Poodles For Dummies E-Book

Susan M. Ewing

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Seitenzahl: 463

Beschreibung

The Poodle is known for her keen intelligence, excellent trainability, and, most notably, those signature curly locks. But there's more to the Poodle than meets the eye (like, say, those expensive grooming bills). So, to Poodle or not to Poodle? That is the question. With an overview of the breed's history, an exploration of all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and 8 pages of full-color photos detailing the colors available and tips and techniques for grooming, Poodles For Dummies is filled with all the meaty information and enlightening morsels you need to decide if this refined beauty is a good match for you. You'll get answers to your most important questions, including: * Which size Poodle is best for me? Which color? * How do I know if a Poodle breeder is reputable? * What are the pros and cons of shelters and rescue groups? * What do I look for in choosing a healthy Poodle? * How can I Poodle-proof my home and yard? * What's the best way to introduce my Poodle to kids and other pets? * How often does my Poodle need grooming? No matter which size, color, or gender you own, Poodles are not a "wash 'n' wear" breed. But if you have the time, passion, and dedication to give her the training, exercise, and upkeep she needs, you and your curly companion will have a happy and rewarding life together.

Leseprobe

Poodles For Dummies

by Susan M. Ewing

Poodles For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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ISBN: 978-0-470-06730-7

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About the Author

Susan M. Ewing has been “in dogs” since 1977 and enjoys showing and trying various performance events, with an emphasis on “trying.”

She holds a master’s degree in Television/Radio from Syracuse University in New York and has attended canine seminars at Cornell University. She’s a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, as well as the Cat Writers’ Association, and is listed in the 2005 edition of Who’s Who in America.

Ewing has been writing professionally since she was 16 and is the author of several books: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Family Friend and Farmhand (Howell); A New Owner’s Guide to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, The Pug,The Dachshund, and German Shepherd Dogs (all TFH Publications); and Bulldogs For Dummies (Wiley). Her column, “The Pet Pen,” appears in The Post-Journal (Jamestown, New York) every Saturday. One of her essays is a part of the book Cats Do It Better Than People.

Other articles of Ewing’s have appeared in AKC Gazette, Family Dog, Bloodlines, German Shepherd Dog Review, Good Dog!,Pet Odyssey,Dog Fancy,Dog World, Puppies USA, the national Schipperke Club newsletter, ASPCA’s Animal Watch,Bird Talk,Kittens USA,Cats USA, and Cats Magazine.

She has also worked as a radio copywriter, owned and operated a boarding kennel, and served as the director of the Lucy-Desi Museum in Jamestown, New York.

Ewing currently lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband, Jim, and her two dogs, Griffin and Rhiannon.

Dedication

For the usual suspects: Jim, who is the “purple bead”; my mother, Joyce Morris; and my brother, Gregory Morris.

Also, for John Monroe-Cassel. Iechyd da, dear friend.

To the memory of my father, Robert Morris; my grandmother, Gladys Taylor; and Walton Strahl.

Author’s Acknowledgments

Every book I write makes me realize how many people are involved in the writing process. Sure, I sit at the keyboard, but if that was all that went on, there’d never be a book.

Huge, enormous, and very large thanks to everyone at Wiley, especially Acquisitions Editor Stacy Kennedy, Project Editor Georgette Beatty, and Copy Editors Josh Dials and Sarah Westfall. Also, thanks to Caroline Hair for her incredible technical advice.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Janine Adams, Darlene Arden, Debbi Baker, Alice Bixler, Grace Blair, Tom Carneal, Anne Rogers Clark, Suzi Cope, Carol Pernika, Gail Roberson, Peggy Singletary, Stephanie Smith, Betsy Stowe, and Cathi Winkles.

Thanks to Amy Munion, DVM, and the staff at Pet Haven Animal Hospital.

Thanks to the groomers at Annety’s Pet Grooming Salon in Mesa, Arizona.

Thanks always to the members of the Dog Writers Association of America. DWAA is my network and my safety net.

Thanks to all the breeders, judges, handlers, and exhibitors over the years who have generously shared what they know.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Project Editor: Georgette Beatty

Acquisitions Editor: Stacy Kennedy

Copy Editor: Josh Dials

Technical Editor: Caroline Hair

Editorial Manager: Michelle Hacker

Editorial Assistants: Erin Calligan, David Lutton

Cover Photo: ©ULRIKE SCHANZ / Animals Animals - Earth Scenes — All rights reserved.

Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Jennifer Theriot

Layout and Graphics: Lavonne Cook, Stephanie D. Jumper, Erin Zeltner

Special Art: © Barbara Frake

Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico

Proofreaders: Melanie Hoffman, Christy Pingleton, Aptara

Indexer: Aptara

Special HelpSarah Westfall

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies

Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel

Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

What You’re Not to Read

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I : Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams

Chapter 1: Making a Match with a Poodle

Understanding the Poodle Breed

To Poodle or Not to Poodle: Is One the Best Dog for You?

Selecting the Perfect Poodle for You

Adjusting to Life with a Poodle

Training and Enjoying Your Poodle

Keeping Your Poodle Healthy

Chapter 2: Unwrapping the Whole Poodle Package

Walking through the History of the Breed

Picturing a Poodle’s Physical Traits and Personality

Surveying Breed Standards

Chapter 3: Deciding Whether a Poodle Is Right for You

Asking Yourself a Few Important Questions Upfront

Considering the Costs of Poodle Ownership

Chapter 4: Choosing the Best Poodle for You

Selecting the Traits You Want in a Poodle

Deciding Where to Find Your Poodle

Choosing a Healthy Poodle

Registering Your Poodle

Part II : Living Happily with Your Poodle

Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Poodle’s Homecoming

Outfitting Your Home with Crates, Gates, and Ex-pens

Buying Comfortable Bedding

Staying Attached with Collars and Leads

Securing Proper ID for Your Poodle

Beautifying Your Poodle with the Right Grooming Tools

Savoring the Details of Food and Bowls

Getting the Scoop on Cleanup Tools

Finding Toys for Toys (And, Yes, Miniatures and Standards)

Poodle-Proofing Your Home

Choosing Special Spaces for Your Poodle

Scheduling a Checkup with Your Vet

Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Poodle Home

Picking Up Your Poodle

Giving Your Poodle the Grand Tour

Meeting Other Family Members

Surviving the First Night

Anticipating Possible Problems and Planning Sensible Solutions

Chapter 7: Providing Your Poodle with a Nutritious Diet

Knowing the Nutrients that Your Poodle Needs

Dishing Out Main Meals

Giving Snacks and Treats Smartly

Establishing a Feeding Routine

Changing Your Poodle’s Diet as He Grows

Avoiding Certain Foods

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Poodle Clean and Attractive

Drawing Up a Grooming Schedule

Deciding between Professional and Personal Grooming

Getting to the Root of Hair Care

Clipping Your Poodle

Fresh from Head to Toe: Tackling Other Grooming Tasks

Part III : Training and Having Fun with Your Poodle Pal

Chapter 9: Housetraining Made Easy

Littering Your Brain with Housetraining Basics

Mastering Effective Housetraining Methods

Getting the Scoop on Cleanup Duty

Chapter 10: Instilling Good Manners in Your Poodle

Getting a Grip on Some Disciplinary Basics

Handling a Collar and Lead

Training Your Poodle with Basic Commands

Overcoming Common Canine Behavior Problems

Finding Professional Help

Chapter 11: Socializing Your Poodle

Acclimating Your Poodle to New Faces

Handling Strange Situations, Objects, and Noises

Chapter 12: Hitting the Road with Your Poodle

Checking Out Your Traveling Options

Taking Care of Other Trip Details

Leaving Your Poodle at Home

Chapter 13: Showing Off and Enjoying Your Poodle’s Talents

Passing the Canine Good Citizen Test

Looking Good: Conformation Shows

Testing Skills: Rally Events

Oh, Behave! Obedience Events

Staying on Course: Agility Events

On the Prowl: Hunt Tests

The Nose Knows: Tracking Tests

Sharing the Love: Therapy Poodles

Part IV : Maintaining Your Poodle’s Health

Chapter 14: Taking Basic Care of Your Poodle’s Health

Choosing the Right Veterinarian and Setting a Schedule

Surveying Alternative Healthcare Choices

Taking a Shot at Good Health with Vaccinations

Nip and Tuck: The Basics of Spaying and Neutering

Keeping an Eye on Your Poodle’s Health at Home

Chapter 15: Considering Common Poodle Conditions

Ouch! Treating Everyday Illnesses and Injuries

Surveying Other Common Poodle Health Issues

Chapter 16: Staying Prepared with First-Aid Basics

Stocking the Essentials in Your Canine First-Aid Kit

Performing Basic First-Aid Techniques on Your Poodle

Coming to Your Poodle’s Rescue in Specific Emergencies

Chapter 17: Easing Your Senior Poodle into the Golden Years

Instituting a Sensible Senior Diet

Exercising Your Senior Poodle

Handling Senior Health Issues

Saying Goodbye to Your Beloved Poodle

Part V : The Part of Tens

Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Great Sets of Poodle Resources

Kennel and Poodle Clubs

Rescue Groups

Grooming

Training

Travel

Performance Events and Other Fun Activities

Therapy Dogs

Healthcare

Memorials

Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Help Your Poodle if Disaster Strikes

Stock and Store Necessary Supplies

Make a List of What You Need

Consider Places Where You Can Go

Examine Your Transportation Options

Plan to Leave Your Poodle with Other Folks if Necessary

Succumb to Your Last Resort: Turn Your Poodle Loose

Introduction

A t first, I thought I could get through this introduction to Poodles For Dummies wherewhen.

The who question is, “Who is the book for?” The answer is that this book is for anyone who may be interested in Poodles. I include enough information to satisfy the curiosity of beginners and to enlighten people who’ve owned Poodles for years.

What is this book about? Well, that’s easy! It’s about Poodles. I haven’t written a step-by-step training manual; I don’t give you a list of the top ten kennels or the most famous Poodles; and I don’t give you the locations of the top producing sire and dam in the country. What I give you is an overview of the Poodle — how the breed developed and what you can expect when living with and caring for a Poodle.

Why write the book? Because we live in a throwaway society in which dogs are becoming fashion accessories. If you’re considering buying a Poodle, and you read this book first, I want you to realize either that the Poodle is the perfect breed for you or that buying a Poodle would be a huge mistake. Either way, I hope this book helps both you and Poodles.

Another why is because I have fond memories of two very special Poodles: a silver Miniature named Pierre, who belonged to my cousins when I was growing up, and a black Standard named Tiki, who was my dog’s playmate when my family lived in Vermont. They were both a complete joy, and they live forever in my heart.

About This Book

This book is 288 pages long. The end. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Seriously, folks, this book is about Poodles. It may not tell you everything that you ever wanted to know about Poodles, but I hope it comes close. I explain the history of the breed, and I include information about all three varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. I give you tips on how to add a Poodle to your family and how to feed and care for your Poodle. You can find information on health and training. Although this isn’t written to be a training manual, I do include some tips on how to start training and where you can go for more training.

The book also includes advice on activities you and your Poodle can do together and how you should travel with your Poodle (or when you should leave her safely behind).

If you’re thinking about getting a Poodle, this book is here to help you choose your perfect puppy, and if you already have a Poodle, this book can help you and your Poodle live happily ever after.

You can read this book from cover to cover if you like, but you don’t have to. Feel free to dip into and out of any chapter you want at any time.

Conventions Used in This Book

The For Dummies people worked hard to make the text you find here as clear and as easy to read as possible. Here’s how:

Boldfaced words highlight the key words in bulleted and numbered lists.

Italics indicate emphasis and mark key terms.

Monofont is the font of choice for Web addresses.

Here’s another point about Web addresses: During the printing of this book, some Web addresses may have extended to two lines of text. If you spot one of these wrapping addresses, rest assured that I added no extra characters, such as a hyphen or a space, to indicate the break. If you use one of these addresses, just type the address exactly as you see it, pretending that the line break doesn’t exist. Besides, you don’t get the chance to pretend nearly often enough!

The For Dummies people don’t run the whole show, though. I’ve inserted some of my own conventions, too:

I alternate gender by chapter. In odd-numbered chapters, the dog I discuss is a male; in even-numbered chapters, I discuss a female. I hate using “it” to refer to animals, so I give each gender equal time. Along those same lines, when I refer to a Poodle as “she,” I refer to a vet or trainer as “he,” and vice versa.

I spell out organization names that are commonly abbreviated the first time I use them in a chapter.

When I talk about a Poodle’s ears, I say “flap,” because I think most readers will know what I mean; however, the correct term among dog people is leather.

I use the term “lead” for the thin strap that connects a Poodle to her person. In the show world, you often hear the word “lead.” You can still say “leash” if you show your Poodle, but no one says “show leash.” You lead your Poodle with a show lead.

I waffle when faced with the dilemma of what to call dog wastes. I tend to say “urine sample” or “stool sample” when talking about waste you need to take to your vet’s office. I say “excrement” here and there, but I also call it “poop”! (Hey, I’m better at picking it up than I am at naming it.) As you read, feel free to substitute whatever word you’re comfortable with.

Speaking of comfort levels, unless you’re around plenty of dog people most of the time, you may not be comfortable using the term “bitch,” so I often use “male” and “female” when talking about the sexes. You can say “bitch” rather than “female” if you want to be technically correct.

What You’re Not to Read

This isn’t a textbook, and I won’t quiz you at the end of the final chapter, so don’t read anything that doesn’t interest you. Specifically, though, you can skip all the paragraphs that I mark with the Technical Stuff icon. Most of the information isn’t that technical, and much of it is interesting, but you can skip it without missing anything essential to your Poodle’s well-being. You also can skip all the Anecdote paragraphs I use to describe personal experiences. It’s fine, really. I can handle rejection.

Sidebars (those shaded gray boxes throughout the book) are there for your reading pleasure, but you don’t have to read them. They offer information that isn’t essential to your understanding of the text. I enjoy sidebars, but again, it’s your call.

And if you’re a total couch potato, you may want to skip Chapter 13, which discusses Poodle competitions and activities. However, you may enjoy finding out about all the things a Poodle can do, even if you and your Poodle never join in the fun.

What I do hope you read are the acknowledgments at the front of the book. Without the people I mention there, this book wouldn’t exist.

Foolish Assumptions

I make assumptions throughout this book, which may indeed be foolish, but that’s the only way I could write it. First, of course, I assume that if you’re reading this book, you have an interest in Poodles. That may be more than an assumption; that may be a sure thing.

Beyond that, I don’t know if you’re new to dogs or if you’ve had Poodles for years. You may be thinking about getting a Poodle, or perhaps you’ve just gotten a Poodle and want to have a successful relationship with your new companion.

So, in each chapter, I need to make a lot of assumptions. For instance, to discuss the history of the breed, I need to assume that you know absolutely nothing. To discuss the process of choosing a puppy, I need to assume that you’ve never done it before. I need to assume that you have other pets and children, so I can write about what you need to know, including tips on feeding, training, and healthcare. Also, I need to assume that you don’t already have a veterinarian.

One thing, however, isn’t an assumption: I’ve tried, by making assumptions, to cover the topic of Poodles as thoroughly as possible.

How This Book Is Organized

Poodles For Dummies has five parts. Each part stands alone, so you don’t need to read the chapters in order, and you can quickly find the part that you need at any given time.

Part I: Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams

The first part covers the history of the breed, the three different varieties of Poodle, and the breed standard. I cover the typical temperament and personality of the Poodle, and I help you decide if a Poodle is the right dog for you. After you decide to get a Poodle, I talk about puppies versus older dogs (among other characteristics), and I let you know how to choose a source for your dog.

Part II: Living Happily with Your Poodle

This part covers the basics you need to know for everyday living. I include a shopping list of the items you’ll need before your Poodle joins your household. I present some safety tips, and I provide information on how to introduce your Poodle to children and other pets.

You’ll find a chapter on food to help you decide between commercial, homemade, and raw-food diets. Dog nutrition has come a long way from table scraps and the occasional bone from the butcher.

Finally, you need to know that grooming is a huge part of owning a Poodle. Rescue organizations estimate that almost 50 percent of all Poodles who appear in their shelters are given up because of grooming issues. This part helps you understand the importance of grooming.

Part III: Training and Having Fun with Your Poodle Pal

Poodles are intelligent, active dogs, and they need training and exercise in order to be happy (and if your Poodle isn’t happy, you won’t be either). This part covers socialization, housetraining, basic commands, and all the wonderful activities you can participate in with your Poodle. For instance, you can visit hospitals and nursing homes; you can compete in obedience and agility competitions; and you can take to the field for a day of hunting. This part also features information on traveling with your Poodle.

Part IV: Maintaining Your Poodle’s Health

We all want our dogs to live forever; however, because that isn’t possible, I include this part to help you make sure that your Poodle has the longest, healthiest life you can give her. I provide tips for how to choose a veterinarian, information on common vaccines, and information on nontraditional ways to treat health issues (such as acupuncture).

You’ll find a chapter on common Poodle health problems and one on first aid, which may help you in an emergency. You also find a chapter on senior Poodle care. Seniors are so precious, and you should take the time to give yours some extra attention.

Part V: The Part of Tens

The Part of Tens is the final part in every For Dummies book. In this Part of Tens, you find fantastic Poodle resources, and you discover ten ways to help your Poodle in case disaster strikes.

Icons Used in This Book

Icons are the cute little illustrations you find in the left margins of For Dummies books. They sit next to paragraphs that contain interesting information you should take with you long after you put this book down. Well, all the paragraphs are interesting, but these little nuggets are especially fascinating!

Do your best to remember the information highlighted by this icon. The stuff you discover here will help keep your Poodle happy and healthy.

This icon comes with text that gives you a shortcut or tells you an easier way to do something with or for your Poodle.

If you’re stubborn and refuse to read anything else, please read these paragraphs. Your Poodle’s health and safety are at stake.

You can skip paragraphs marked with this icon if you want to. I always find this information interesting, but it isn’t essential. You can raise a happy, healthy Poodle without knowing the technical stuff.

These paragraphs contain stories from my experiences with dogs. I use them to illustrate points I make.

Where to Go from Here

When reading a For Dummies book, you can go anywhere you like. It doesn’t matter where you start or end.

You can, of course, start with Part I, Chapter 1 and read straight through. Or you can skip around. Heck, you can read from back to front if that suits you. However, allow me to give you some tips if you’re open to suggestion. If you’ve just gotten a puppy, Chapter 9 on housetraining may be more important to you now than reading about Poodle history in Chapter 2. If you’re leaving on vacation next month, head to Chapter 12, which discusses traveling with your Poodle. My point is that where you start depends on your situation.

Here’s my method: I like to look at all the color photos in the color section and then read all the cartoons. Next, I like to flip through and read “Tips,” “Warnings,” and “Remembers.” At that point, I check out the Part of Tens, and then I start reading the rest of the book.

Whatever method you choose, I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Part I

Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams

In this part . . .

Picking the perfect Poodle takes time, thought, and effort. Adding a dog of any breed to your family shouldn’t be an impulse decision. Part I helps you understand the Poodle’s history and the breed standards set by a couple of the world’s largest organizations. I also ask you to consider the costs that come with owning a Poodle, as well as whether your lifestyle will work with an active, intelligent dog for the next 14 to 16 years.

If, after reading this part, you’re convinced that a Poodle is the dog for you, you can find suggestions here on how to choose your special puppy or adult Poodle, including which variety best suits you: Toy, Miniature, or Standard.