Poodle care: grooming, activities and the daily routine

Caring for a Poodle involves more than their haircut. This lively, eager-to-learn dog also needs suitable activities and attention. Care varies by size, coat length and individual dog: a closely clipped Standard Poodle does not have exactly the same routine as a small Poodle with longer hair.

Did you know?

Behind the familiar Poodle haircuts lies a hunting background. The Raad van Beheer describes the Standard Poodle as originally a hunting dog who became better known as a companion. A groomed coat therefore does not tell you which walks, games and exercises your dog enjoys. Source: Raad van Beheer: Standard Poodle.

The Raad van Beheer distinguishes four sizes: toy, miniature, medium and standard. This guide covers general daily care. For specific exercise demands, portions and grooming arrangements, consider your own dog.

Make grooming manageable

The curly coat keeps growing and can be clipped in different ways. A haircut therefore does not tell the whole story of what needs doing at home. Discuss with your groomer which maintenance suits your Poodle's coat and plan the appointments it needs.

Show a sitter which areas you check, which brush or comb you use and how your dog is used to being groomed. If you only expect a simple check during a short stay, say so. Do not pull at painful knots; ask for help if grooming is uncomfortable. For calm practice, you can use our tips on getting used to brushing.

Make learning part of the day

The Raad van Beheer describes Poodles as intelligent, lively dogs, and also mentions eagerness to learn and playfulness in the Standard Poodle. Searching games, practising together and walks can alternate. A small size does not automatically mean a dog needs little activity.

Choose exercises your dog already knows. Write down the words, rewards and how you end a game for the sitter. Adapt duration and intensity to your dog's age, health and response, leaving room to rest between activities.

Choose portions to suit your Poodle

Poodles vary too much in size for one portion size to suit them all. Choose complete dog food suited to life stage. Start with the packaging guide and consider your dog's condition and daily activity. Ask your vet for advice if unsure about quantities.

Prepare measured portions for the sitter and include training rewards in the daily food allowance. Also pass on any existing feeding plan. A stay with a sitter is not a reason to change food or treats without discussing it.

Prepare a practical handover

For your Petbnb meet and greet, agree which grooming tasks the sitter will do and which they should leave to you or a groomer. Show the correct comb and point out checks the sitter can carry out, such as around the paws after a walk. Keep scissors or clippers out of the sitting supplies if clipping is not agreed. Demonstrate one familiar searching or learning game too; grooming is only part of the day.

For example, ask:

• Which daily grooming can you take on calmly, and where are your limits?
• Who should we call about a knot that will not come loose without pulling?
• How would you balance familiar activities with time to rest somewhere quiet?

Use the pet sitter checklist for the remaining arrangements. Curious about the breed's background? Read our Poodle facts.

Sources

• Raad van Beheer: Poodle — four sizes and a general breed description.
• Raad van Beheer: Standard Poodle — Originally a hunting dog, now better known as a companion; continuously growing curly coat and different clipping styles.
• LICG: feeding your dog — general guidance — life stage, complete food and individual portions.
• LICG: holidays when your pet stays at home — preparation and care arrangements.