Crazy poodle puppy

I managed to rescue a Staffie cross puppy at 4 months. The poor boy had four homes in that time. I took him to classes and found he loved other dogs. He seemed to get bored sometimes, so I got him a companion. A Poochi, Ten weeks old. He was the size of a guinea pig when I got him. My Staffi trained him, and the puppy did whatever his big brother did. It was incredible to watch They played tug of war with toys and the pup used to fly through the air, because he was so small. They would snuggle up in bed together. They are five and six now. They play fight, but never roughly. It was the best thing I ever did. So now I have two happy dogs that never get bored or misbehave.

We had a poodle for 14 years. You have to remember that they were originally bred as water retrievers - so working dogs. They have high energy and high intelligence. They need lots of stimulation and play and exercise. Yours definitely needs some training - but NEVER shout (or similar) at poodles (as they are also sensitive); you need to be firm and kind. Puppy biting needs to be dealt with firmly as soon as possible (just as her mother would have done in the pack) so a loud "No" and immediately put out of the room for a count of 10, and then back in again (to lots of praise) works (you may have to do it several times before the message gets through that Biting = Social Isolation). I do wonder about her early experiences - did you see her with her mother? The biting and panicking (which is what it sounds like when you brought her home), plus her aloofness with you, suggests to me that she may have been the product of puppy farming (is that possible?) I really do urge you to contact a KIND dog trainer who uses only positive reinforcement (no macho stuff). She's still young and improvement is possible; and she will be a happier dog too.

Haha.
Of course I have one.
They are the sweetest loveliest little dogs...but mine ( a toy) is the most needy of the dogs I’ve had.
All dogs need a lot of socializing from the beginning so as not to be afraid of anything. And they must know their place in the pecking order too, otherwise much like yours they will be calling the shots.
I’d up the the noises so as to desensitize her. And no petting only on your terms, she will soon come looking for more.
Be very firm about all rules please don’t baby at all.

Hopefully all I’ve written above is just with a lot of gentleness they are very sensitive.

I can only reiterate what other GNs have said. Get a grip now with the biting and definitely the growling. Intelligent dogs need work - whether it’s out in the field doing what they were bred for, or else learning good behavior and even ‘tricks’ to keep their minds active. First lesson is that dogs should return when called, for their own safety and that of others! Training sessions should be short, 5 or 10 minutes in a confined area, but several times a day, when the dog is alert and the session should always end on a ‘high’. Commands should be short and firm - sit, lie, come - an order, not a request and physically put the dog in the position you want if necessary, repeating the command. By all means offer the odd tasty reward but your praise will be enough once the basic training’s in place. Never do too much and remember any dog will need a refresher of past training. As others say - a firm ‘no’ should suffice but the occasional shake by the scruff might do it too - it’s what the parent dog would do.

We’ve had dozens of dogs through our hands - mostly spaniels. There’s a saying that a spaniel is born half wild and will die half trained! Give a dog an inch and it will take you for a mile.

Sorry for the very long post - trying to be helpful. I’m sure you’ll get many years of pleasure from your new family member.

If your pup is anxious, you need a trainer who will help you with a positive reinforcement routine. Growling is a warning sound, so not necessarily a bad thing and certainly better than snapping without warning.
It sounds like you should work on recall. We spent hours with our puppy sitting at opposite ends of the room, calling him and giving a high value treat when he got to us. Easy to do when there are two of you and certainly wears a pup out.
You obviously didn't get the pup from a reputable breeder who would not have allowed it to leave until it was 12 weeks old. In the 4 weeks up to that age, the mother and litter mates teach so much in socialisation that human find difficult to replicate. However, mouthing is something they do for the first 6 months until they get their adult teeth so it is important to provide them something to chew. When they bite you, you move them away with a sharp no and they soon learn not to mouth you.
Look up "Clicker training." It is invaluable in teaching them commands. Using high value treats (little piece of sausage, a lick of a primula tube, etc) along side a clicker will completely transform your poodle but it will take persistence and consistency.
Poodles can be nervy but it might be worth taking her to the vet to check her over for anything which might be causing pain which can lead to anxiety. Wearing an Adaptil collar, using a plug-in diffuser or the spray can also make a difference. It is a synthetic hormone which mimics the hormone that its mother would have released to keep the puppies distressed. In extreme cases there are things the vet can give to help cope with the sounds of the world which helps the dog realise that they do not need to worry.
Finally lots of exercise in public places with plenty of rest. Puppies are like children, they need some downtime to stop them getting crotchety and over excited. Whatever you do, don't use punishment as a training aid...you will end up with a much more nervous, unpredictable dog.

My sister has always kept dogs.... her latest ( in their 8o’s) is a cockapoodle cross. The worst behaved, horrible,mental dog they’ve ever had. I have always looked after her dogs when she’s been off on holidays ( 3/4 per year) but have had to refuse this dog. My husband can fall on his own accord, and doesn’t need the help of a dog who just doesn’t have rudimentary behavioural skills. I can’t stand her!! Apparently poodles are a bit nuts.

You have to remember your inner Barbara Woodhouse/teacher voice, when you want obedience your voice needs to convey that you are the boss. But don’t shout!

Crate training is helpful, it isn't a dog prison unless you make it one. Done properly, it provides a safe haven for your pup and later if needed for a sick dog.
Used as a prison, or a punishment for behaviour you don't want will neither stop the behaviour or help your dog.

Almost two years ago, my six year old dog became suddenly very ill. He was put to sleep 24 days later because an MRI scan showed an inoperable tumour on his spine. Before the final diagnosis, the orthopaedic surgeon thought he'd popped a disc , something that is common in long backed dogs like dachshunds or spaniels (he was spaniel x). He advised rest. We had a big labrador and my daughters middle sized dog living with us, so I put my dog's crate back up in the kitchen, with blankets etc. Left the door open, and the patient went straight in and to sleep. We used the crate for the last ten days, before the MRI which took place after a significant deterioration. He was very content and happy in there. it meant I could leave him in the big kitchen area with the other two dogs, without fear he'd fall and they'd be howling with worry about him.
So please don't condemn crate training if you don't fully understand it.

Personally, I dislike crates, although I know some people find them very useful.

Of course, much depends upon where it is (next to you or in another room) as isolating a dog, away from the family, is seen as form of rejection and punishment by the dog.

Poodles are very intelligent and high energy. They need company and something to keep them occupied.

Don't expect them to respond well to training unless they have had an opportunity to burn off the energy first (a long walk before the class or training time).

Short, regular training sessions (by yourself or a trainer) and lots of understanding will eventually result in a wonderful companion.

It is definitely not a poodle thing more a puppy thing. Poodles are very intelligent but have individual personalities. Many training classes are running they are also doing virtual classes. There is a lot of info online - if you use Facebook there is a brilliant Toy and Miniature Poodle group, also a training group with, I believe, modules you can work through.

She’s not been socialised to the world around her, or taught to rest

Have you had a puppy before? Chewing/biting hands is usual teething behaviour up to eight months. Did she have plenty of chew toys? Mine liked the ones you can fill with iced water. Snapping/biting needs training - plenty of vids on line showing you how. It helps to have one person do everything for a nervous dog, and to take her somewhere quiet to reassure her when life gets too noisy. Most important, don't yell at her even in play, or at each other when she's there. Poodles are at the top of the intelligence league, so easily bored and destructive. They're lovely dogs when they get the hang of what you want from them. She wants to please, just give her time.

I think she has hit the teenage years for dogs and you know how some teenagers behave. My cat is a teenager and sleeps all day and then runs around all night. But not today, we have managed to keep her awake most of the day so it will be early to bed. Think you have received some good advice about dog training.

I have a poodle who is 8 now. They are really smart and need training. They love the stimulation that it brings and it will also help you have more control of her. I used clicker training which is really effective. You say she won't come to you with her name. I was told to use 'come' rather than their name if you want to recall her. I would go about training this by having tasty treats and get her to come to you using these. As soon as she starts coming to you click the clicker and say 'come'. The noise always means she gets a treat (don't use the clicker as a remote control as some people do). So every time you click you have to give a reward. She will very quickly learn that if you shout 'come' she will hear the click and get a reward. This can be used for all commands. I remember my girl at about the same age deciding not to come back to me but run round me in circles. I was told by the trainer at the class I went to to snap her out of it by asking her to do something she did to command like 'sit'. This worked a treat and she stopped circling, sat down and I was able to get her. One thing I would say is that they are so bright they try to train you too! She has done this by deciding when you should stop stroking her. Her growl has worked well for her in stopping you doing this. I would try varying times of stroking and 'clicking' and rewarding with treats if she doesn't growl. Our poodle was frightened of drains and wheelie bins and would pull away from them when out walking. I used clicker and treats so sort this out and she has no problem now. If you want to message me for any help please do. The clicker is great for teaching tricks which they learn really quickly and is a positive way to interact with her and to 'shape' her behaviour. I would say they can be a bit aloof, but ours always likes to be where we are. During the day is usually with OH but at night time she comes to me. Ours in more a people dog and wouldn't go out of her way to go to other dogs. She is also passionate about her ball. I am sure your girl will be fine but do work on her training. It is time consuming but worth all the effort.

The Dog Whisperer, aka Caesar Millan, seems to have amazing training methods. He’s written lots of books and Pick TV often features old episodes. Worth a look along with a local training group. Good luck!

I would suggest having a watch of 'It's me or the dog'. All of the above techniques are demonstrated and explained, plus it's fascinating watching Victoria training the owners.

I have had poodles (Standards and Toys) for 20-years. They are not usually unpredictable at all! They are very active when young, so need games and exercise. They are not usually jumpy and nervous though. It’s a bit worrying that s/he is reluctant to come to you sometimes. If she only ever growls when she is dropping off to sleep and no longer wants stroking, she could just be communicating, rather than threatening. I have a little toy who growls if my arm brushes against him whilst asleep, but he adores me and would never dream of biting me! When he first started doing that, I ruffled his head and touched his face whilst reassuring him, just to confirm it was not aggression. Please don’t despair about your little one. I would suggest at least two walks a day, with off lead play to work off energy. Lots of recall training with tiny favourite food items as treats (forget dog treats, think cheese, liver etc). Always tell her/him they are a good dog and stroke them when you give the treat, so eventually that itself will be a reward. Do it at home so s/he gets used to coming when called. Then outside on walks. Treat every time at first, then, slowly less often, but not in a pattern, so s/he can’t predict when s/he will get a treat. You can also use a favourite toy as a treat. Try to teach fetch (lessons on youtube). If s/he comes from a caring breeder, discuss the situation with them. If s/he came from someone who doesn’t care and was all about the money, that may explain why she is nervous as the pups may not have been exposed to normal home sounds etc in those first 8-weeks. Oh yes, importantly, get her/him used to you taking away the food dish away (not too far) whilst they are eating. You can do this by putting a few bits of a tasty treat in the dish as you take it away and giving it straight back. Then stroke him/her for a couple of moments whilst they eat. Doing this teaches them that we are in charge, but a source of giving and care rather than one to provoke anxiety. Also handle her mouth briefly regularly followed by a treat. Good luck and feel free to PM any time if it might help.

I think some of the methods used by Cesar Milan have been discredited now Shizam
I would go for Victoria Stillwell every time.

sodapop

I think some of the methods used by Cesar Milan have been discredited now Shizam
I would go for Victoria Stillwell every time.

Yes, Cesar Milan can be too harsh

Out of approx. 350 different breeds the Poodle comes 2nd in intelligence ( the first being the Border Collie ). Between having several Rough Collies I have had 4 miniature Poodles. The last but one was an amazing little dog I adopted through Blind Dog Rescue UK, rescued in the middle of a road in Romania,completely blind, hair down to the ground & had virtually given up on life. I only had him for 3 wonderful years before he had a fit & had to be put to sleep. I missed him so much that a year on I got another Poodle, from the Blue Cross. She wasn't assessed & has turned out to be rather unsuitable & in the 2 years I've had her I feel I've aged about 10. She's now 14, with the energy of a puppy & having obviously been thoroughly spoilt for 12 years she's better, but still a work in progress. I wouldn't consider going to a trainer after experiencing cruelty with one of them (smacking the dogs hard on their heads) when I took a very wild Rough Collie to be "socialised". If you can read as much as possible & adjust the information to yourself & your dog, in the long run I think you'll be better off & also form a lasting & more rewarding relationship.

Personally, I believe that 8 weeks is too young to leave mum- and the law should insist on 12 weeks. But I am wondering about the mum and environment she was born and raised in for first 8 weeks. Did you buy from a reputable person- and did you see the puppy with the mum in its home setting?

We have a 14 week old fox terrier. She's very lively for a couple of hours each evening. I've got a long lead and Ona field let her run and then shout her and give her a high value treat when she comes back. Have to also use the 'dog voice ' too sometimes to get her attention. I'm hoping the mouthing and nibbling are a puppy thing. She occasionally barks for no discernable reason too but seems to a be getting a bit better.

Is she a toy or a miniature? They are both very different temperament-wise. I have always given my dogs 2 years to fully integrate and settle down in the family. The biting is teething. Hang in there!

Don’t see many Fox Terriers these days. Always make me think of those push along dogs we used to have as kids.