Lets take each question one at a time:
1. Having time for a dog does not mean that you cannot work and own a dog. Your pet will need quality time, though. He must be fed on schedule and exercised several times a day. For the Standard Poodle, that means at least a long walk or a good romp in the morning and the evening. All Poodles need to be loved and will enjoy rides in the car with you. You must work with your Poodle to have an obedient dog with good manners.
2. A fenced yard will give your dog ample space. Never let him out loose to run the neighborhood. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep the yard clean of feces. When walking your dog, it is essential to carry a plastic bag or two to pick up droppings.
3. Previous dog ownership will give you a good idea of what a dog expects from you and what you must do for your dog. The Poodle is smart and needs an owner that is equally as smart as, or smarter than, he is!
4.The Standard Poodle is a large dog, not like a Miniature or Toy Poodle who will sit on your lap. The Standard will take up a fair amount of space, whether on the sofa next to you or riding in the car. He will need ample room to run in his fenced-in yard, and he must have a crate that is large enough for him to be comfortable. The Toy Poodle, because of his tiny size, can be difficult to own if you have small children who like to roughhouse with a pet. The Miniature is average-sized and easy to fit into any household, although kids must still handle him with extreme care.
5. Grooming a heavily coated breed is nearly a constant job. The Standard, because he has more square inches to cover, requires the most time. If you do not groom regularly, your dog will become matted, dirty and smelly, and the grooming job will be considerable. Left long enough, you will have to take the dog to a groomer and have him shaved down. You want your dog to look like a Poodle, and a healthy one at that!
Next step: Poodle Overview
Reprinted from Breeders Best: Poodle © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.
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