Choosing A Crate For Your Standard Poodle

by Richard Cussons


Crate is one of the most indispensable tools used in training a dog of any breed - be it as dignified as a Standard Poodle or as great as a Great Dane. Apart from being an indispensable training tool, crate also provides security, safety, protection of household goods and safety during travel. Now that you have discovered the many benefits of crate and have decided to use it for your Standard Poodle, your next step is to buy one. But before you finally rush to the nearest pet store or make a purchase online, you should at least know the factors to consider when buying a crate.

Crates may be made of collapsible wire mesh, wood or molded plastic. Collapsible wire mesh crates are ideal for transport and have great air flow but difficult to clean considering the debris trapped within the meshing. While wooden crate fits appropriately with your furniture, it is difficult to move. Crate made of molded plastic is lightweight and easy to clean but do not collapse making it difficult to transport. Determine which style of crate best suits your dog's needs.

The size of the crate is another factor to consider. It should be large enough for your Standard Poodle to stand up without hitting his head and turn around at the same time lay down stretched out flat on his side. If you still have a puppy, it is wise to choose a crate size that will accommodate his adult size. It is always better to have a crate that is large than too small for a dog. To prevent your puppy from eliminating at one end and retreat to the other, better block off the excess space with movable wire or board partition. Movable wire or partition can be made or purchased from any pet supply stores.

The crate can become a den substitute - their home they can call their own, thus comfort should be considered. Look for one with a smooth floor and care to add some of his favorite toys and soft bedding material. Do not expect that your dog will gladly get inside the crate at once, but with proper introduction and association, he will eventually love to get in and out of that little sanctuary.

What If My Standard Poodle Is Obese?

by Richard Cussons

A Standard Poodle may not be genetically predisposed to becoming overweight but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Every dog, regardless of breed, should be given close attention when it comes to food intake and exercise so as to prevent obesity. A healthy Standard Poodle with ideal weight can avoid the following health risks associated with obesity:

Heart Disease. Just like in people, obesity can be associated with high blood pressure or hypertension. The heart must pump additional blood to excess tissues and may eventually lead to congestive heart failure.

Breathing Problem. The additional body fat can increase pressure on a dog's lungs and interfere with normal function. The excess fat results in less space in the chest cavity thus restricts the expansion of the lungs. The lungs then have to work harder to supply the increased demand of oxygen.

Arthritis. In an overweight dog, the joints, bones and ligaments are required to carry excess weight. This could damage certain ligaments or joints making it harder to move around. Arthritis and hip dysplasia can eventually develop resulting to difficulty in going up stairs, getting into cars or just going for a walk.

Surgical Risk. The excess fat makes surgery more difficult for the surgeon as this may hinder the access to the organs you are looking for thus prolonging the procedure and increases the risk associated with anesthesia.

Decreased Stamina. An overweight or obese dog exhibits less physical activities because those extra weight can slow down a dog.

Other health risks are diabetes mellitus, decreased stamina, heat intolerance, skin problems and decreased liver and immune function.

To sum it all up, obesity, a what seems to be a minor health issue causes other complications that can decrease the quality and length of a dog's life. Dog owners should bear in mind that fat dogs don't necessarily mean healthy dogs. Losing weight is not easy but if you want to spend long years of companionship and love with your Standard Poodle, do your best to keep him fit. All it takes is your time, effort and commitment to achieve that weight of your dreams.