Helpful info for poodles | Mount Bethel Poodles
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  • HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR POODLE OWNERS

  • At Mount Bethel Poodles, education is an essential part of responsible breeding and ownership. The information below reflects decades of hands-on experience raising, training, showing, and caring for Poodles, along with evidence-based veterinary and breed-club guidance. These resources are provided to help you make informed decisions and enjoy a healthy, successful life with your Poodle.

  • CORRECT POODLE TYPE — WHAT A POODLE SHOULD BE

  • Understanding correct Poodle type is the foundation of responsible breeding and conformation showing. To “conform” means to meet the written breed standard, which describes proper structure, movement, temperament, and overall balance.

  • • American Kennel Club Breed Standard for a Poodle
    • American Kennel Club Illustrated Poodle Breed Standard
    • United Kennel Club Breed Standard for a Standard Poodle

  • POODLE HEALTH & CARE PHILOSOPHY

  • Every dog is an individual, and appropriate health care decisions should be tailored to each dog, family, environment, and lifestyle. What works well for one dog may not be appropriate for another.

  • Veterinarians play an important role in animal health, and the vast majority enter the profession because they genuinely love animals and want to help them live longer, healthier lives. Their education and dedication are deeply respected. At the same time, veterinary recommendations can vary widely, evolve over time, and are not always one-size-fits-all. Pet owners are encouraged to ask questions, seek additional information if needed, and participate actively in their dog’s health care decisions.

  • Parasite control is an important part of responsible dog ownership. However, parasite prevention should be driven by the individual dog’s needs, risk factors, geographic location, and exposure level — not routine schedules or pharmaceutical agendas alone. Thoughtful, informed decision-making is essential.

  • Mount Bethel Poodles provides information and resources to support informed choices, but does not control or dictate the health care decisions made in individual homes. Responsibility for ongoing veterinary care, parasite control, medical decisions, and outcomes rests with the dog’s owner and their chosen veterinary professionals.

  • HEALTH TESTING

  • Health testing and preventative screening are critical components of responsible breeding and long-term canine health.

  • • Poodle Club of America recommended health testing
    • OFA/CHIC recommended testing for a standard poodle
    • Purina Poodle Eye Health article 2020

  • VACCINATIONS & DISEASE PREVENTION

  • • AKC recommended vaccinations
    • 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
    • What Every Puppy Owner Needs to Know About Parvo in Puppies
    • Pet immunizations, Dr Becker
    • Dr Jean Dodd’s Vaccination Protocol

  • PARASITES & PREVENTION RESOURCES

  • • Info on heart-worm, Dr Becker
    • Natural flea repellents
    • Fleas!
    • Dangers of Flea/Tick Products, Dr Becker
    • Flea video
    • Flea article1
    • Lyme disease in dogs, Dr Becker
    • How to find a holistic veterinarian
    • Holistic Vet finder

  • SPAY / NEUTER INFORMATION

  • Thoughtful consideration should be given to the timing and necessity of spay or neuter procedures.

  • • Article 1
    • Article 2

  • PET HEALTH INSURANCE

  • Pet health insurance may be helpful for managing unexpected veterinary expenses.
    • Chewy
    • Spot
    • Fetch
    • ManyPets

  • WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY

  • Preparing ahead helps make your puppy’s transition smoother.

  • • AKC New Puppy Check List
    • Caesar’s Way suggested items

  • GENETIC TESTING — USED AT MOUNT BETHEL POODLES

  • • Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – University of California, Davis
    • Von Willebrand Disease
    • Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures
    • Degenerative Myelopathy

  • EAR CARE

  • Poodles require routine ear care due to their ear structure and hair growth.

  • • Ear care video
    • Recommended ear care products
    • Ear powder
    • Hemostats (use carefully)
    • Zymox ear cleaner
    • Zymox medicated ear cleaner

  • If a Poodle’s ear is moist and has an odor, I may occasionally use a bulb syringe to gently apply antifungal powder. This should always be done carefully and conservatively.

  • COAT CARE & GROOMING

  • Regular grooming is essential for comfort, skin health, and coat condition.

  • • Brushing video
    • Find a groomer experienced with Poodles
    Recommended equipment:
    • Pin brush
    • Slicker brush
    • Comb
    • Grooming spray
    • Detangling spray

  • POTTY TRAINING

  • • Mount Bethel Poodles potty training advice
    • Good video on house training

  • FOOD & NUTRITION

  • Nutrition should be tailored to the individual dog. No single food works for every Poodle.

  • Feeding philosophy: raw, human-grade food can be excellent; veterinarians may have differing views on salmonella exposure with raw feeding. Raw chicken wings, turkey necks, and marrow bones may be used occasionally as enrichment.

  • Home-prepared option: I sometimes prepare chicken with carrot and celery in the Instant Pot until the bones crumble, then mix it with dry food.

  • Dog food resources:
    • Dog Food Advisor (with recall alerts)
    • Dr. Becker’s dog food video

  • Foods used at Mount Bethel Poodles may include:
    • Diamond Naturals Medium/Small Breed Puppy
    • Victor High Pro Plus (All Life Stages)
    • Purina Pro Plan

  • Other quality foods I have used include Bixbi, Canidae, Kirkland, Diamond Naturals, FreshPet, and Fromm.

  • Remember: the best food is the one that keeps your Poodle healthy and thriving.

  • PUPPY DEVELOPMENT

  • Understanding developmental stages helps prevent common behavior issues.

  • • Puppy development stages
    • AKC puppy tips pdf
    • Puppy fitness pdf
    • Keep Your Puppy Active and Out of Trouble With Stimulation and Exercise
    • Puppy senses
    • How to Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Sleep
    • A Timeline of Puppy Teething
    • How to Help Your New Puppy Deal With Separation Anxiety
    • How to Be Patient With Your New Puppy
    • How to Spot and Avoid a Sick Puppy
    • Introducing Your Children to the New Puppy
    • Puppy Teething and Nipping; A Complete Survival Guide
    • How to Establish a Routine and Boundaries With Your Puppy
    • How to Socialize a Puppy
    • Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do It Right
    • Puppy Feeding Fundamentals
    • AKC Puppy Nutrition article pdf

  • TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

  • Training is essential to enjoying your Poodle for a lifetime.

  • I have been training dogs for nearly 40 years and still take my puppies to beginner classes. Training is as much about teaching people as it is teaching dogs.

  • Training philosophy:
    • Weekly classes are preferable to sending dogs away
    • Learning together strengthens the bond
    • Training should be positive, patient, and enjoyable

  • Finding a trainer:
    • Find an AKC training club near you
    • Obedience, agility, and rally communities
    • Therapy Dogs International evaluators

  • I do not recommend shock-based training methods. Poodles respond best to positive reinforcement.

  • Training tips:
    • Reward confidence, not fear
    • Say commands once and wait patiently
    • Avoid frustration and take breaks
    • Training should be fun

  • Poodles are intelligent, intuitive dogs and often excel in classes.

  • POODLES AS THERAPY DOGS

  • Poodles make exceptional therapy dogs.

  • • They tend to put people at ease
    • They are often suitable for people with allergies
    • Creative grooming can bring joy to others

  • Therapy work in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes can be a meaningful goal for many Poodle owners.

  • FINAL NOTE

  • This information reflects my experience as a breeder, exhibitor, trainer, Registered Nurse, and lifelong advocate for Poodles. Use these resources as a guide, ask thoughtful questions, and choose the approach that best supports your dog’s long-term health and well-being.

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