Poodle wrangler

I didn't mean to imply you regret your dog, only the choice of a crossbreed/ 'breeder', perhaps? Have you been able to do some swimming with Ruby as poodlefan suggested? Any further news from the vet?

I'm very sorry for the pain both you and Ruby are going through . It's terrible for you to pay alot of money for a crossbreed with a guarantee, only to find out it's of no REAL help i.e. you and your dog still suffer. Careless breeders rely on owners showing your kind of compassion and MAY (if have some shred of decency left) offer to take the dog back. Most know full-well you're now too attached to do so. Friends of mine have a dear labradorXstandard poodle who I 'babysat' for 5 weeks. I like him very much. They had a bad experience with their "breeder"- they'd not had a dog before and were given no information about tick prevention. Sydney summers mean ticks+. Their dog almost died with a tick, they were distressed and a $1000- vet bill was all totally preventable. Also, their dog grew much bigger than they were told to expect. They really need to move house to accomodate him better. Ruby looks like such a sweetie and doesn't deserve this. Makes me & ;) (It's sad stories like yours that make people so passionate in the whole "designer dog" debate). May I ask why you wanted to get "something different" from a poodle? I looked into poodleXs too, as the OH didn't like the look of poodles. Too many dodgy breeders and misinformation. I now have a black, miniature poodle who's great and I've never regretted getting a purebred dog. He looks kind of shaggy/ sporty, not a daggy pet poodle trim. The OH is a total convert. There are so many sad stories about owners of crossbreeds being deceived and misled that I'm very glad I didn't go for a poodle cross. Should you look for another dog in the future, please consider a purebred breeder . You will know what to expect in a dog (the breed standard) and it's easy to find what health testing needs to be done for any breed on the internet. Once you get into crossbreeds, chance plays a greater role. You need to see the relevant health testing for the breed, in writing. Rescue's another possibility- you're saving a life! I've had great pound dogs in the past. Best wishes for you both ...

Sorry to hear the news. Not what you want to hear, but good for Baxter that he's being treated. I suspect a dog isn't diagnosed with diabetes until the disease has progressed further than is treatable with tablets. I know in humans, some people need to progress to insulin injections and once they do often feel much better for it. I'm thinking of an aunt who wished she went to injections earlier as she felt so much better, afterwards (no one wants to give themselves injections, of course). The injections you're giving, though you don't like it, will give Baxter another chance at life :D He's now got the chance to live a lot longer than he would otherwise. I'm sure he'll get used to it, especially as you get more confident. Best wishes

Sounds like an Old English Sheepdog I babysat once. Does a slicker followed up with a coarse (i.e. wide-tooth) comb or rake help? I realise a poodle's coat is nothing like a Goldies- :D Bless the non-shedding coat- but the combing afterwards gets rid of a fair bit more hair. About as much again as a slicker for me. Dead poodle fur won't end up around the house, but stays trapped in the coat so it doesn't look as healthy and will matt. I tried adding the combing to a friend's labXpoodle who shed a little- more fur in comb, less around house (allergies here). Make sure it's a decent comb with rounded tines or it will pull out hair good hair/fur as well. Sorry, I don't know about rakes, but perhaps they're even better for a goldie? Good luck!

Farewell, Cooper. So sorry for your loss. Sounds like a very pleasant way for him to go.

Poodles are sensitive and have long memories, but I'm not sure about, "No!". I suspect it's OK as long as it's appropriate & not too harsh. Ignoring a poodle is a powerful reprimand, so no need for bellowing. Like kids, consistency is important- sounds simple, but hard to do when you're exhausted. I found my poodle had an "adolescence" at around 9 months- 1 year old (? can't remember exactly) where he tested the limits again, then settled quickly with consistency and reminding him he was NOT one of the pack leaders. Nothing major- daily walk, no laying on beds, no sitting on lounges uninvited, more practice of basics like "give paw" & "drop" i.e. submissive positions. He has a more dominant personality, however. Good luck

Glad you're asking advice and thinking about what's best for the dog. Poodles are a breed that thrive on human companionship. I think a poodle would tolerate being left alone so long very poorly. Best to hear this now, not later. Is the non-shedding very important? Other smaller breeds that are low-shedding are Bichon Frise, Bedlington terrier, Mini Schnauzer, but I don't know how suitable they'd be for your situation. Low or no shedding means grooming...e.g. poodles need clipping every 4-6 weeks (approx. $40 each time, in case this is an issue). Please be very wary of poodle crosses advertised as "low allergy", "low shedding" or "non-shedding"- this is often NOT the case. Do not buy from pet shops. I'd look in rescue and council pounds for a small- medium size dog. I've seen (and owned) some great pound dogs and you'd have no trouble finding a young adult. I'd adopt a greyhound if there weren't allergies in my family. I'm told they don't shed alot, but the OH can't tolerate even a low-shedder (poodle's fine, though). Best of luck :D

Agree with this. Many shampoos are quite gentle- see which is good for your dog and the smell you like. Mine needs only a bath once a month, despite being an active indoor & outdoor dog. Mind you, poodles don't seem to smell much due their special type of coat.

The joys of puppydom It's not breed-specific: I have a mini poodle with a dominant personality and had him actually nip my OH once as a pup- the pup was saying, "go away, she's mine and I'm above you in the pack". He's not nipped again since as he was firmly demoted i.e. not allowed on beds/ lounges, OH fed him after making him sit, practicing submissive gestures e.g. shaking paw, drop (lie down) etc. Once he settled- didn't take long- dog was allowed up on lounges/ beds, but ONLY when invited. You're the teacher and give a naturally dominant dog an inch and they'll take a mile! You want a dog as companion, not a menace to yourself and others :D

Is that the doberdawn article? It's good. I think you can highlight the webpage address, then 'copy' and 'paste" into the test of your reply. I agree with the beauty tip above :D I've stuffed up with making my minature poodle's nails bleed- they're black, so it's hard to see the 'quick', but have since successfully used the Dremmel- can't say he likes it, though. Poodles have long memories. Have also used it with bigger dogs- much easier than nail clippers IMHO. Just use it in quick bursts on not-too-high setting for your dog. Must use fine sandpaper as the metal attachments get way too hot. The sandpaper gets hot if used for too long, too.

Think it depends on your dog's type of coat. What breed is s/he? Sounds like the Aloveen's a hit. I'm still working thru the shampoo and conditioner I bought 2 years ago!

Me thinks it's anthropomorphism! Check out a dog's teeth and tell me they're not designed to eat meat! Human's on the other hand, don't have such pointy canine teeth to rip meat apart. We do just fine without meat and there are plenty of good, often cheaper alternative out there for us. JMHO.

I can't advise about whether or not an overnight stay is normal- I've got a dog and he was in and out in less than a day, but will an overnight stay cost more? Best to know in advance. I'd not be concerned about the crate- it only looks like a cage to us- for a dog it's a den and your girl will fell more secure as she has her own space. My dog used to complain a little getting into a crate for car travel, then was very settled and content. Perhaps she could have an old blanket or shirt from home, with your scent on it, in her crate to make her feel more secure at the vet's? Best wishes

Just curious... Is it necessary for the vet to vaccinate your dog? They usually do the yearly checkup at the same time which is not a bad idea. Is it just my vet's preference? I was thinking that you don't have to be a doctor to vaccinate a human, so why with dogs?

Yep. The OH 'didn't like poodles' b4 we got one. Now a total convert. One of my arguments was- they must have a fantastic temperament to put up with all that hairdressing. Check out this winner from a US 'creative grooming contest' ... ETA: Talbra, shame we're not close by! I wasn't aware of all the different pet trims until I bought the Shirlee Kalstone book and saw some different trims on DOL. B4 that, I'd only seen the bog standard thing for pet poodles where I live- clipped short all over with rounded topknot, fluffy ears + pompom tail. Never thought it really suited my dog.

A 'pet pack' - the airline dog carrier was great for our dog as he was getting used to the car. We borrowed one from a friend when he was a pup (they used it for a cat), then bought a bigger one later. Line it with newspaper and it hose it out after- easier than cleaning vomit out of the car. He grew out of the vomiting. We used to secure the carrier well in the car- for safety of people and dog. Good luck- a staffy puppy would be lovely, but mischievious, I guess.

Nice, but I always have to do test it out i.e. "Pierrot, Come!", "Pierrot, No!" etc. More piccies, the better. Sivaro, love the photos, but I'm not sure the poodles with the hat on (left) entirely approves :cool:

The OH has taken my digital camera on holidays, so I can't show you the current 'pin head' trim- ears off AND top too short and rounded Lucky we love him for his personality. I'm going to try JAG's cool 'in the marines' trim once it grows out. The husband is responsible for the Xmas getup- Couple of weeks after first full clip I tried- feet shaved too far up and his coat ready for a wash, but he's happy! Oscar loves the beach so we need a nice, easy to look after pet trim

I use them, too. Good service. You can pay up to double the price at the vets! If you're in a tick-prone area, you need to use it fortnightly for paralysis tick prevention. Lots of ticks where I live and dog often in long grass, but I only use fortnightly during summer and if unseasonably warm. Tick feels small, firm and about size of very small pimple. Not hard to feel thru poodle fur (once you know what they feel like) and my dog likes the pats that go with checking him all over. Favoutite places on my dog have been inside of ear leathers and around the eyes (bush ticks).

Apologies Curly for posting what's really 'your' photo. There's a file on our computer "dogs" with pics off the internet of dogs that we really like, but I've got no idea where most of the pics are from originally. I thought your Lilli was a lovely example of a pup with a shaved face to try to persuade Natashja it was a good look & for people to see. It's a cute photo, too. Cheeky girl!

Thankyou JAG! All your dogs look lovely in their pet trims. I've found it hard to find inspiration for different pet trims- poodlefan's dogs aside- but here's some more! My favourite is still your boy with the flat-top- I can see that suiting my Oscar, too, as he's an active boy who likes to get his legs wet. All the dogs look nicely balanced. About the trims for show: I've come full circle on the whole idea. I used to hate the look as I thought it made all poodles look overly pampered and not like "proper dogs". It seemed a shame that those who didn't know the breed would think of them in that way, instead of as the intelligent, athletic companions they are. Gotta love the dog for what it is, not worry about what some people think, though! Sivaro, your dogs look lovely, too. Your boy in a pet trim looks like a sportsman. Haven't your pups grown? I love the look of the show trims, but sadly it's not practical for an average person like me. I'd spend alot of time brushing and combing out sand, grass and dirt and Oscar tolerates- rather than enjoys- being groomed. I think the hairdressing is the main thing stopping me from looking further into showing and breeding. Once you've seen some of the better dogs trimmed well, then compare it with some of the pet trims you see that do nothing to flatter the dog..... I think all the show trims look good. It shows off the poodle's face and expression, especially, and makes their body look balanced. Puppy trim's probably my favourite- the shaved FFT contrasted with the luxurious, fluffy coat all over- says "hug me" .

He's a gorgeous boy. Lovely thick, brown coat. In the first photo, at first glance, he looks a bit like a poodle cross It's the furry face, I think. No mistaking he's a poodle in the others.

Natashja, we'll have to agree to disagree. Jag, your photo is lovely- I really like the look. I'd never thought to try a flat-top. I've only started to clip Oscar recently and took his 'ears off' today to try for a change. His rounded head didn't look right. Am hoping to improve wtih practice and experimenting. I'd post a photo, but I'm at work. ;) Also embarassing. I'd love to see how others clip their poodles ....Any more photos, please?

Ted is just way . Lots of personality in his face. Natashja, check out poodlefan's other posts for more photos of her dogs- IMHO they're clipped really nicely, not at all OTT. I'd still like to try to convince you- no pom poms in sight- The 'puppy trim' in the showring.. Pups with shaved faces.. Oscar (my dog) in the lesser-known 'shaggy bad home clip with shaved FFT trim': Oscar's 5 and still does zoomies...

"Some European pet clips (particulary the Dutch clip) include a moustache - its very traditonal for poodles. ;)" Photo below is from the Shirlee Kalstone book, "Poodle clippping and grooming: The International reference". I find the shaved face, paws and base of tail very practical- Oscar spends time at the beach and outdoors, but I like to have him inside alot too- he's currently laying on bed with head on pillow. Typical poodle! Shaved feet mean very little dirt or sand left on paws to bring inside; shaved face means no hair for leftover food to stick to; shaved base of tail- well, no hair for poo to stick to. He's been to beach and park this morning and I've not brushed him, but no problems with sand or dirt inside! Great thing about poodles, though, is that you can clip them any way YOU like and experiment if you wish. A good groomer is a wonderful thing as you start out. Plenty of choices for a boy with a thick coat, too. He's lovely- I really like the brown colour.