How to Stop Your Poodle from Barking by Camille Goldin

Poodles are known for being one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.That can be a mixed blessing. Intelligent dogs have the ability to learn what their humans want them to learn, but they can also learn what they want to learn, such as how much they can get away with. Although it is possible to teach new tricks to a dog of any age, poodle training is best begun when a new puppy is first brought home.

Some barking is normal, and trying to make your poodle stop barking altogether will only result in frustration for both of you. A dog who barks with happiness when you come home from work or who alerts you to visitors at the door is acting like a normal dog, and this is part of living with your poodle. When barking becomes excessive and the neighbors begin to complain, or you are unable to sleep or carry on a conversation, it is time to curb the behavior.

Puppy training for simple tasks such as sitting or lying down on command will help to establish the human as the pack leader, who must be obeyed. When you are firmly established as the pack leader and your poodle barks too much, try holding his or her mouth shut gently but firmly, while saying, "Hush." After you have done this a few times, try just saying, "Hush," and your poodle will likely understand what to do.

A hand signal can also be used when puppy training includes getting rid of excess barking. Decide upon a hand signal such as holding a hand up. When the poodle barks excessively, wait until it pauses and quickly give a treat before it can begin barking again. At the same time you give the treat, make the hand signal. Soon the hand signal, reward, and stopping barking will all be associated in the poodle's mind. Then you will be able to give the hand signal to make the barking stop.

Many poodles bark because they are bored or isolated for long periods of time, and need some outlet. Taking your dog for a walk every day and allowing him or her to sniff the exciting scents of the neighborhood is one way to tire him or her out. Another way is to buy some toys and throw them for your dog to retrieve. His or her natural instinct to chase something moving will cause your poodle to go for it. Using up energy chasing a toy will help to wear your poodle out, and a tired dog who needs to take a nap will be happy and not want to bark so much.

Some dog owners unwittingly perform the wrong kind of poodle training, and train their poodles to bark. If the poodle barks and the family runs to get it dinner or a drink of water or to take it outside, the puppy can learn that barking earns it rewards. If that is the case with your poodle, try ignoring the barking and giving a reward when it stops. Soon the poodle will learn that not barking excessively is a good thing.

If poodle training becomes too daunting, a professional trainer or veterinarian can help. PetSmart has puppy training courses, and many community centers have this service as well. The local poodle club can probably recommend a good trainer who can train you and your poodle how to extinguish unwanted behaviors.

About the Author

Camille Goldin, a long time dog enthusiast, talks about Poodle Training and how to stop it from barking. Visit TrainPetDog.com for learning all about puppy training.

Why Doesn't My Poodle Stop Biting? by Rox Wisely

Poodles are perhaps the cutest little things you will ever comes across. But if you are a proud owner of a poodle, you would also know that poodle biting is a problem to be concerned about. As a matter of fact, poodles tend to bite more often than other breeds of dogs.

In spite of the fact that poodles do that, it is fortunate that it can be easily resolved. The key is to take note of your poodle's biting tendency seriously and take corrective action to help the dog understand that biting is NOT ok.

It begins to take shape with simple aggression and/or barking. When we have a barking poodle on our hands, most of us tend to use scolding or negative reinforcement. This is a big mistake as it only aggravates the dog more which sometimes leads to biting. You need to stop aggravating the dog so that it does not get to a point where it gets inclined to bite. The way to do this is by understanding the reason why your dog is misbehaving in the first place.

Every time your poodle misbehaves and tries to bite, try to determine the triggers that set off the dog. Maybe he has territorial issues? If yes, was its territory invaded? Did some thing that happened nearby cause it to be alarmed? These are questions you need to ask yourself. If your poodle is still a puppy and has just started having biting tendencies, then it will be very easy to control them before they develop. Whine and whimper like puppy when bitten, this is a very good way to deal with biting. This communicates that the biting hurt you. In case you have been trying and this does not seem to get resolved, then you may want to consider taking your poodle to specialized training classes.

About the Author

I am an avid dog trainer who started this as a hobby. I am now a full time trainer and I love to train poodles particularly. If you are looking for more information on poodle biting, go to this link and get my FREE report on Poodle's Behavior issues.

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Hereditary Health Problems in a Poodle by Camille Goldin

Unfortunately all variations of the Poodle may be subjected to a variety of genetic diseases despite good care. Genetic diseases are inherited down from previous generations and sometimes don't present themselves till your dog is approx 3 - 7 years of age. If you own this breed or are considering on purchasing one, should familiarize themselves with the following diseases in order to recognize the symptoms early: Addison's Disease, Juvenile Renal Disease, Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia, Legg-Clave-Perthes, Cushing's Disease, Petella Subluxation, Hip Dysplasia, Sebaccous Adenitis, Hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's Disease, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Genetic Eye Diseases.

Addison's Disease has been diagnosed in all 3 Poodle sizes although commonly seen in Standard females between 4 and 7 years. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, lethargy, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, poor appetite and physical deterioration. These symptoms tend to flare more under stress. This can be a deadly disease if left untreated, but can be controlled with medication to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands can't produce.

AIHA or Auto immune hemolytic anemia is a blood disease where the immune system attacks the red blood cells. This disease in Poodles is life threatening. Some possible triggers could be from toxins, drugs, blood parasites, cancers, a virus or sometimes vaccinations. The reason as to why it happens is still not completely understood.

Idiopathic Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which is marked by seizures. Like humans it can be controlled with medication but they come with long term side affects. Most Vets monitor your dog to observe the regularity and severity of their seizures in order to give correct dosage or if it even warrants medication at all. Seizures lasting 5 - 10minutes or 3 within a day need veterinary help immediately.

Juvenile Renal Disease which is also known as chronic kidney failure, although a common disease of older dogs where their kidneys wear out. Unfortunately those diagnosed with JRD lose their kidney functions quite young, less than 12 months old. This disease is an inherited disease commonly found in the Standard breed. Common symptoms are an increased thirst, frequent urination or sometimes leaking and weight loss. Unfortunately there is no cure and the likelihood of kidney failure is inevitable. If caught early there is the possibility of slowing the disease down.

Von Willebrands's Disease is a disorder that involves the blood which leads to Poodles bleeding easily if injured. This is caused by a deficiency in the protein found in the blood plasma. Symptoms are generally excessive and or prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury and obvious blood found in their urine. Sometimes they may even bleed from the nose or gums. Most Poodles with vWD display mild symptoms and generally lead normal functioning lives, but you'll have to be vigilant in the care of your pet so they don't get injured. Take care in general grooming of your pet and eliminate sharp or hazardous objects around your house to prevent injury.

Poodles are great pets to have in the family but a lot of research and consideration is needed to find out if they suit you and the likelihood of any diseases that may crop up over time. Go to a reputable breeder and look into the background of the bloodline and or look into a Vet giving them a health check.

About the Author

Camille Goldin tells why are Poodles suited to families with allergies. TrainPetDog.com provides information on many breeds of Dog.