Helping Puppy 
1. Take him to the vet yearly, making sure that his shots are up to date and that his health is good.
2. Does he ride in the car a lot? Sometimes, little ones can get sick from extended trips.
3. Careful with the activity level. VERY young puppies, must be treated as a babies. This includes requiring some rest during the day.
4. What dog food are you using? Use a proven high quality dog food. This will make a tremedous difference in the beauty of the coat, eyes, energy level and life span. We continually read the latest research with regard to canine nutrition. We are happy to make a recommendation.
5. Changes in diet can cause a puppy to have an upset stomach, even changes in water can sometimes cause tummy aches for a few days (some water is more hard or soft than others) . Clean the water container every day-- this will help also. I recommend using a stainless steel or glass water bowl, as the plastic food and water dishes harbor odors and even bacteria's that we cannot see.
7. Don't make a habit of feeding people food to your puppy. In fact, I never give mine ANY except an occasional piece of cheese, fresh meat or liver (which they especially love). Both grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure. Candies and gum often contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause a rapid drop in your dog's blood sugar. A chemical in onions damages dogs' blood cells and can cause anemia; One small onion may be fatal. Never leave macadamia nuts within your pet's reach. A compound in macadamias may leave your dog with temporary paralysis in his hind legs. And, chocolate can be deadly. Never feed it.
8. Stay clear of pig's ears and other PORK based chews. The compounds in pork can interfere with the pancreas and make your pet sick. Beef and Chicken based chews are perfectly acceptable, under supervision.
Potty Training 
1. Pay attention to the times "when" your puppy successfully relieves himself outside. Try to take him out as close to the same times as possible. Pups tend to have bowl movements at the same times of day also.
2. Notice the puppy sign of sniffing the carpet and circlilng. This will tell you that he's searching for a place to potty.... So rush him to the door!
3. Take him to the SAME EXACT spot to potty every time. He will smell it on the ground, and this will encourage him to do the same. He will also know your purpose in bringing him there.
4. Remember to give him PLENTY of chances to potty outside. You want to make success a habit! Aged 8-10 weeks, he is unable to "hold" it.
5. Praise, Praise, Praise! Every time he relieves himself outside, you must make a HUGE fuss. He needs to know how much this pleases you.
6. Be sure you get your puppy spayed or neutered before 6 months of age. This will curb its desire to "mark territory" considerably. And, males are not the only ones who mark territory, unspayed females mark their territory by urinating as well.
Grooming 
1. Poodles should be groomed an average of every 4 - 6 weeks, and should be kept on a regular routine so that skin and eyes remain healthy and beautiful.
2. Talk, Talk, Talk! I cannot over emphasize the importance of communicating with your groomer. If possible, find a picture, either on your own or in the grooming shop, of how you want your dog to look after the grooming. Don't be afraid to tell the groomer what you liked about the grooming job and what you would like to see changed next time. Most pet owners are upset when too much hair is removed during the grooming process, or when they are surprised by shaving patterns. The groomers become frustrated at not being able to "read the minds" of their clients. The worst thing you can do is to drop the puppy off without any conversation. The groomer prides him/herself in pleasing you. Please talk honestly with him/her so that he/she may do a fantastic job!
First time suggestions: Tell the groomer that you want a "Puppy Pet Clip" or "Lamb Clip" (Two different names for the same clip). This will indicate to the groomer that you're not asking her to fix your dog for show, but for pet. Cost will range in price from one salon to another, depending upon the experience of the groomer and the economic climate of your community. Groomers should include ear cleaning and toenail clipping in their service. Some even include perfume, ribbons and brushing the teeth.
ATTENTION! Especially important to ALL TOY BREEDS: Schedule your poodle a twice yearly dental cleaning with your vet!! ALL TOY BREEDS are highly susceptible to dental decay. Prevention is MUCH EASIER and MUCH CHEAPER than the loss of the teeth. The first cleaning/dental exam should be performed between 10 months- 1 year. The vet will extract any stubborn baby teeth that should come out at this time also. Baby teeth that do not fall out or are not extracted will cause disease and have the potential to alter the bite and force the permanent teeth into bad positions.
