Poodles are a popular dog breed that many people want to own. Many people want a dog but lack the time and resources to train one.
I was wondering if poodles are easy to train and how to train them, so I compiled some research for you.
Are Poodles Easy to Train?
Poodles are known to be very intelligent and easy to train. Poodles are regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
Poodles are quick to pick up new tricks and commands. They were originally bred to be working dogs, so they are very good at what they are trained to do.
Basic Training Tips for Your Poodle
The command “sit” is a good place to start when training any dog. It is a simple command to teach, and it will make the dog more receptive to learning more difficult concepts in the future, as well as serve as a foundation for other important commands like “lay down” and “stay.”
Treats are the quickest and easiest way to begin training your poodle. Food is a powerful motivator for dogs, and it will be more effective than verbal praise at first.
Treats can be phased out over time, but they are a good place to start.
If you are concerned about giving your dog too many treats, you can buy special training treats at almost any regular pet store that are smaller and less likely to fill them up.
These also leave the dog wanting more, so they don’t become satiated with the treats and stop wanting to train. You can also use baby carrots, which are better for your dog’s health.
You should also establish trust with your poodle. Trust is extremely important.
A dog will be much more willing to listen to someone they regard as a master or with whom they feel safe, especially if you are working with an older poodle rather than a puppy. Older poodles are less willing to learn from a stranger.
You can foster this trust by spending time with your poodle outside of training, such as playing with them or loving and petting them.
Fear may produce immediate results, but in the long run, the dog will become more disobedient when you are not present or will attempt to flee when given the opportunity.
Patience is essential. A poodle is still an animal, even if it feels like a member of the family. Some poodles learn faster than others; each dog is unique.
Don’t be discouraged or frustrated if your poodle doesn’t grasp a concept right away; it may take some time, and that’s fine. Just keep working with them and perhaps try a different approach to what you’re trying to teach them.
Make certain that you do not use fear as a motivator when training your poodle. As I previously stated, you want your poodle to trust you and feel safe around you, rather than fear you.
How to Teach Your Poodle to “Sit” down
Sit is one of the simplest commands to teach because it requires little time or effort. One thing to keep in mind is the importance of repetition and reinforcement.
The first thing you should do is catch your poodle’s attention. This can be accomplished by showing your poodle that you have a treat in your hand but not giving it to them.
When your poodle’s attention is focused on the treat, slowly raise it above their head, causing them to look straight up, and say “sit” or whatever command word you’ve chosen.
Your dog’s vision path will naturally cause them to move into a sitting position.
Once they sit, give them the treat and a lot of love and verbal praise.
If instead of sitting, they begin to back up, gently press down on their back end while keeping the treat above their head, and continue to say your command word.
Once they sit, reward them and give them praise.
Repeat this process 3 to 5 times more, rewarding them each time they complete it successfully. Don’t overwork the trick, or your poodle may lose interest and refuse to perform it. Finish the training session on a positive note, on your terms.
Continue doing this once a day for as long as it takes your poodle to learn. Start phasing out treats once they appear to understand the concept.
You can give them a treat every other time they do it, then every three times, until they no longer need treats and will simply do it when they hear the command.
How to House Train Your Poodle
No one wants their dog to have a messy accident in the house, so house training your poodle should be one of your top priorities.
House training is a more time-consuming process than teaching your dog a basic command because it requires the dog’s consistency, effort, and commitment as well as the owner’s. It also takes the dog longer to understand and adjust to than standard commands.
Establishing a feeding routine is the simplest way to start house training a dog.
If you feed your dog at the same time every day, you’ll be able to predict when they’ll need to go to the bathroom and the dog will be able to tell when it’s time to go outside.
Routines will eliminate a lot of confusion with the dog and make training easier because they will be able to pick up a routine faster.
After your poodle has finished eating, take him outside and lead him to the location you desire. You may have to wait outside for a few minutes with them. Once they’ve left, give them a small reward and lots of praise. Repeat this process until they are able to go outside and to their designated spot on their own.
You must also be aware of the signs that they are about to go to the bathroom and ensure that they are taken outside before entering the house. Pacing, circling the house, and sniffing the floor are all signs.
Every time, lead them to the same location you want them to go. When training your poodle, consistency is essential; you don’t want to confuse them with what you want them to do.
Because poodles grow to be such large dogs, crate training is not recommended. They dislike being crammed or uncomfortable when using the restroom. It is possible, but it is not the best situation for a dog.
How to Teach a Poodle to “Stay”
After your dog has mastered the “sit” command, the “stay” command is the next step. Teaching your poodle to stay is another important command to ensure that your dog is well-behaved.
Begin this training by instructing your poodle to sit.
Hold your palm out and say “Stay,” or whatever command word you’ve chosen, in a slow and steady voice.
Take a few steps back while doing so. (Begin with one or two steps at a time) and reward your dog if they stay.
Continue in this manner, gradually increasing the steps each time.
This command will usually take your poodle a little longer to learn because it teaches them self-control. It is especially difficult for a high-energy dog, such as your poodle, to sit and stay when they want to move around. Just be patient and don’t overdo it with this exercise.
They should practise a little bit every day until they get it. This could take several weeks, so don’t get discouraged or frustrated if your poodle doesn’t pick it up right away. It takes time for everything.
How to Teach Your Poodle to “Come”
Another essential command to teach your poodle is to come when called. This will help them stay out of trouble or keep them from doing things they shouldn’t. This is also a good foundation for other commands or training habits, as it will get your poodle to come to you rather than trying to lead them somewhere.
You’ll need a collar and leash for your poodle, as well as treats, for this training session.
First, attach your poodle to the leash and measure the distance between them and the leash.
Squat down so you’re eye level with the poodle, then say your command, such as their name or a whistle, while tugging on the leash.
Once they come to you, give them a treat, and verbal praise.
Continue to do this until you no longer need to tug on the leash for them to come to you, and will just come by saying your command word.
Then, in an enclosed and safe area, take your poodle off the leash and have them perform the same task.
Slowly phase out the use of treats, to just verbal praise.
Do this training exercise for about five minutes every day until they have it down pat. You don’t want them to become bored or tired of it. End the training session on a positive note and on your terms, just as you did when teaching them to sit.
Be patient; it may take several days for your dog to even let go of the leash. If your poodle isn’t getting it right away, don’t rush them or get frustrated; just keep working with them.
Is a Poodle Right dog for You?
Poodles are popular dogs that are intelligent and are among the top ten most owned dog breeds in the United States & Australia.
Now that we’ve covered how to train a poodle and you believe you’re up to the task, the next question is…
Is a poodle the right dog for you? That is dependent on your search criteria.
If you are looking for a family dog, consider the following:
Poodles make excellent family dogs because they are gentle, fun-loving, and affectionate. They get along well with children and other animals. They are not aggressive animals and do not shed, making them ideal for families, particularly those with allergies. They are one of the most popular dog breeds among families.
If you are looking for a guard dog, consider the following:
While they are not known to be aggressive dogs, they do possess protective instincts that make them excellent guard dogs. They are extremely loyal and intelligent, allowing them to detect danger and protect their owner. A poodle would not be the best guard dog if you were looking to keep people away, but if you wanted an extra sense of security, they would be a good fit.
If you’re looking for a companion, consider the following:
Poodles would make excellent companion dogs because they are both loyal and affectionate. They live to please their master and enjoy being the centre of attention.
If you are looking for a docile dog, consider the following:
Because they are high-energy, poodles are not the best choice for a docile dog in a small house or apartment. While they can be calm, affectionate, and loving, they also require exercise and running space. They don’t do well cooped up in small spaces because they enjoy getting out and playing just as much as they enjoy cuddling.
If you want a dog that does not shed, consider the following:
Poodles are great because they do not shed and are hypoallergenic. If properly groomed, their coat is short and curly, with no hair on everything. It is an excellent dog for someone who suffers from allergies due to its hypoallergenic coat.
If you are looking for a working dog, consider the following:
Poodles were bred to be working and hunting dogs, and they are still used for those purposes today. They are obedient and intelligent, making them simple to train to perform a task. Poodles are excellent working dogs.
If you want a low-maintenance dog, consider the following:
Poodles are moderately low maintenance in the sense that they do not require a lot of time to train or keep out of mischief. Having said that, they do require daily exercise and grooming every couple of weeks. If you want a dog that will just lay around the house doing nothing, a poodle is probably not the best choice.
Wrapping Up:
There are many questions about Poodles:
Is it true that poodles are aggressive? No, not always. Poodles are very sweet dogs who get along well with people and children.
They are known to make good watchdogs due to their mild protective instincts, but they are not known to be an aggressive breed due to their fun-loving and affectionate nature.
Are poodles devoted and Loyal?
Poodles are known to be extremely loyal to their owners and, as a result, are relatively easy to train. Poodles want to please the person they consider to be their master.
The more you train and trust your dog, the more loyal he will be to you.
Poodles get along well with other dogs. Poodles are gentle animals that get along just fine with other dogs and cats.
They are, however, far more mischievous when living with other poodles or dogs. It is recommended that poodles be the only dog in a household.
About the Author: Ash loves Pets! Ash is an animal lover. She loves caring for and sharing her knowledge of all kinds of pets.
Ash is a long-time pet lover. There has always been a soft spot in her heart for dogs. Although she has owned many dog breeds in her lifetime, Cavoodles have become her favourite.
Her Love for pets made her Join the pet paws hub Team, to share knowledge with the world.
References
- AVMA– Vet
- The Everything Poodle Book (2004) by J.Adams
- Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference (2001) by S. Kalstone