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Poodle Owners: What Not To Do With a Poodle

Even the most innocent and seemingly harmless habits might actually be hurting your Poodle. In fact, these common things that you probably do everyday can physically or emotionally hurt your Poodle – or at the least, cause anxiety and stress.

We’ll reveal these potentially harmful habits that you really shouldn’t be doing with your Poodle, and what to do instead. But here’s one of the most common ones first.

1. Giving in to your Poodle’s begging.

Who can resist those puppy eyes pleading for another treat? We don’t blame you! These dogs are wicked smart and know exactly how to pull at your heartstrings, especially when they’re begging for more treats and food.

But believe it or not, Poodles are actually prone to obesity (especially miniature Poodles). An overweight Poodle can put extra strain on their joints and can lead to diabetes or other health problems. Plus, too many treats can upset their balanced diet.

Instead of giving in every time, set a feeding schedule and stick to it. Measure out their meals to ensure they’re getting the right amount of food. If they’re still begging, offer them low-calorie treats like carrot sticks, apple slices or my dog’s personal favorite – cucumber slices. 

These are healthier options and can satisfy their urge to munch. Remember that just because they’re asking for more, doesn’t mean they actually need it. However, this next one is another reason Poodles are prone to obesity.

2. Skipping out on their daily exercises.

I get it. With their curly coats, fancy haircuts and elegant stance, Poodles may seem like low maintenance and chill dogs. But in reality, they’re actually really energetic and active. In fact, they need at least one hour of physical activity each day.

And don’t you even think about skipping this part! Without it, they can become bored, anxious, and even destructive. Imagine having all that energy with no outlet—it’s like being stuck inside on a beautiful sunny day!

Lack of exercise can also lead to obesity, joint problems, and even behavioral issues. They might even start chewing on furniture, barking excessively, or digging holes in your yard. So, lace up those sneakers and grab the leash! 

However, this next thing you may be doing could be even worse. 

3. Not providing your Poodle enough mental stimulation.

Poodles are the 2nd most intelligent dog breed. That’s great, right? Well, not always. The smarter a dog, the more work they’ll need. Neglecting your Poodle’s need for mental stimulation is like leaving a genius in a room with nothing to do—it’s a recipe for disaster. 

They can get bored and start plotting their own entertainment, which may just include shredding up your favorite shoes or redecorating the living room with toilet paper. To keep that sharp mind busy, you’ll need to mix things up. 

Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions are great ways to keep your Poodle engaged. Think of it as brain exercise: just like we do crosswords or Sudoku, Poodles need their own version of mental workouts.

And why not teach them some new tricks? Poodles excel at learning commands and love the challenge. Plus, it’s a great way to show off at parties. 

“Sit, stay, and roll over” are just the basics—try something more advanced like agility courses or even scent work. With your Poodle, a busy brain is a happy brain. 

4. Allowing high jumps with your Poodle.

Letting your Poodle perform high jumps might seem like a fun idea, but it can actually be quite risky. Poodles are agile and love to leap, but those high-flying antics can lead to injuries, especially to their joints and back. 

Miniature or toy versions have delicate frames that aren’t built for constant high-impact activity. Jumping off furniture, over fences, or during play can strain their muscles and ligaments. And over time, this can lead to painful conditions like arthritis or even serious injuries like a torn ACL.

Instead of letting them leap tall buildings in a single bound, focus on safe, low-impact activities. Agility training with controlled jumps can be great, but keep the height reasonable. 

Also, you should teach your Poodle to use ramps or stairs to get on and off furniture. Remember, you can still have fun and keep your Poodle active without the high-flying heroics. 

5. Improper or lack of grooming with your Poodle.

Some owners who hear that Poodles “don’t shed” often think that translates to “no grooming needed.” Well, it’s quite the opposite. Poodles sport those fabulous curly coats, but without proper grooming, their fur can turn into a matted mess that even Rapunzel wouldn’t envy.

Think of it this way: if you wore a sweater 24/7 that never got washed, brushed, or trimmed, you’d be pretty grumpy too. Mats can pull on their skin, causing irritation and discomfort, and those luxurious curls can hide dirt, debris, and even tiny critters.

So, what’s the game plan? Regular grooming sessions of course! Brush your Poodle’s coat a few times a week to keep those curls looking their best. You’ll want to use a quality brush designed for curly fur, but also be gentle—you’re aiming for a relaxing spa session, not a tug-of-war. 

Regular baths are also a must, but don’t overdo it. And don’t forget to book those professional grooming appointments. A pro can help with trimming the coat, cleaning the ears, and clipping the nails. It’s like sending your Poodle to the doggie day spa—they’ll come back looking and feeling fabulous.

However, this next thing owners often forget while grooming can cause a lot of problems for your Poodle.

6. Leaving hair in your Poodle’s ears.

Would you ever ignore the weeds in your garden? I didn’t think so. Poodles have hair that grows inside their ears, and if not properly maintained, they’ll take over and cause all kinds of problems.

When ear hair is left to grow wild, it can trap moisture, dirt, and debris, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. This often results in painful chronic ear infections, which might have you and your Poodle running to the vet more often than you’d like. 

Symptoms like scratching, head shaking, and a funky smell are signs that something’s not right in there. The solution? Start by gently plucking the excess hair from your Poodle’s ears, or at the very least, trim them often. 

If plucking sounds daunting, don’t worry—many groomers and vets can show you how, or even do it for you. Keep the ear canal clean and dry by wiping it with a vet-approved ear cleaner.  This helps prevent wax buildup and keeps those ears fresh and healthy.

A little ear grooming goes a long way in preventing big problems. 

7. Using harsh training methods.

Here’s the thing. Poodles are highly sensitive and emotionally intelligent dogs. So the worst thing you can do is to use harsh training techniques like scolding, hitting or other fear-based tactics. All this can lead to seriously damaging your relationship with your dog.

Imagine trying to learn a new skill with someone constantly shouting at you. Not very motivating, right? Poodles thrive on positive reinforcement, such as encouragement and rewards. 

Using treats, praise, and play as rewards for good behavior is much more effective and builds trust between you and your pup. If your Poodle is being stubborn, take a step back and assess the situation. Maybe they’re confused, or maybe the task is too challenging. 

Break it down into smaller, manageable steps and reward each success. Patience and consistency are key. After all, training should be a fun and bonding experience, not a stressful one.

8. Over bathing your Poodle

Overbathing your Poodle is like washing your favorite sweater every day—it’s going to wear out fast! Poodles might look like they need constant pampering, but bathing them too often can cause problems. Their skin is actually quite sensitive.

So, frequent baths can strip important natural oils away, leading to dry skin, irritation, and even a dull coat. Think about it: if you washed your hair every day with harsh shampoo, it would get dry and brittle, right? 

The same goes for your Poodle. So, what’s the right balance? Aim to bathe your Poodle every 4 to 6 weeks, or when they really need it. 

Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that’s formulated to maintain their skin’s natural moisture. And don’t forget to rinse thoroughly—leftover shampoo can be just as irritating as overbathing. When it comes to bathing your Poodle, less is more

9. Ignoring your Poodle’s dental care.

Your Poodle’s smile can light up a room, but neglecting their dental care will certainly dim that sparkle. Unfortunately, Standard Poodles are much more likely than other dogs to have dental problems. 

Poor dental hygiene can lead to a mouthful of problems like plaque buildup, gum disease, and even tooth loss. And let’s not even talk about the bad breath!

But dental issues don’t stop at the mouth. The bacteria from untreated gum infections can enter the bloodstream and cause serious health problems, impacting the heart, kidneys, and liver. It’s amazing how one small area can affect your Poodle’s entire body!

The good news is there’s a simple fix. Brush your Poodle’s teeth several times a week with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Turn it into a fun bonding session with lots of praise and tasty rewards. 

If brushing feels like a daunting task, introduce it slowly, making sure your Poodle feels comfortable and relaxed. Chew toys and dental treats are also fantastic for keeping their teeth clean. A healthy mouth means a happy, healthy Poodle with a dazzling smile for years to come.

10. Not socializing your Poodle enough.

A Poodle who’s never been properly socialized might feel like a “fish out of water” in new situations. Poodles are social animals that thrive on interaction with both humans and other dogs. So, socialization is essential for their  mental health and overall happiness. 

Without enough social interaction, they can become anxious, fearful, or even aggressive towards other dogs and people. Think about it—no one likes to feel left out, and the same goes for your Poodle. 

They need to experience different environments, meet new friends, and learn how to behave in various situations. It’s all about building their confidence and helping them adapt to the world around them.

So, how do you make sure your Poodle gets enough socialization? Start early and introduce them to a variety of experiences. Take them to dog parks, invite friends over, and let them interact with other dogs and people. 

Puppy classes are a fantastic way to get started, as they offer a controlled environment where your Poodle can learn and grow. In the end, a well-socialized Poodle is a happy, confident, and friendly companion.


Did we miss anything about the Poodle that owners should know? Let us know in the comments!

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