective breeding that used only the smallest specimens of the breed.

When this dog began to gain popularity, breeders produced an even smaller breed, the toy poodle. The French worshiped them because they were clean and attractive, perfect to take everywhere.

Having already defined the characteristics of toy poodles, they began to invade the world, arriving in Britain in the 19th century and the United States in 1887. Before the beginning of World War I, they had already become one of the most popular dogs in the exhibitions

The US Poodle club was founded in 1931 to define the standards that such dogs should meet. It was there that the poodles were divided into several races according to their size.

By 1960 the poodle had already become the most popular breed registered by the American Kennel Club. No doubt much of that success was due to their stellar participation in countless dog shows, in addition to his excellent treatment with people.

There is no doubt that today the poodle is still an excellent domestic dog and that the future that awaits it with its thousands of owners is very bright.

Breed’s Characteristics

Poodles, as they are also known, can have a wide variety of sizes. When talking about the small varieties of the breed, the standard is common for miniatures and toys.

Concerning their size, all poodles are quite similar and their physical characteristics and temperament respond to the activities for which they were originally created. In the small varieties, there is also a more intense love for human presence, which corresponds to their function as a companion of the home.

Something typical of all varieties is its active, intelligent and elegant appearance, its symmetrical and well-proportioned structure gives it a proud attitude. With its traditional haircut and with proper care of their hair, the poodle has an air of dignity and distinction that characterizes it.

Size and proportion

The size of a toy Poodle is the characteristic that defines it in this line of the breed, it must be 10 inches or 25 centimeters maximum, from the highest point of the cross to the floor, above this measure it is already considered as a miniature poodle.

The physical proportions between these two varieties are practically the same, so it is very important to assess the height of the cross to define the type of specimen we are talking about. In general, all poodles have a square configuration.

To achieve this type of body the distance from the chest to the buttocks must be the same as the height of the cross, this is the body relationship that the dog must have to consider within the standard of the breed. Also, the proportion of its muscular and bone structure is in relation to the size of the dog.

Head

It has a slightly rounded shape, with a light but well-defined edge, thin cheeks,  the distance from the occipital to the snout is equal to the length of the snout.

Eyes

They are dark, oval-shaped, separated from each other in a way that creates an alert and intelligent expression. When the shape is rounded, the eyes look bulging, they are light in color or they look very large.

Ears

They hang close to the head, originate at the sides of the head at eye level or slightly below them. The skin of the ears is long and is densely covered by hair that forms tufts. The edge of the ear should not be excessively long.

Snout

It is long, straight and thin, under the eyes it seems to be chiseled, with a strong definition of the lips, which makes it look like it is proud. The biggest defect of the snout in the poodle is that the chin is not clearly distinguished.

A strong bite with white teeth that must correctly fit together perfectly without exaggeration in the dimensions of the teeth or jaws of any kind, the mouth should not be crooked.

Neck and body

The neck is well proportioned, it is strong and symmetrical, capable of carrying the dog’s head high and with great dignity, the skin around the throat is tight, so it doesn’t look gill. The neck is subtly integrated into the shoulders, which are quite muscular. It is known as a sheep’s neck.

The upper line of the body is kept straight, from the highest point of the cross to the tip of the tail, with no hunched points, the one part in which the line is not maintained is slight subsidence that is found just behind the shoulders.

As for the body, they have a deep and slightly broad chest, their ribs are well separated from each other. The loin is short and wide, being very muscular, the tail is straight and fixed high, allowing the dog to lift it flat, although it usually carries it a little low to maintain balance with the rest of the body.  If the tail is very low, curved or kept on the spine, it is considered a breach of the standard.

Forequarters

The shoulders are strong and very muscular. The scapula is tilted back and is as long as the upper part of the front leg. If the shoulders are too angulated or look steep, they are considered as a reason for lack of exhibitions.

The front legs are parallel when viewed from the front and when viewed from the side, the elbows are just below the highest point of the shoulders.

The feet are small, oval-shaped, the fingers are well arched and have thick and firm pads. The nails are short but not excessively short, the position of the feet is facing forward, they should not point inwards or outwards. If they have flat feet they do not comply with the standard.

Hindquarters

The hind legs are well angled and remain in relation to the front legs. When seen from behind, the thighs look parallel, the musculature at this level looks wide and the knees are well bent. Both the femur and the tibia have the same length, the hock is short and is perpendicular to the ground.

When they are standing, the hind feet sit slightly behind the point where the rump is located. The biggest fault in the hindquarters is in the hocks, which should be long or look like the cows’.

Fur and color

The hair of the poodle can have two variants, the first is curly hair which is quite dense and roughly textured naturally, while the other is laces, which are longer in the mantle of the body, head, and ears. The laces are very dense and tight.

The possible haircuts that can be made will depend on how old the hair is and the style you want to give it. The classic cuts are the continental or lion cut and the English cut. For dog competitions, the dog is often required to wear one of those styles.

As for the color, there is a great variety of shades. If the dog’s fur goes from reddish to brown, the nose, lips, and eyelids will be a «liver» color. f the fur is dark such as blue, black and gray, the nose, lips, and eyelids will be black. In the well-known white it maintains the black traits.

The apricot color may have liver-colored body pigments and eyes of a slightly lighter shade, but it is preferred that they be dark. It is considered a fault that the skin pigmentation is incomplete.

Relationship with other pets

The Toy poodle has a very friendly temperament, it is characterized by being the type of dog that enjoys playing constantly, they are what would be known as a natural clown, they have a natural tendency to please, so their social attitude is positively given with other animals besides humans.

The biggest problem of this breed is that they become very spoiled, mostly because their masters have accustomed them that way. Being small and adorable, many people tend to consider them babies, so it is difficult for discipline to be firm in some homes. This can create a conflict when interacting with other animals.

Ideally, since they are young, they have the opportunity to interact with other dogs, which makes them able to function healthily throughout their lives. On the other hand, if they only spend time around humans, integrating a new puppy into the house can be very complicated, the toy poodle can become very possessive with its masters and things.

Similarly, sharing with cats or other pets makes them able to maintain a relationship with them, even becoming great friends and playmates, always depending on the temperament of each.

Relationship with other dogs

Since their size turned them into pets, their need to maintain contact and socialize makes them enjoy a lot the presence of other animals, especially other dogs, with which they can unleash their entire playful instinct.

They may experience separation anxiety at times when their masters are not at home, so, many times, having more than one toy poodle is very attractive to the owners of the breed, since the fun moments will double and one dog will never be alone. The same calming effect is achieved with any dog ​​with which they manage to establish a friendship.

It is necessary to educate them correctly since they are puppies with rules and limits, always demonstrating that they must follow their leader, their human, and not vice versa, otherwise, they develop a dominant attitude that can lead them to have problems and even be aggressive to impose their authority over other dogs.

In addition to teaching them the hierarchical structure of the home, social interaction must happen from an early stage because this provides the necessary tools to live with other dogs later in life. A lonely poodle can be too protective and possessive of its humans and have serious difficulties to fit in.

This is why socializing them since they are puppies not only benefits their relationship with other animals but also contributes positively to their way of behaving at home. This factor is of great importance when it comes to having any type of dog, but in the case of toy breeds, it reminds both the dog and its owner that it is not a small human baby.

Relationship with cats

Cats are one of the most common pets in modern houses and apartments. They are clean and small so they adapt very well to busy, modern life. This is why dog ​​and cat lovers can end up living together and with them their pets.

Toy poodles are in many ways similar to cats: they are also small, easy to clean and very adaptable. This makes them particularly compatible with felines, so getting them together into the same house will depend on the education that both animals receive.

The main problem that can arise between cats and poodles is the deep protective instinct of the dog, which can be extended to the family cat, attacking it if it jumps on one of the owners or has any behavior that the dog can interpret as threatening.

The presentation of the specimens is one of the most important steps in a positive relationship between them, in addition to allowing the owners to anticipate possible problems that may arise and begin early to correct behaviors from both sides to file roughness and ensure harmony in the home.

In this first meeting, the temperaments of both are valued and it is determined if these are compatible or not. It is important to set the limits immediately, this can be the difference between a peaceful coexistence or a recipe for disaster.

The best recommendation that can be given when guaranteeing the good relationship of these dogs with cats is early socialization. A mature dog that has never seen a cat will probably have more difficulty adapting to live with one than the one who had been in contact with them since he was a puppy.

In general, the innate behavior of the Poodle toy towards the felines is friendly and will not seek to attack a cat in the street, living together or not with one of them, this is why with a successful and constant orientation, the relationship can be very positive.

Diet and feeding

The diet and proper feeding of a toy poodle will be directly related to the age, health and physical activity that it performs. Many times the nutritional needs will vary considerably between specimens with markedly different lives and the diet will have to be adjusted to each one.

A toy poodle can be as active as a standard, so its energy consumption can be quite high. However, these little ones are rarely put to meet great physical demands, since their short legs and their adorable face makes them look fragile or not very resistant, so mostly they keep to short walks.

Feeding a puppy correctly to ensure its essential growth can create doubts among people who have never had a dog and even those who have had them but never a Toy-sized one, they have different needs and conditions than larger dogs.

A problem that these little ones can present is what is known as food aggression, a behavioral problem that must be handled carefully so that it does not become serious and that can deeply frighten inexperienced owners.

Energy Requirements

It is possible to determine the necessities regarding energy of a toy poodle if we consider it within a normal range, in which most of the specimens are found. That is a dog that is between 6 and 7 pounds (between 3 and 4 kilos) with moderate physical activity, meaning daily walks.

For these dogs, the requirement is between 250 and 300 calories daily, of course with variations in size and weight and especially in terms of physical activity and health.

When they perform more intense activities than walking in the park, such as running with their owner or participating in dog sports activities such as rally or agility competitions, the caloric amount you will need will range between 650 and 1350 Kcal.

Caloric and nutritional distribution

When it comes to understanding what the correct diet is, it is necessary to take into account the distribution of daily calories in large nutritional groups: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. All are fundamental to the body and each has a different function.

The highest caloric load must come from high-quality proteins, which come from animal origins, such as lamb, turkey, fish and chicken breast. Servings of 3 ounces for the first and 6 ounces for the chicken provide an amount of 150 kcal daily.

The carbohydrates that best fit its diet are those of the complex type, which provide a healthy amount of fiber and glucose without losing the balance of the intestinal flora. These are represented by foods such as brown rice, potatoes, and oatmeal.

Some vegetables are toxic and should be avoided at all costs, such as onion, grapes, avocado, and nuts. In addition to these, some foods have allergens that can unleash allergic states and make the dog sick, such as corn, wheat, and soy.

When these are incorporated in a homemade diet, it is ideal that they are well cooked for better digestion. 3 ounces of potatoes, 2 of rice and 1½ of oatmeal will provide an adequate proportion of carbohydrates.

Essential oils must also be included in the diet, this is achieved by incorporating certain types of edible oils in the final preparation, such as salmon, coconut, flax, and safflower. All these improve the lubrication of the skin of the can and keep the brain tissue in shape.

To choose the commercial formulas you have to consider the nutritional proportions of each, always respecting the rule of 3/4 protein, ¼ d carbohydrate, and 15% fat.

How to feed a puppy

The optimal development of a dog depends a lot on the measures taken at this stage of its life, this includes and also depends a lot on how you feed it. Being such small dogs, their stomach capacity does not allow them to retain too much food at a time, so the frequency of feeding is the real key.

From 8 to 12 weeks the recommendation is that the method of free demand is used, that is, always keep a small amount of food available to them, so whenever they feel hungry they can get something to eat, this way they avoid hypoglycemia, common in small breeds at this age.

Once they reach 3 months, you can drop free demand and start to apply more defined routines and schedules, once they have exceeded twelve weeks, the stomach capacity and energy expenditure are equalized and have better storage of reserves.

In this age range and up to the year you can establish a diet with 3 meals a day, the portions respect the recommendation of the manufacturer or that of your veterinarian in case you decide to opt for a homemade diet, which is divided so that it can eat 3 times a day.

Once it becomes an adult, habits have been formed and the critical period of growth has been overcome, it is necessary to maintain a constant energy contribution based on two daily meals with a ration according to your daily requirement.

Aggression with food

This is a behavioral problem that can appear in this breed. What happens is that dogs can growl or even bite when someone approaches their plate while they eat, although it is never advised to interrupt a dog while eating, this type of behavior is completely unacceptable.

If this type of behavior is not corrected, accidents can occur, handling it from the puppy stage greatly influences the process of forming a solid personality that respects its authorities and the hierarchy in the home.

The punishment or negative reinforcements are not the most advisable to handle this type of behavior; it is best to seek to correct them positively, providing affection when the dog is relaxed and submissive around food.

You should also get used to being patient at lunchtime and not rewarding compulsive behaviors around the ritual of food, such as jumping insistently or barking to demand food. All this demonstrates strong leadership; obedience will come alone once this is established.

The best way to avoid this aggression appears is to get them used to, since they are puppies, to being touched while they eat, to withdraw from the plate when asked to and to allow their master to touch their food. Once they understand that they should not be aggressive and respect the authority of their owner, the behavior disappears.

Health and general care

The toy poodle is a dog with few diseases to worry about. With the proper care, they can live up to 18 years, which makes them one of the most lasting breeds you will get.

Being purebred dogs does not free them from having some inherited diseases of the selective crossbreed, this limits to a certain extent the genetics of the dog making it more likely that defects may appear among the specimens, this is why the best thing that can be done to reduce the occurrence of these is to obtain it from a responsible breeder.

The adequate care that manages to meet the needs of these little companions will also be a fundamental factor in keeping them healthy and that they live happily, for this it is necessary to commit to them since they take work.

One of the necessities that often goes unnoticed by the owners is exercise, since seeing them as small and adorable hairballs, they forget that they are only small versions of dogs trained to recover prey and can do so even with their short legs and lovely looks.

Most common health problems

As a breed they have a certain propensity to suffer a series of particular conditions, which can be avoided with certain simple measures and others can be treated in time so that they can have the best quality of life, which is why as a responsible owner it is necessary to know their symptoms to be able to detect them in time.

The different diseases they suffer from have symptoms of alarm that can be noticed by a concerned owner, thus detecting a problem that is beginning to develop or is being managed.

The quality of life they will have depends largely on the responsibility and commitment that their owners have with them so that they can go to the veterinarian on time.

Skin tumors

Lumps can form on the skin due to the improper growth of the cells in the area. They do not disappear over time, instead, they remain static or keep growing. It is important to go to a veterinarian if your dog comes to present them because they can be benign or malignant. The latter is a form of cancer. Its nature can only be determined through a biopsy; with this result, the veterinarian will take action on the treatment that must be administered.

Bladder stones

These are formed when the concentrations of minerals in the dog’s urine are too high, thus causing them to accumulate in the bladder when the urine spends a lot of time in it, so small stones are formed and remain inside. Another cause for them to occur is recurrent urinary infections, which also intensify with their presence.

Their symptoms are the increase in the frequency with which they urinate, pain or inability to urinate, expressed by moans at the time of urination or marked anxiety and complete absence of urine. It is important to observe the dog’s urine because one of the most suggestive signs is the blood in the urine.

The collapse of the trachea

This occurs due to a weakness of the cartilage of the trachea, which can eventually collapse, causing blockage of the trachea and thereby breathing difficulties.

One symptom is wheezing, frequent cough and real difficulty breathing. Before any of these symptoms, it is essential to go to a veterinarian as soon as possible. This condition can endanger the life of the dog.

Cushing’s disease

This is a hormonal disease caused by the excessive production of a particular type of hormone, cortisol, also known as the hormone of awakening or stress, which is synthesized in the adrenal glands and fulfills important metabolic functions in the body.

The dog that suffers from this disease will have symptoms such as increased appetite, increased water consumption that is expressed as constant thirst, more frequent urination and hair loss. The first evident thing is an increase in abdominal volume that appears even when there are no changes in the diet.

Cataracts

It is an opacity of the lens of the eye. Over time its tissue loses its transparency, severely hindering its ability to let light through, this determines the loss of vision in the affected eye.

If blindness is complete in both eyes, generally the symptoms that can be seen are the difficulty to move around the house that appears progressively and can be very obvious when there are changes in its environment.

Care

Its fur is complex, so its maintenance is very important so you can keep it fit, clean, free of parasites and avoid knots. The dog’s appearance depends a lot on this care, so it is very important to choose haircuts that are within reach of the maintenance that can be given at home.

All aspects of its hygiene will influence its general state of health, so creating habits for a dental cleaning, brushing, and nail maintenance is very important. If done diligently, having to face stressful moments for both the dog and the master can be avoided.

Fur care

Starting with the bath, it is very important to keep in mind that the skin of these little ones can be very sensitive and too-frequent baths eliminate the natural oils that protect it, which is why it is recommended to do it once a month and with products approved by veterinarians.

To keep them clean, you can use products such as talcum powder and dry baths that eliminate bad odors and some help control skin parasites. Another thing to remember is frequent brushing, which is a great ally since, besides avoiding knots, it helps remove dirt from the hair.

There is a style in which the hair is left to grow, forming knots. For this hairstyle to work it is necessary to devote enough time to those knots to form the cords correctly and not in a disorderly way that limits the hygiene of the skin or causes pain when pulling the skin of the dog.

The haircut varies a lot according to the style you want. The classic lion and English cuts require a lot of maintenance at home, while the sports cut is much easier to take care of and is good for highlighting the stylized appearance of the dog. In addition to these two, in warmer times you can opt for a summer cut that allows the dog to remain fresh even in the heat and helps keep them clean.

In the particular case of the Toy, these traditional poodle cuts are rare, although some people like them, although, given their small size many prefer puppy cuts or teddy bear cuts that make them look particularly tender regardless of how old they are.

General hygiene

Dental hygiene is very important in small breeds, being very necessary to accustom them to the brushing process since they are puppies and always do it with veterinary products. It can be done daily but doing so twice a week helps to avoid problems such as halitosis and detect potential problems.

Nails should be trimmed every week or every 2 weeks. You will know they are too long if you hear them clicking on the floor. If the dog lives inside an apartment or a house with flat floors, long and poorly maintained nails can end up causing problems such as deformed feet.

The maintenance of the ears is essential. They are a breeding ground for infections if the hair that grows inside is not cut frequently and must be cleaned with veterinary-approved solutions at least once a week.

Exercise

These dogs, despite their small size, require moderate physical activity, especially because they become obese if they are not monitored regularly and are not taken for a walk. The walk also helps to manage behavior problems that may develop.

The duration of the walks will be decided by the animal itself, who, as it becomes accustomed, will gain resistance and will be able to keep up with the pace and every time will be able to endure longer walks. However, you have to be careful not to over-exercise them; a daily walk will be enough for a healthy adult.

They are a bit impetuous, so walking on the leash may be difficult at first, but it is necessary to persist in their use so that they can get used to it, the best thing to do is to use a leash during walks.

How to train or educate a Poodle

The Toy Poodle are dogs with a natural disposition to please and they are also extremely intelligent dogs, which is why their training process is relatively simple, even for those who have no experience with dog education.

This is why during the nineteenth century they were very popular dogs, along with the rest of the larger specimens, in the entertainment world, particularly in the circuses, where their attractive fur was used to give them an exotic look and they were also trained to perform stunts and participate in the shows, entertaining the crowds.

For people who have never had a dog or have had little success in training their pets themselves, a poodle can be a refreshing change in attitude, since they are always looking to please their masters with the orders they give them; they are very obedient.

This is particularly useful when teaching them simpler and very important tasks, such as controlling sphincters and making their business where they are allowed to do so and not anywhere in the house. This process can be a bit complicated at first but with perseverance and dedication, the learning is for a lifetime.

Best techniques to achieve obedience

To achieve a positive training process, it is always better to have a technique or method that allows you to get the best result in the shortest possible time, trying to maintain the best attitude from both parties and make this process fun and satisfying.

The best technique is to use positive reinforcement techniques, where desired behaviors are rewarded and unwanted ones are ignored or rejected with concrete expressions, such as a firm “NO” and the most important thing is to show that you, as master, do not approve of such behavior and it does not please you.

In this way, you can teach many things to your pet, from the simple rules of the home, where they are allowed to enter be and where not, what they can do freely, what they have to wait to do and that they are strictly prohibited. You can even teach it more complex things like doing stunts and participating in a competition of obedience and agility.

Learning to reinforce behaviors

Teaching a dog requires dedication and perseverance, even the accommodating poodles require constant reinforcement to fix a behavior. So to teach them something and make sure they live by it, you have to make sure to repeat it routinely until it becomes part of them.

The first thing we should do with a puppy is to observe its natural behavior and let it explore and be itself; this gives confidence to its environment and its masters. As this happens, find incentives and rewards for good behavior, for example when the dog greets a visitor without barking.

On the contrary, with a behavior that you consider inappropriate, such as jumping on people who come home or biting your pants to attract attention, you should be shown that it is not something we want with a firm “NO”, this will be enough to make the dog understand you, if you repeat it several times.

Rewards for your dog

One of the main questions is about rewards, which should be given, how to do it and even when to do it. All this is essential since it is the main motivation that will keep the dog connected to the learning process and with which you will get the results you want.

So, the first thing to know is what is your dog’s favorite treat. All dogs have things that they enjoy more than others, from the most greedy to the most capricious, when we find this food that they love we already have a powerful tool; it can be cheese, chicken or even some commercial canine treat. Sometimes the reward can be a toy that it likes a lot.

The important thing is that you only give it the prize when it acts in the way we want it so that it starts to relate that behavior to something very pleasant.

Teaching orders and creating behaviors

When it comes to starting an obedience training, remember that the orders that are going to be used must be concrete and simple, that way the dog will be more easily related to the behavior that is requested. This is why words like «still», «sitting», «down», among others, are commonly used.

With this, they are taught to follow orders, which makes it easier to control them inside the house and especially outside it, where you can find yourself in circumstances where it must keep calm.

This is why the training starts at home, where all your attention is on the dog and there are no distracting factors. They are given the order and when they fulfill it they are given their reward.

As they learn, the rewards are reduced, that way they will remain motivated to act and will gradually do so without needing a reward.

Likewise, while the behavior is being consolidated, it moves to more challenging spaces, such as the backyard of the house and then the park, where the distractions must be overcome and the dog must obey its master.

Behavior and Relationship with Humans

Poodles are dogs that love to spend time with their master and especially please them. Toy poodles have this extremely marked temperament trait since, unlike their larger peers, their main function is of companion and not hunting for prey.

This is why they are very good dogs to live in families and share with children and adults alike; the important thing is that they are taught to behave correctly with all household members and in particular to know their place in family dynamics.

Being small dogs and with a jovial and playful attitude, for many, they are always puppies, this is why children feel a great attraction towards them and can be great companions, willing to play for a long time. However, we must be aware of possible aggressive behaviors and especially remember to get them to socialize first if they are too young and if they have not grown up around children.

These dogs suffer from what is known of the small dog syndrome, which is a behavioral problem that occurs as a result of a series of mishandling by their owners. This is a frequent problem among small breeds and can be avoided completely by remembering that no matter how small and tender they are, toy poodles are dogs and not small humans.

Relationship with children

In general, the toy poodle gets along well with children, they have a very close bond and they identify a lot with them. Since they are active and vivacious dogs that enjoy playing, a small human who is willing to play with them makes them create strong bonds. These two can be ideal companions.

The friendly nature of the poodle allows them to socialize with different types of people and animals, but for this process to occur without setbacks or unforeseen events this interaction must occur since they are puppies; this will give them the social tools to know how to behave with children or strangers.

Also, if your poodle is particularly shy, or, on the contrary, becomes very playful or even aggressive with children, the best time to correct such behavior is during its puppy stage. Using positive reinforcements helps manage these situations.

Either way, accustoming them to being in contact with children since they are puppies makes them more tolerant of their behaviors and helps the dogs understand children easier, something that for an older dog can be threatening, for a puppy it could be interesting and funny.

It is equally important to teach children how to handle a small poodle safely. Their size makes them vulnerable to injuries if they are dropped or shaken violently, which is why they must be treated with care.

In the same way, you have to teach the child how to show leadership around the dog so that he does not see them as another dog they must dominate or as their property and their sense of protection becomes obsessive towards them. The education of both parties and timely socialization will be the greatest tools for them to cohabit with no problems.

Small dog syndrome

This is a behavioral problem in which the dog takes control of the household hierarchy, so it does not follow instructions, it is extremely territorial and protective, having aggressive behaviors with strangers entering its environment and with its masters when they try to correct it.

This type of behavior ends up being extremely harmful to family life, because they usually become very possessive with a particular person, sometimes with the children of the house and an adult with whom they spend the most time with, so it is aggressive with the rest of the household members.

It also brings conflicts with other dogs and strangers, because it becomes aggressive and can bite. Many people have a misconception of these dogs because it becomes very common for them to develop this syndrome. However, it is not something that only happens to toy poodles, but also the small breeds and it is not the dog’s fault but its masters.

The reason why it occurs in small dogs is that many times their owners forget that they are dogs and not humans, being too permissive with them. But it is necessary to remember that like dogs, they have a place in the hierarchy of the household, where there are alpha and beta.

The alpha is the dominant leader that everyone should obey without questioning, the beta position is a subordinate who sees himself as equal. In a dog-human relationship, the alpha must always be the human, and the beta position may correspond to the dog, which must obey and expect its leader to indicate how and when to act.

When it comes to small dogs many times when we see them as babies, and, unconsciously, we place them in a position of dominance, where they believe they are the leaders and all others must submit to their will. The problems behind this are more than obvious.

Maintaining leadership

The only way to prevent this from happening is to maintain leadership, for this it is necessary to act with clear authority at home, this does not mean that you have to be violent or aggressive with the poodle, but you must remind them the limits and that they can’t go around doing as they please.

Maintaining the rules and reaffirming them as much as possible is what a leader does, this also facilitates the training process, since no dog wants to dislike its alpha, being also its human for whom it feels inclined to please, everything goes with more ease.

Authority and discipline are as important to them as good food and walks. This must be remembered daily and the results will be an adorable puppy with whom to share on the sofa and that will please family and friends alike.

Environment

Toy poodles are dogs that need to live indoors, although they enjoy playing and running outdoors, at the end of the day they will prefer to sleep in the warmth of a house near their owners than in a backyard or porch where they can be restless listening to several noises.

Their small size makes them a pet of choice for those who live in modern apartments in large cities, which are usually small and are not too comfortable for larger dogs. In this variety of poodle, all the features of a larger dog in a practical size are amalgamated.

They are dogs that can become very fragile, especially because they are not aware that their body is small and can launch into a company that larger than them, so they need to have safe environments to avoid accidents.

In addition to this, in times of very hot weather, if the appropriate measures are not taken, their fur can be overwhelming and it is necessary to keep them protected from very high temperatures, offering them cool places where they can rest and enough freshwater.

Indoor dog

The nature of the toy makes them ideal for living in apartments and small houses without yards. With good education and a little commitment, they adapt well. This has made them one of the most popular pets in recent years.

Although they require great maintenance so that their hair is in shape, they adapt really well to living inside a house because they do not shed, so trust that you will not see the upholstery of the furniture with a layer of fur.

In addition to this, spending a lot of time in courtyards and outdoors can be very fun for them, however, it is best to always have an eye on them, since they are fans of wallowing as soon as they get their attention, this includes things with strong smells. They can also get caught in pipes or channels.

That is why it is recommended that when they are unsupervised they are left in a limited space, where they are not in any danger and with an adequate education this will also help control where they evacuate.

Undoubtedly, live where they live, whether, in small/large apartments or houses with yards where they can run, it is always necessary to ensure their safety and have the time to educate them. Besides, even if they have a big place for themselves, they will always prefer the company of their masters, so they tend to walk after them.

Climate and care

On the hottest days of the year, you have to be very cautious and always have fresh water sources to which these small poodles have access because they can easily become dehydrated, in the same way, you must provide it with fresh spaces where you can rest during the hottest hours.

In general, the recommendation is to make sure they have a haircut that helps them overcome the heat and make their care easier during such days. The summer cut gives them this comfort, reducing their fur enough to make it easier to brush and leaving enough space for them to cool off.

At this time of the year they tend to get dirty with mud and be somewhat messy at home, so you have to be very attentive when returning from walks to groom them. You also have to be attentive to hygiene, care for their skin and keep the house clean to prevent ticks and fleas from making life in the poodle’s dense mane.

On the contrary, during winter, the fur protects them from low temperatures, so when this season is approaching it is good to let the hair grow. This means that at this time of the year you will have to take better care of the fur, but it is worth it to see the happy little poodle.