THINKING OF ADOPTION? here are some things to consider..
BOY? GIRL? DEFINITELY!
Some prospective adopters shy away from males, out of fear that the dog will lift its leg to "mark" in the house. In fact, many of us who have had male poodles found them easier to house-train, and very sweet-natured.
PARDON ME - DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?
Lots of well-meaning folks consider adoption, anticipating that they will be able to carve out the time (somehow) from their already-insanely busy day to provide a healthy, loving environment for the new dog. This is the most critical factor - if you realistically cannot give your dog an hour during the day of walking and play time, what kind of a life will you be providing for it? It's not healthy physically or psychologically for a dog to remain in a crate for hours on end during the day.
And since dogs are pack animals, socializing is critical. Leaving a dog alone all the time is like solitary confinement for a person.
BUDGETING FOR EXPENSES
Poodles are not quite like keeping polo ponies, but they do require some expense for upkeep. Will you have the wherewithal to take care of your pet if it should become ill or injured? Can you afford - 1) quality pet food 2) regular grooming 3) heartworm / flea / tick preventative medicine? 4) toys?
ARE YOU IN A LONG-TERM, COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP?
Poodles can live to be 15-18 years of age.
Some prospective adopters shy away from males, out of fear that the dog will lift its leg to "mark" in the house. In fact, many of us who have had male poodles found them easier to house-train, and very sweet-natured.
PARDON ME - DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?
Lots of well-meaning folks consider adoption, anticipating that they will be able to carve out the time (somehow) from their already-insanely busy day to provide a healthy, loving environment for the new dog. This is the most critical factor - if you realistically cannot give your dog an hour during the day of walking and play time, what kind of a life will you be providing for it? It's not healthy physically or psychologically for a dog to remain in a crate for hours on end during the day.
And since dogs are pack animals, socializing is critical. Leaving a dog alone all the time is like solitary confinement for a person.
BUDGETING FOR EXPENSES
Poodles are not quite like keeping polo ponies, but they do require some expense for upkeep. Will you have the wherewithal to take care of your pet if it should become ill or injured? Can you afford - 1) quality pet food 2) regular grooming 3) heartworm / flea / tick preventative medicine? 4) toys?
ARE YOU IN A LONG-TERM, COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP?
Poodles can live to be 15-18 years of age.