Poodles might be the best breed ever (sorry, Corgis). With their elegant stance, intelligent minds and charming personalities, they’re without question, one of the best family dogs you can find.
But if you’re an owner or thinking of owning a poodle, then you’ll want to make sure you know these 9 surprising things that poodles absolutely hate. And make read until the end, because the last two might drive them crazy.
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1. Poodles hate loud noises.
Did you hear that? Neither did your Poodle – and they’d like to keep it that way! Poodles have really sensitive ears and superior hearing compared to other dogs, making them quite the critics of the noise world.
Whether it’s the boom of thunder, the neighborhood garbage truck, the crack of fireworks, or even the buzz of a vacuum cleaner, these sounds can send your poodle into a tizzy.
Imagine attending a rock concert with speakers blasting right by your ears — not exactly your idea of a good time, right? Well, for poodles, that’s what a noisy street or a stormy night can feel like.
Their acute hearing makes them more susceptible to noise anxiety, turning what might be a minor annoyance to us into a major ordeal for them.
Owners often find creative ways to soothe their poodles during noisy events, such as playing calming music or providing a cozy, sound-proof retreat. But whatever you do, just make sure you’re with them to calm them down when they do get startled or upset over loud noises.
2. Poodles really hate the heat.
Turn down the thermostat because poodles are definitely not fans of the hot stuff! So let’s be clear about one thing – poodles are NOT hot weather dogs. And this is especially true with Poodles that sport a black coat.
In fact, one owner said:
“My poodle is a darker silver and he definitely doesn’t like direct sunlight in the summer. He’ll seek out grass and shade and won’t move without serious coaxing.”
These elegant dogs come equipped with thick, curly coats that are more suited for a runway in Paris than a sunny summer day at the park. The thing is, a Poodle’s coat is great for keeping them warm in cooler climates, but when the sun cranks up the heat, it can make them feel like they’re in a fur oven.
To keep cool, poodles rely on panting and seeking out shady spots, but they’d much prefer a climate-controlled environment where the only thing sizzling is the steak on the grill—not them.
Smart poodle owners can find fun ways to beat the heat, such as taking them for a swim, going to a breezy beach, or indoor games that don’t involve sunbathing. So remember, a cool poodle is always going to be a happy poodle.
3. Poodles hate ear cleaning.
Most poodles love nothing more than to go for a cool swim on a hot summer day. However, do you know what poodles hate about swimming? Believe it or not, it’s getting water in their ears!
However, with their elegant, floppy ears hanging down, poodles are prone to ear infections, which means regular cleaning is a must, especially after a swim.
The bad news is that convincing a poodle to participate in this hygiene routine is like trying to negotiate peace talks with a stubborn diplomat.
Poodles might tolerate the spa day grooming, but when it comes to ear cleaning, they often turn into escape artists. This aversion is partly because their ear canals are deep and twisty, making any intrusion feel like a major invasion of their personal space.
However, you can turn this dreaded chore into a game or follow up with a delicious treat, making ear cleaning less of a battle and more of a truce. It’s also important to start this routine early on in puppyhood, so they get used to you handling their ears.
But no matter how much they hate it, it’s pretty essential. After all, a little ear pampering can go a long way in keeping those adorable poodle ears healthy and infection-free!
4. Poodles hate being left out.
Ever heard of FOMO? Well, Poodles get it big time! “Fear of Missing Out” isn’t just for humans—poodles feel it too, especially when they’re left out of family activities or ignored.
These “social butterflies of the dog world” thrive on human interaction and can’t stand being sidelined. If you’re having a backyard barbeque with friends, don’t you even think about locking up your poodle inside the house!
When a poodle notices they’re not part of the fun, whether it’s a family gathering in another room or an outing they can’t join, they might respond with the canine version of a cold shoulder—or an opera of sad howls and whines.
And according to one owner,
“my poodle hates being excluded from anything. As far as she’s concerned, the whole world revolves around her and everyone wants to be her best friend.”
To keep their spirits high and their tails wagging, include your furry friends in family gatherings or provide engaging toys that keep them busy when they have to be alone. So with that said, in the world according to poodles, the motto is: “Anything you can do, I can do fluffier!
5. Poodles hate strong scents.
You’d better think twice before you spray on that perfume around your poodle! Poodles, with their keen sense of smell, are not fans of strong scents like perfumes, colognes, or even some household cleaners.
For them, what might be a heavenly fragrance to us can be an overpowering onslaught to their sensitive noses. While poodles may not rival the olfactory prowess of a Beagle, they do possess a notably keen sense of smell, honed from their origins as hunting dogs.
In fact, their sharp noses were essential to helping hunters in tracking down ducks and other aquatic birds. So when a poodle encounters a strong scent, it’s like being stuck in an elevator with someone wearing way too much aftershave.
So what should you do? Poodle owners suggest you learn to choose your scented products carefully or opt for unscented options to keep the peace at home.
And if you must put on fragrance, don’t overdo it with your poodle around. Remember to be respectful and understanding of your pup’s delicate senses.
6. Poodles hate wearing a harness.
One surprising thing that I often hear from owners is that their poodles hate wearing a harness. They’ll be perfectly fine with a leash and collar, but the second you put on that harness, they’ll freak out and try to escape like their lives depended on it!
Of course, this won’t be the case with every poodle – but many do hate them. Despite the benefits of safety and comfort that harnesses provide, it’s probably because some poodles see them as confining and cumbersome.
And it makes sense, because these dogs hate being cramped or locked in confined spaces. Rather, poodles particularly enjoy freedom of movement and the opportunity to explore their environment.
And while a harness doesn’t actually take away their freedom, it’s probably just the feeling of restraint they get on both their body and their spirit.
However if you must use a harness, finding one that fits like a glove and feels as light as a feather can make a huge difference to them. Or if you’re like me, just go for the leash and collar.
7. Poodles hate going to the groomers.
When it comes to grooming, poodles often feel like they’ve been signed up for a spa day they never wanted! Despite their gorgeous, high-maintenance coats, poodles generally dread the grooming process.
The thing is, poodles are highly sensitive to touch, and the grooming routine can be quite invasive. In fact, brushing through their curly fur, clipping nails, and cleaning ears all involve a lot of handling, which can make even the calmest poodle anxious.
Add to that the unfamiliar sounds of buzzing clippers and other dogs barking, and you’ve got a recipe for a stressed-out pooch. Another factor is the feeling of restraint. During grooming, poodles often need to stay still for long periods, which can be very uncomfortable for them.
To make grooming less of a horror show, owners can desensitize their pets at home with gentle handling and plenty of treats. Don’t force them if they don’t want to.
Also, finding a patient, experienced groomer who understands poodles’ needs can also help turn these dreaded appointments into more bearable experiences.
8. Poodles hate being left at home alone.
If poodles could talk, there’s a 99% chance they’ll say to you, “You’re going out? Take me with you!” Above all, these sociable dogs hate being left at home alone.
To your poodle, it’s like being the only one not invited to the party—quite the snub for a breed that loves company and engagement.
When poodles are left by themselves, it’s not just loneliness they feel; it can lead to what’s known as separation anxiety – something that’s fairly common in the breed.
This can manifest in questionable behaviors such as pacing, whining, or even redecorating your home with a touch of creative chewing or unwanted interior digging.
To keep their home-alone blues at bay, poodle owners can get a little creative. For example, you can try to leave on a TV or radio for some background noise, provide puzzle toys to keep their minds busy, or arrange for a pet sitter or doggy daycare.
Keeping a poodle entertained and feeling loved, even when they’re physically alone, helps soften the sting of seeing their favorite humans walk out that door.
However, I wouldn’t recommend leaving them home alone for too long. So if you’re a busy person, these dogs probably aren’t for you.
9. Poodles hate having no mental stimulation.
Boredom? That’s quite literally a poodle’s worst nightmare! These clever canines hate having nothing to do more than anything else.
You know why? It’s because they’re some of the most intelligent dogs we have. And the smarter they are, the more stimulation their minds need.
For a poodle, a lack of mental stimulation is like being stuck in a dull classroom with nothing to learn—it drives them up the wall, literally sometimes, as they might resort to climbing furniture to keep themselves entertained!
It’s like if you forced Stephen Hawking into watching mindless TV all day, everyday. He’s probably not going to be very happy about it.
Poodles thrive on dog puzzles, games, and new tricks. Without these mental gymnastics, they’ll likely become artists of mischief, channeling their pent-up intellect into less desirable activities.
To keep their minds sharp and spirits high, try investing in a variety of puzzle toys, engage in regular training sessions, and ensure plenty of playtime. It’s not just about keeping them busy; it’s about keeping them brilliantly engaged.
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