Are Poodles Easy To Train?

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds because they are playful, loyal, and intelligent. If you’re interested in adopting a Poodle, you might be asking yourself: are Poodles easy to train? The answer is – Yes!

Poodles’ intelligence makes them easy-to-train pets in any home. Read on to learn more about Poodles, how to train them, and what to expect when you bring your first Poodle home.

Are Poodles Easy To Train?

Yes, Poodles are easy to train.

Poodles are intelligent enough to learn a variety of commands reasonably quickly. They will remember their orders and expectations even after long periods.

Why Are Poodles Easy To Train?

Poodles are easy to train because they are intelligent and were initially bred to be working dogs.

Poodles originated in Germany and were originally bred as hunting dogs and water retrievers. Poodles are excellent swimmers and have water-resistant coats that make them better in the water.

Like many working dog breeds, Poodles are very obedient and loyal to those who train them. They were bred to learn commands and follow orders, making them an excellent option for guard dogs, service dogs, canine units, and even performers.

How To Train Your Poodle?

Poodles are intelligent and easy to teach, especially if you adopt them as puppies. We put together a list of training tips to help you train your Poodle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Training Tips for Your Poodle

Train your Poodle by developing a trusting relationship and consistently working together on their commands and behaviors. It helps to always keep training treats on hand during the first few years of life.

Like most dog breeds, Poodles are more likely to follow your commands if you have an established relationship. Your dog should view you as an authority figure in the household.

While you want to establish yourself as the head of the household, avoid using fear to motivate your dog. Dogs trained using positive reinforcement methods, such as receiving a treat to reward good behavior, are more obedient than those taught using punishment tactics.

Training Treats

Purchase training treats from your favorite dog food brand and always keep them on hand while your dog is a puppy. Training treats are smaller than regular treats and designed for you to give many to your pet throughout the training session or day.

Keep a handful of training treats in your pocket to reward your Poodle for good behavior any time you witness it. Take time throughout the day to complete short ten-minute training sessions with these treats, each focused on a few commands you want your Poodle to learn.

Commands To Teach Your Poodle

Poodles are capable of understanding many commands. They can learn nearly any simple order you are willing to teach them.

Consistency and repetition are crucial to teaching your Poodle to follow orders. Practice your commands often and always reward your puppy for doing what you ask them to do.

Teach Your Poodle To Sit

“Sit” is an excellent place to start when you train your Poodle. It is easy for your puppy to learn and can be taught in just a few short training sessions.

Follow these steps to teach your Poodle to sit:

1. Grab your training treats. Show one to your Poodle.
2. Raise a training treat above your Poodle’s head and say, “Sit.”
3. As your dog looks up at the treat, they will naturally sit down. If your Poodle does not sit, gently push down on their back half until they sit down. Keep the treat above your pup’s head while you do this.
4. Once your dog is sitting, give them the treat, pet them, and praise them.

The more you repeat this process, the better your Poodle will be at sitting on command.

Teach Your Poodle To Come

Teaching your Poodle to come is an essential aspect of training. It’s vital to be able to recall your dog if they are ever off-leash or getting into trouble.

Follow these steps to teach your Poodle to come:

1. Choose a command word. Popular options are “here,” “come,” or a signal sound, such as a whistle.
2. Attach your Poodle’s leash and ask them to sit. Show them a training treat in your hand.
3. Once they are sitting, move away until you are approximately one leash distance from them. Squat on the ground until you are at eye level with your Poodle.
4. Say your command word.
5. Once your dog comes to you, give them the treat, pet them, and praise them.

Repeat this process on the leash until your Poodle consistently comes when called. When your dog is ready, move to an enclosed area, remove the leash, and practice without it.

Teach Your Poodle To Stay

“Stay” is another useful command to teach your Poodle.

Follow these commands to teach your Poodle to stay:

1. Ask your Poodle to sit. Show them you have a training treat in your hand.
2. Extend your hand so that your flat palm faces down over your dog. Say, “stay.”
3. Slowly back up a few steps while keeping your palm facing down.
4. If your dog stays in place, return to them and reward them with a treat.
5. Repeat, slowly increasing the distance between you each time.

Teaching your Poodle to stay can take longer than teaching them to sit or come to you. However, the more you practice, the better your dog will become at this trick.

House Training Your Poodle?

House train your Poodle when they are young, ideally under 6 months. They are generally easy to house train, although they can sometimes be stubborn until they get the hang of doing their business outside.

One effective method for housetraining a Poodle is to use a crate. Place your Poodle in its crate before leaving them unattended. Dogs will be less likely to have an accident in their crate if they are accustomed to sleeping there.

Remove them from the crate and bring them outside to do their business at scheduled intervals. These potty breaks should occur every 2-4 hours and after changing activities. After a few trips out, your Poodle will start to get the hang of it.

Once your puppy is housebroken, you can decide whether or not to continue crating your Poodle. Some dogs will become attached to their crate as a safe space reserved just for them.

Training Your Poodle as a Watchdog

Poodles may not be the first breed that comes to mind when you need protection, as they are not bred as watchdogs. However, you can train your Poodle to be a strong watchdog by teaching them relevant commands and behaviors.

You can train your Poodle to be a watchdog by rewarding them for barking at intruders or strange sounds. Each time they bark at something suspicious, reward them with a treat. If they bark out of turn, simply say “No” in a firm voice.

The Poodle Club rates Poodle’s watchdog/protective nature as a 5 out of 5, or “vigilant.” This is the same rating as the more traditional guard dogs, such as German Shepherds and Dobermans.

Wrapping Up

Poodles are an easy-to-train breed that fits well in homes looking for playful, intelligent, and loyal dogs. You can train your Poodle to follow basic commands and do their potty business outside in a short period.

Although Poodles were not bred as guard dogs, you can also train your new friend as an excellent watchdog for your home.