GENERAL POODLE CARE

EXERCISE
Toy poodles are an easy dog to exercise. Most of the exercise they need they get while playing in the yard or in the
house. Miniature poodles require slightly more exercise and are a little more active than the toy variety. Poodles do love to run though so be careful, they can get away from you. They also love to play so be sure to provide plenty of toys to play with so they do not mistake furniture and other house hold items as chew toys.

SOCIALIZATION
Poodles can sometimes be shy and timid (mostly due to their extreme small size), it is very important that you take time to socialize your new puppy with kids and other pets that are in your home. If not properly socialized your puppy could become nippy and aggressive out of fear. Puppies get important socialization from their mother and human contact during the first 6-8 weeks of their life. Go slow when introducing your new puppy to children and other pets. Never force a relationship. This can cause the exact opposite of what you wish to accomplish.

OBEDIENCE
Poodles are very smart, eager to please, and easy to train. In fact they were used in the circus for years because they were able to learn many tricks and are very agile. Books can be a great way to learn to train your puppy or you can take an obedience class at your local Petco or Petsmart. It is as important for a dog to have good manners as well as people. No one likes a disobedient dog! It can be fun for both you and your puppy. You will be amazed at what you can learn to do with a little training and a lot of patience.

FEEDING
Do NOT feed your puppy soft canned food for very long. The chewing of hard food helps to keep teeth clean and healthy. Canned food can also cause your puppy to become overweight. Try not to change your puppy's food unless absolutely necessary. It can hurt your puppy’s digestive system and can also cause diarrhea. Puppies need to be fed 4 times a day. As your puppy ages, the number of feedings can be reduced to two times a day. A feeding just before bedtime helps your puppy to sleep better. I recommend that you follow the feeding directions on the back of your dog food bag.
The food we feed our mothers and puppies is Diamonds puppy. This is also the same food as Nutro Max. PLEASE DO NOT feed your puppy human food! Dog food has everything your puppy needs for proper nutrition.

HEALTH
Please remember your puppies regular immunizations. These are essential to good health. Especially PARVO shots. BEWARE! Some small dogs have adverse reaction to the chemicals in the shots. However we have never lost a dog from an immunization and this is not an excuse to not have immunizations. Most puppies just become lethargic and may have some diarrhea. This usually resolves itself within 24-48 hours.
I will let you know if you might have this problem. If your vet will use a 5 in 1 shot instead of a 7 in one shot this should solve the problem. Please let your vet know before hand. Remember, if your puppy should become sick at any time, please do not wait too long to see your vet.