Depending on the age and size of the puppy, you’ll probably feed him three times a day, or perhaps four if he’s very young. After 5 months of age, two meals a day are usually appropriate.

Offer your puppy water three to five times a day. Puppies need about one cup if water for every eight pounds of body weight per day. If the weather is hot, allow him free access to water and take him out accordingly.

• At feeding time; leave food and water down for 20 minutes. Your pup will soon learn to eat when fed. The exception to this is if the puppy is tiny and under 5 pounds. Very small puppies may need food available to them at all times. Ask your veterinarian what he or she recommends.
• Do not add yummy extras to the food, if the puppy doesn’t eat. This is the road to picky eating and may upset his stomach. The occasional skipped meal, as long as the puppy is energetic, drinking normally and has normal stools, is usually nothing to worry about.
• Changing foods suddenly can upset his stomach and cause diarrhea. Find one food, preferably dry and stick to it. If you must change foods, do so over the period of a few days, adding in a bit of the new food every day.
• Some puppies always eat well, some never do, and some eat ravenously every few days, picking at their food in between. Unless your pup is losing weight and vet is concerned, don’t worry about it. All these patterns are normal.
• If your puppy is defecating five or more times a day and/or has soft stools, take a stool sample to your vet to be checked for worms.
• If your puppy consistently drinks large amounts of water or is urinating frequently (more than 10 or more times a day) or urinating tiny amounts all over the place, talk to your vet.

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General Housebreaking Rules

You will have to monitor your puppy at all times. Generally a new puppy will have to go to the bathroom every one to two hours. The younger the puppy is and the smaller the breed, the more often they will have to go. So be sure to give your poodle the chance to eliminate outdoors at least this frequency, no matter how inconvenient. Never rub his nose in it, yell, spank or swat him. He is a baby.

Prevention and Routine

The are certain times when your puppy will usually always have to go; when he first wakes up, a half hour after eating and drinking, after a play session and before bedtime. These potty preferences are individual. You will need to observe your poodle and figure out his unique schedule.

Monitor Your Puppy At All Times

Out of site is into trouble. If your pup likes to run out of site, keep a lead on him in the house. If your poodle makes a mistake in the house it’s really your mistake. You shouldn’t give your pup an opportunity to go in the house. Always watch him carefully so if he does start to go, you can scoop him up and take him to the spot where you want him to eliminate.

Give Your Pup A Safe Area

Your puppy will need a safe area he can rest and relax in when you are not home or cannot watch him. A crate, x-pen or other small confined area. Be sure to leave some toys so he doesn’t get bored when he’s alone and isn’t tired.

Feeding & Watering Schedule

What goes in on a schedule will come out on a schedule. Feed your puppy a healthy diet – in the same place and at the same times each day. During the training period, do not let your puppy have access to water at all times. Put out water when you feed him and offer him some several times a day before you take him to his potty area. Also, limit treats during the training period.

Designate A Potty Spot

Take your puppy to the same spot each time. This will stimulate him to go more quickly and will help him learn exactly why he’s there. Never send your puppy outside unsupervised to go potty. Stay with him and make sure he goes.

Use A Potty Command

Train your puppy to go to the bathroom on command by using on special phrase such as Go Potty! This way your puppy will learn it must stop fooling around and do it’s business. In the future, particularly when you are in a hurry or traveling, you’ll be glad to have a cue so that your poodle understands when it’s an appropriate time and place to go.

Praise Your Puppy

Just as your puppy finishes eliminating, in a quiet voice tell him what a good doggie he is. Dogs repeat activities that are rewarding to them, so let your puppy know when he has pleased you.

When Accidents Happen

Don’t get upset and don’t punish the puppy, it can set back the housebreaking process drastically, especially if your puppy is shy or nervous. It is important for the puppy to learn that the act of relieving itself is not wrong, it is the act of relieving itself in the house that is wrong. Make sure to clean the area with a pet odor neutralizer. NEVER use a product with ammonia in it. Ammonia is in urine and the smell will be an invitation to go there again.

Caught in the Act

If you catch your poodle making a mistake, make a startling sound by clapping your hands. This will often stop him mid pee. The scoop him up and take him to the right spot. When he finishes what he started, praise him.

Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon

Please, don’t expect your puppy to be completely housebroken until six months of age. Even at 4 months old, puppies have little bladder or bowel control.

Housebreaking An Older Dog

The same methods for housebreaking a puppy can be used for an older dog as well. Establish your dog’s sleeping, eating, and elimination area. Spend as much time with your dog as possible and be patient. Give yourself and your new adult dog time to get to know each other.

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As a potential poodle owner, you must consider two very important facts about owning a poodle before bringing one into your home.

1. Human Companionship is Required
   Your poodle wants to be with you – included in all family activities and treated with the same kindness and respect as any other family member. Treat your poodle right and you’ll have an adoring, intelligent and stable companion for many years to come.
2. Frequent Grooming is Essential
   Most allergy sufferers can live with a poodle because of their virtually non-shedding coat. This comes with a price – a constant cycle of brushing, combing, clipping and trimming. The poodle is one of the most expensive breeds to maintain. Good grooming will not only keep your poodle looking good, she will be healthier.

Before getting a poodle, ask yourself some important questions:

• Are you willing to make your poodle a member of the family and take her needs and desires into consideration when making family decisions?
• Are you able to devote the time necessary to raise your poodle puppy and meet your adult dog’s exercise and grooming needs?
• Can you keep a fairly consistent schedule so your poodle knows when to expect her walks, meals and playtime?
• Can you afford the professional grooming -or- Will you learn how to groom your poodle? Even if you take your dog to a professional groomer, are you able to spend 2 to 5 hours home grooming each week?
• Are you able to provide the veterinary care your poodle requires?
• Are you committed to caring for a poodle her entire life which could be 15 years or more?

If you are hesitant about making any of these commitments, you shouldn’t get a poodle. You don’t want to end up in a situation where neither you or the dog is happy.

Where To Look For Your Poodle

You’re ready to make the commitment and start looking for your poodle. You’ll need to decide on size, color, gender, and whether you want an adult or a puppy.

To locate a RESCUE or BREEDER REFERRAL person in your area, visit The Poodle Club of America website. Click on your state on the map at the bottom to the page. A list of affiliate clubs with names and phone numbers of their RESCUE and BREEDER REFERRAL persons will appear.

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