One of the important factors in training a young pup is to give him a name. Sometimes it may take a week or so before you find a name that fits the dog. Other times, you will have him named before you bring the puppy into the house. Don't forget the Poodles French (and/or German and/or Russian origins) when you name your dog. Choose a name that befits the breeds heritage and nationality.
The name on your dogs pedigree will not be his call name. The dogs official AKC name will incorporate the breeding kennels prefix (like Braylane, House Yoko or Dawin) with a clever phrase. Call names are just that, what you use to call your dog. In general, short one- or two-syllable call names are the easiest for training, such as No, Fifi. It becomes more difficult when you have to say, No, Remy Martin or Sit, Napoleon. You do, however, get points for trying to name your dog after expensive brandies and desserts!
You want a name that not only fits the personality of the dog but your own personality as well. You're the one who has to say it 400 times a day. If you're not going to be comfortable bellowing Stella! into your back yard (and who are you anyway, Marlon Brando?), then pick one that you're happy with. Some popular choices are Jacques, Beau, Belle and Jean (if you're on the French side of the fence). If you have a white Poodle, you can name her Blanche; then, when its kibbletime, you can say, Eat your din-din, Blanche! Poodles don't like German names because they're too harsh-sounding for this elegant breed. You never hear a handler in the ring say, Heel, Hans, Heel! Choose a snappy French name and your dog will quickly know that you are talking about him. Of course, you will be expected to use the correct French pronunciation!
Car Rides
You should get your dog used to riding in the car at an early age. Teach him some car manners, such as not riding on the drivers lap, no racing about the car from window to window and no chewing on the arm rests. In his crate is the safest way for him to travel. Do not take your dog out on a hot day and leave him alone for even a few minutes in the car. A car can heat up very quickly in the summer months, and the dog will not be able to cope with the heat.
Next step: Training Overview
Reprinted from Breeders Best: Poodle © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.