Poodles are the kind of dogs you often see competing in dog shows. These dogs look formal and classy. They join competitions because of their superb intelligence and ability to be mobile and skillful.
Poodles win conformation awards for their beauty. It may surprise you that they are even-tempered and make excellent family pets.
If you’re thinking about poodles as family pets, there’s only one question you need to answer: Are poodles good with kids? And the simplest answer to this question is a definite yes.
Poodles are one of the best dog breeds for a family dog.
Which type of poodle is best for kids?
If you are considering poodles as companions for your kids, the next question you may have is what type of poodle to get. Poodles are categorized by size as standard, miniature, and toy poodles.
According to the American Kennel Club, the standard poodle can be 15 inches or more tall, miniature poodles are 10 to 15 inches, and toy poodles are 10 inches or below.
Since all these dogs have the same natural intelligence and mobility, the decision lies with the size you prefer for your children.
A miniature or toy poodle would be a great choice if you want a smaller and more manageable dog. Remember, though, that smaller dogs can be more delicate, so your children will need to handle them with love and care.
For those who love big dogs, a standard poodle is an excellent option for you and your kids.
Poodles as family pets: Qualities that work well with children
Poodles may seem slow and always be seen strutting at show dogs, but do not let their behavior and looks fool you.
The dogs are chosen in these competitions because they easily comprehend their owners’ instructions. And their fur can be designed to look elegant and beautiful. But they are suitable for children of any age. Some of the qualities of poodles that work well with children include:
- Athletic: Can play hours and hours with kids without getting tired
- Smart: This intelligent breed understands commands and follows instructions
- Trainable: Can be trained so that they behave with children
- Affectionate: Poodles of all sizes are very loving to people
- Gentle: Although they are athletic, they are also very gentle dogs
- Patient: The dogs are calm and can spend long periods with children
Foster the bond between poodles and children
Poodles can be trained to behave in a way suitable for families. Children, on the other hand, are a different matter.
Kids have distinct ways of turning something organized into a mess! They will try to do everything according to their liking without considering the consequences.
This also pertains to their behavior toward dogs. They can be quite loving and affectionate in a moment, but turn into pesky kids in an instant. What should you do?
- Set ground rules for the kids. Make sure that they understand every single one.
- Set a time for playing with the dogs
- Start training the poodle for proper behavior. If you can hire a professional to train the dog, you can do so.
Tips for restoring peace
It is quite unavoidable for the poodle and your child to fight, especially when they are very young. The child may hit the dog, pull the tail, throw stuff at it, take the pet food, and do other things.
Dogs are generally patient with their owners, but can also reach their limit and retaliate against the child.
When this happens, make sure to separate the kid and the poodle. Most parents will side with the child and punish the dog.
But this should not always be the case. If the child is wrong, you should teach him about his misbehavior.
Ensure he knows what he did was incorrect and that the event will not happen again.
If the poodle caused the fight, you should also discipline the dog.
Poodles are very smart and will understand your instructions, so be patient.
Train your poodle
To be sure that your poodle will get along with your kids, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Have the dog socialize with kids and other people, even as a puppy
If you can get a young poodle, you should start having your dog interact with people, especially kids. This will help the dog understand that being alongside kids and people is a healthy environment.
- Train your dog
While your emphasis should always be on basic obedience training for the dog, you also need to train your children. Both children and dogs need rules and boundaries, and you must supervise their interactions.
- Introduce the poodle to your kid’s stuff
One of the main reasons dogs and kids fight is that the dog takes what the kid is playing with or holding. To prevent this, you should introduce the poodle to these items and teach him not to get and bite on them.
Teach kids to handle your dog
Training should be for both the dog and the kids. Kids should be taught how to handle dogs properly and not interrupt them while eating or sleeping.
Kids also need to be taught not to tease the dog, hit the dog, or pull on the dog’s ears or tail.
Children also benefit from learning about how to care for the poodle.
They should know about the responsibilities of taking care of the dog.
Some of the tasks that they should understand and eventually do are bathing the dog, feeding the dog, brushing their curly coats, cutting nails, and going to the vet.
Health benefits of adding a poodle
Having a poodle as a family pet offers several health benefits for children and adults.
One key advantage is increased physical activity; poodles need regular exercise, encouraging family members to be more active through daily walks and playtime.
This can enhance cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Poodles also contribute to mental well-being by providing companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and stress.
Their affectionate nature strengthens emotional bonds within the family, and interacting with them can release oxytocin, the “love hormone.”
Additionally, owning a poodle can foster social interactions with other pet owners at parks or events, combating isolation, especially in new neighborhoods.
Lastly, poodles are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for families with allergies and allowing them to enjoy pet companionship without respiratory issues.
Challenges in adding a poodle
Introducing a poodle into a household with children can be rewarding, but it is essential to be aware of potential challenges.
While poodles are hypoallergenic, some children may still have allergies, so it is crucial to assess sensitivities before bringing one home.
Poodles, especially standard ones, have high energy levels and need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Children might not fully understand this need, leading to frustration if the dog becomes restless.
Consistent training is essential, as poodles require guidance on interacting calmly with kids, who may struggle with this concept.
The poodle’s temperament matters; different sizes have varying energy levels, and a standard poodle could unintentionally overwhelm younger children.
Close supervision is necessary to ensure safe interactions and prevent rough play.
There is typically an adjustment period for the dog and the children as they acclimate to each other’s presence.
This transition can bring initial anxiety or territorial behaviors that require patience.
Raising a poodle with young children also demands a significant time commitment for training and care, so parents must be ready for this additional responsibility.
The dogs also require regular grooming with a professional groomer, which can be expensive.
Final thoughts: Are poodles good with kids?
Poodles are gifted with the ability to absorb commands and information quickly. Once properly trained and motivated, they can be excellent companions for kids and make great family dogs.
The combination of the dog’s puffy fur and the right size makes poodles very cuddly for their owners.
They can guard babies and houses because of their innate heightened sense of their surroundings. Poodles are good with kids. Children in your home will be very fond of poodles in no time!
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