General Poodle Care
Your poodle is going to be your companion for a long time, and
it's important to know how to care for it properly. Poodles are
generally health, long-lived dogs, but they do need basic care.
Some poodle care needs are as follows.
Companionship
Poodles are "people dogs." They love to be around their
people and involved in family life. Your poodle will look to you
for a lot of love and attention, and it's important that you spend
some time with your poodle every day.
Training
Some people hesitate to train their poodles because they feel
it is somehow "insulting" to the dog. Nothing could
be further from the truth. Poodles are intelligent, proud animals,
and they love learning new tricks to show off. Poodles, like any
other dog, are also pack animals. They look to you to be the "alpha
dog"--the leader who sets the standards and limits. At the
very least, good poodle care demands that you train your poodle
to heel, come when called, sit, and stay.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is especially important to poodle care, because
eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients will help your
poodle maintain its beautiful, thick coat. There are many high
quality dog foods that provide a balanced diet for your dog. Talk
with your poodle's breeder and with your veterinarian for advice
on finding the right food for your dog.
Exercise
Poodles aren't the kind of dogs who will wait at the door with
leash in mouth. They prefer a life of luxury. But it's still important
to exercise your poodle at least once a day. Going for regular
walks will keep your poodle healthy and trim.
Safety
Poodle care means protecting your dog from harm. Always use a
leash when you take your dog outside a fenced area. Even if your
poodle has never run away from you before, it only takes once
for a dog to get hit by a car, or lost, or stolen.
Keep your home as free as possible of poodle hazards. For instance,
use a childproof gate to block off any stairways, make sure your
poodle can't get at any harsh chemicals (detergent, soaps, etc.),
and look out for small items such as toys your poodle could choke
on.
Watch your poodle carefully around small children who might play
roughly or unintentionally hurt it.
Don't leave your poodle in a parked car. Even with the windows
down, the sun can warm the inside of the car to uncomfortable--or
even lethal--temperatures, even on cool days. Your poodle, with
its thick fur, is especially vulnerable to the heat.
Preventive Health Care
This includes vaccinations, worming, spaying or neutering your
poodle, and annual check-ups with a vet you trust.
Poodles, like any other type of purebred dog, are vulnerable
to certain health problems. The next section covers common health
concerns facing the poodle.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Poodle,
get a copy of this Poodle Guide
NOW!
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