Raise the difficulty, often
Poodles get bored of a finished behaviour. Keep adding duration, distance, and distraction or they will start freelancing.
Companion Group
Poodle
Among the most trainable breeds there is, and one of the easiest to under-stimulate. A Poodle without a job will find one, and it will be more creative than you would like.
BrilliantSensitiveEasily bored
What to work on first
Three things that matter more than the rest
Grooming tolerance is a life skill
A non-shedding coat means professional grooming every few weeks, for life. Train the bath, dryer, and clippers as separate rehearsed steps.
Watch the sensitivity
Sharp handling lands hard. Keep the training picture clear and the feedback generous.
Where it usually goes wrong
Common challenges with the Poodle
- Boredom-driven mischief
- Grooming stress
- Barking at novelty
Behaviour that involves biting, real fear, or a sudden change in an adult dog is not a training problem until a vet has ruled out a medical one.
Read next
Guides that apply to the Poodle
Behaviour
Enrichment That Actually Tires a Dog Out
Ten minutes of scent work does more than a mile of walking. The reason is not mysterious.
6 min read
Life Skills
Cooperative Care: Training the Vet Visit Before You Need It
A dog that has been taught to tolerate handling is a dog that can be treated. Start long before there is a problem.
7 min read
Recommended equipment
What our guidance for this breed calls for
Chosen against the training plan above, not against a supplier's bestseller list.
Also in the Companion group