the World’s Best Family Dog & Standard PoodleΒ Β December 20, 2012 – July 21, 2019
Standard Poodle – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re looking for a great family dog, then you must consider the standard poodle. You see, I learned from a young age that dogs are part of the family.Β That set me on a path to always be a dog owner.Β I’ve had my share of them over the years, and I’ve loved them all. I’ve loved their quirks, temperament, and the memories we’ve made together.Β
But none compares to what I found in my first true compaion: Emmett, the standard poodle.
My First Standard Poodle
Emmett was my first Spoo (which is the equivalent of their Hollywood name).Β Since meeting Emmett the Standard Poodle, training him, snuggling with him, and observing him, one thing is certain: I will always be the proud Dog Momma of a Standard Poodle.Β
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re considering investing your money, heart, and time into this wonderful breed.Β I’d like to tell you about my experience with one, and help you see one family’s perspective.Β I’m not sure what’s right for you, but I now know what’s right for us!
I am a humane society lover.Β Several pets including two dogs and countless cats have been called to our home by way of the humane society.Β In 2012, I decided to deviate from this course.Β
The Hunt for a Therapy Dog
You see, as an educator, I set out to find a dog that I could bring with me to work in schools as a therapy dog; at the time, that meant seeking a dog with specific traits.Β Much has changed in school climates and it’s rare to see dogs in schools today, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my goal of finding a healing companion who might be able to join me in my work.Β Β
After careful consideration of our lifestyle, goals, and budget, I settled on a Standard Poodle puppy.
Β This purebred, papered pooch was located a few hours away and was from a reputable breeder.Β I don’t want to claim to be any expert on Standards, but I’ll say that the breeder and I spoke at length about the parents’ medical history, current care, and temperament.Β I’m glad we did.Β The dog we adopted was from a long line of dogs who were bred for their patience, calm temperament and trainability.Β Just what we were looking for!Β (Read my tried-and-true tips for bringing home a new family pup here.)Β
Training our Standard Poodle
“Standard poodles are so smart!”Β We’ve all heard it; in fact, aside from that non-shedding beautiful coat, it’s one of the driving reasons why poodles are such a popular breed among dog owners of all types.Β
I’m not lying, folks, when I say that my experience matches this idea we’ve all heard: poodles are intelligent, indeed.Β Β
I set out to train mine to be a certified therapy dog who may, one day, be allowed into schools with me as an educator.Β Therefore he needed full obedience training which we started as soon as I brought him home at 10 weeks of age.Β
I dedicated up to 2 hours per day to training my dog using walks and specific instructions from a very talented trainer named Jodi (who, coincidently, adopted my Spoo’s sister from the same litter!).Β Β