[simona]

Hi everyone,

We are thinking of adopting a standard poodle, yay! Her owner has several other dogs and can no longer care for all of them. We met the dog for an hour and she seems friendly and loving. Her owner has had her since she was a puppy; she is 1.5 years old now. I am told the dog is housebroken. I am not sure if the dog knows the main commands, but we would enjoy teaching her. Is 1.5 to 2 years old still a good age to teach a standard poodle new commands & bond with her? What else... Her coat looked fine to me, although it is hard to tell because she plays in a yard a lot and needs a groom soon. Is there anything else I should consider, especially health-wise? This would be my hubby’s first dog and I want to make sure it isn’t a rough experience. She is spayed and we would get the spay and vaccination certificate. Are there any other documents I need to ask for? Her owner got her from a breeder as a puppy, so do I need to ask for a certificate that verifies her age etc.?
Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[flyingduster]

hehe, this sounds familier!!

Paris was a year old when she was surrendered, knowing NOTHING (except that 'come' meant to run away faster.... hmm), it wasn't until she was at least 18 months before I was starting to spend more time with her, and the more time I spent with her, the more she bonded to me.

She is now (3.5 years old) very much MY dog, we do obedience and a little agility, and apart from my old terrier, she's the first dog my hubby has had around too, so he's had to have a learning curve to live with a big dog around!!

So basically, a very similar situation, she was loved, but had no real life, no training, and was much the same age. I had NO problem training her, though she's still got some bad habits that ahev carried through (ie CHASING) but they're not as bad as it was! She bonded to me and hubby without a problem etc, and we adore her.

Go for it

 

[jak]

Definitely go for it!
Flyingduster is right!

I got my Standard Poodle just over a year ago at 3 1/2, she came to me very unsocialised, very badly ungroomed, but she knew sit, down and stay, and of course very loving!
After a year of attending agility and obedience classes 2 times a week, I have finally gotten her to the stage where she can meet new dogs fine, sometimes with a wee grumble lol
So yes, she will be very trainable. She'll thrive under your care, especially being an only dog. Standard Poodles love to perform and do things to please their owners.

GO FOR IT!!!!

 

[Mandycasey'smom]

OMG yes go for it save her to be the PRINCESS she should be.
You can train most dogs and I can't imagine a poodle any age would be difficult.
I know of quite a few people on my other board that have rescued older girls then that and have not seen any issues.
If any issues and even if not a Training class of any type is wonderful bonding experience.
How was she with your husband? Some might have if she is a little timid have him feed her mostly so she learns to trust him otherwise
Yahhhhhhh good luck to you

 

[plumcrazy]

Sounds exciting!!! Do you have a picture of her (not that it matters in your decision... I just like to look at poodles!!!)

Good luck!

 

[simona]

Thanks everyone. I called today to adopt the poodle that we saw this weekend and was told that they already gave her to someone else. I am so heartbroken right now... I know that I should have acted fast, but I really wanted to sleep on it as she is the first dog that we saw in our search.
Who knows when is the next time I will get to meet a young, sweet spoo rescue that is a good fit ( At least it's good to have found this forum where one can see pictures and hear fun stories about this wonderful breed.

 

[Aidan]

Well just remember there are always dogs in need of homes, i'm sure another will come along!

To answer the question about adopting an older dog it can have great benefits and also some cons as well, it really depends on the dog, the situation and how the transition goes.

Many people adopt older dogs thinking they will be able to skip the house training and chewing, etc... but that's not really true. Most adults need time to adjust, and in that time they may have an accident or several accidents while they learn your rules. It doesn't mean they were not house broken or anything it just means they're adjusting.

Sometimes they don't eat for a day or two while they adjust as well, might need more frequent bathroom breaks especially if they are nervous or anxious in their new home.

Try to find out everything you can about a dog before you adopt them, even if you dont have cats, other dogs or kids it's always a good idea to know how this dog may act if they were to come in contact on a walk or a trip to the park/vet, etc...

It's never too late for a dog, especially one as smart as a standard poodle to learn. Dog training is a life long process, it doesn't just happen when they are puppies.

I saw some guy wearing a t-shirt a long time ago when I worked at a pet supply store. He was a dog trainer and on the back of his shirt it said "How long does it take to teach a dog to sit?" and then further below it said "A lifetime" and it's pretty much true! Never stop training.

In any case when you find that dog you sound like you have done plenty of research and i'm sure it will be a good transition. It might not be easy, some of the better things in life never are but it will be rewarding!