Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds and really can learn just about any behavior that they can physically accomplish. What you want to teach your Poodle is really up to you and your goals. Some may just want a nice family pet, while others are looking to obtain obedience or agility titles. Or maybe your Poodle is going to be a service dog. But even if your Poodle is just going to sit on the couch with you and play fetch or go on a run every day, there are a few basic behaviors he should know for safety reasons. The following are three basic behaviors you should teach your Poodle.
#1 – Come
A solid recall is important for your Poodle if he is ever off leash in public areas, or even to avoid headache in a big backyard. It can save the life of your Poodle if she bolts out the door toward the street. It’s just a good basic cue for any dog to know.
#2 – Leave It
A solid Leave It cue can keep them from chewing your shoe or stealing your dinner. It can make walks more pleasant – you can ask your Poodle to leave the grass and the trees he has sniffed for the hundredth time or all the people he wants to greet. Even the squirrel he may want to chase. Most importantly, it can save your Poodle’s life if he is about to eat something dangerous – this includes toxic human foods or maybe something unsafe he comes along during his walk.
#3 – Stay
Like Come, Stay can help keep your Poodle inside the house when you open the front door. Stay is also useful if you are trying to get your Poodle to not chase the neighbor’s cat or the bunny that pops out of nowhere. Finally, it helps teach her self-control, which is never a bad thing.
