Cynthia F.'s profile

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commented answer Why is there no selection for Standard Poodle in the breeds?

If a were looking for a sitter, not being able to choose Standard Poodle would stop me from using the site

commented answer Why is there no selection for Standard Poodle in the breeds?

I thought the message came from Rover. Sorry. Still new. My guess is a lot of Standard owners, like me, either take their dogs with them or have other Standard owners to dog sit for them.

answered a question Do poodles shed?

No. With an ever growing coat they do not shed like other dogs.

They do lose hair and it does stay in their coats as is mentioned above. I have two Standard Poodles and never find their hair on anything but their brushes.

However, the do have just as much dander as any dog only it tends to stay on them. They are not hypoallergenic as some believe. No dog is.

answered a question How should I clip my poodle?

I am not a professional groomer, but I have two Standard Poodles I groom myself. I started grooming out of necessity because my first Poodle had a issue with bloat and could no longer be left at the groomer. I learned by reading and watching YouTube videos. You will mess up, but don't sweat it, it's hair it will grow back. Check out my profile to see my grooming for yourself. You'll see my Poodles.

The hardest part of grooming of Poodle is the bathing and drying. I do Yoga in order to stay in shape for grooming.

  1. Get the this book, Poodle Clipping and Grooming my Shirlee Kalstone. It will give you an overview of what's required. It includes cut guides for all the popular trims. You can skip the show coat stuff unless you plan to show.

  2. Do not buy cheap equipment. I have an Olster A6 clipper with 4 #10 blades and 2 3F blades. I have a pair of 9" curved blade finishing scissors that cost about $125 (worth every penny). Invest in good brushes. I use a Chris Christsen Big K also worth the price and butter combs by the same company. The best poodle brush I've ever come across is by La Pooch, but the Big K is good at half the price.

  3. You must have a grooming table. The bone shaped ones are the best of the fixed height tables. If you can afford a hydraulic table, go for it.

  4. Find a groomer in your area who allows self-washes and that is willing to help you when needed. This is invaluable. It is extremely difficult to bathe a Standard Poodle in a bath tube. You will need access to their high capacity dryer as well. Places like PetSmart and Pet Supply Plus use to much soap in their self washes; so, if you end up there, bring your own shampoo. Also, their dryers are usually not the best.

  5. Join a local Poodle Club. They often do grooming seminars for new poodle owners. Go to the Poodle Club of America's site and look for a club in your area.

  6. Watch YouTube videos on how to brush your poodle. Proper brushing makes grooming so much easier. I line-brush, at lest once every 3 days.

  7. The sanitary is the most important part of the groom for the dogs health. This is the face, ears, belly, butt, feet and nails. Have a vet tech show you how to pluck the ears, express the anal glands and trim the nails. Also, have them show you about dental care. I scape plaque off my dog's teeth myself, but not every one is comfortable with this.

  8. Jump right in. Use the clippers on yourself if you are nervous about hurting the dog. You are more likely to nick the dog with scissors than the clippers.

  9. Poodle feet are the hardest part of clipping. For a long time I used the clippers on the ...

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answered a question What breed of dog would make a good trail and camping dog?

Standard Poodle.

They are extremely smart and can go all day. They are hunting dogs and have the perfect blend of all-day energy and loyalty. They are big enough that you don't have to worry about them on the trail, yet light enough to swing over your saddle if needed. I trail walk my Poodles off-leash all the time. Best trail dogs ever as long as you train them.

Plus their coat protects them to a degree from mosquito bits and ticks. You can trim them any way you like. There is a famous quote about the Standard Poodles:

"Poodles are Labs with a college education. My Poodle will do anything your Labrador will do. After a day of retrieving in the field, your Lab wants to curl up and snore in front of the fire. My Poodle wants to be a fourth at bridge and tell naughty stories." --Ann Rogers Clark

commented answer Why is there no selection for Standard Poodle in the breeds?

But you have Standard Schnauser? It has been my experience that unless it says Standard Poodle, people get it in their head the dog is small. I only leave my dogs with other Standard Poodle owners.

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commented answer Person at home during Drop In Visits???

This is a great response. I'm going to save it and hope I never need it.

commented answer Is the charge for 1/2 hour walk for one dog or what if I have more than one dog but its still only 1/2 hour?

I would agree with this. I have on my profile that I am comfortable with pack walking up to 3 dogs.

answered a question Does my puppy have anxiety at my parents’ house?

Very often our dogs pick-up on our anxiety. By any chance are you more anxious at your parents house? Do you have a negative situation in your life right now? That could be setting her off.

commented answer I have a client who wants to book me for 8 nights of boarding over a holiday. Her dog is dog-aggressive so I won't be able to book any others. Am I better off to decline ?

I agree. On the other hand, I hope you do a meet and greet to ensure you can handle the dog. If I were able to board dogs in my home, I would take a dog like this because these are the people who cannot leave their dog at a kennel. But I have experience with dog addressee dogs.

commented answer I have a client who wants to book me for 8 nights of boarding over a holiday. Her dog is dog-aggressive so I won't be able to book any others. Am I better off to decline ?

This is a great solution.

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answered a question My dog-sitter let my dog damage my home - how would you react?

This is a difficult one. Dogs will react differently to new people. But again you did tell her to crate the dog. She should be reprimanded in some way. I think I would either deduct part of her fee or make her pay half the repair.

See what Rover recommends.

answered a question What are some housecleaning products that are effective AND safe to use around dogs?

You are smart. Anything with a strong scent is not good for dogs because of their sensitive noses. I use vinegar and baking soda for everything. Vinegar is a great germ killer. As good as bleach.

I have never done, but I understand you can use vinegar in a shampooer. Vinegar, baking soda and hot water are my go cleaners for everything. Occasionally I have to use ammonia, but it dissipates quickly. I always open the windows when using ammonia.

answered a question Why is my dog throwing up yellow foam?

Dogs do this when their stomach is upset. If it keeps happening seek the advice of a vet.

answered a question Am I doing enough for my dog before, during and after crating??

Sounds like you are doing the right things. The only other possibility would be to have a dog room in your house. Crating him is better than surgery. It will get better as he gets older.

commented answer Limping puppy!! Please help?

My poodle (3 years) fell off a table and was limping on his back leg. I could not find where he was hurt. The vet found it in minutes. It was his hip. He was on pain meds and leash walks for a week. He is good now. Pay for the vet.

answered a question She won’t eat all of her food. Am I giving too much?

It is good for dogs to self-regulate. The biggest health problem dogs face is obesity. Do not force her to eat. Let her eat what she wants and then pick-up the food. Sounds like a smart dog that knows her limits. I had a JRT that was like this and never had a weight issue with him.

commented question She won’t eat all of her food. Am I giving too much?

What is the food? I have two poodles and they are 54 lbs and the recommendation is 1 cup twice a day. Don't force her to eat. It is great if your dog self-regulates. Let her eat all she wants and then pick-up the bowl.

asked a question Why is there no selection for Standard Poodle in the breeds?

I noticed when adding my dogs to my profile that there is no selection for Standard Poodle. Although I never leave my Poodles with anyone, I thought as a dog sitter, it would be a big surprise if you were expecting a small dog? If the weight was overlooked it could make for an akward first meeting.

There is a Standard Schnauzer.

Poodles come in three sizes Standard, Miniature and Toy and they are not just different sizes. They have different needs.