Bred for looks, brains, and superb temperament!

Several years ago I had the privilege of training a service dog for my father.  This group was dedicated to helping disabled people train their own service dogs.  I was invited to participate because they had acquired several Standard Poodles from me for their program.  It was a two year program  in which you had to certify  your poodle to become your service dog.  Years later, I have taken this knowledge that I gained to create our own training program, appropriately called Partnered With Poodles.

What is very important in choosing this future partner is the temperament of the puppy.  What is equally as important,  is matching a puppy to the personality of its new family.   If the match is a good one, it increases the odds of a long, happy, satisfying relationship.

Wether you want this dog as a future service dog or the best family pet you have ever had, training is very important.  It is a bonding experience that cements your relationship.  Even something as simple as teaching your dog tricks, not only increases your bond, but it sets the stage for teaching your dog "how to learn."

Here is a little story for your enjoyment.  Several years ago, a lady brought her ten year old Rottie to our fly ball practice.  I was very skeptical, but she told me she had been teaching this dog since he was a puppy various things, including competitive Shutzhund.  Really all we were doing was teaching this dog a series of behaviors and then chaining them together.   I swear this dog had it down in two practices.  One of the fastest learners I have ever seen, all because he had been taught how to learn.

A lot of us take our dogs to a six week obedience training course, and teach them sit, down stay and come.  And then stop.  We don't realize the benefit to both ourselves and the dog that continued training creates.  It is my hope that you are able to make the most of your relationship with your poodle and that you discover the joy of a well trained dog.  Most people really enjoy being around a well trained dog and avoid ones that are not.  Remember, the more you put into him, the more you will get back!

One last thought.  The dog doesn't care if he has a fancy haircut or bed,  the most important thing to him is spending time with you.  Make him a part of your life and don't let him live his life in a bubble.  Take him places, let him run and swim and play ball.  You both will benefit!