How to Train a Teddy (Poodle)
📝 Summary
Teddies are smart and learn many commands with patient training. Core lessons: potty training with scented newspaper and praise, “sit” before meals, anti-barking, correcting bite habits, no begging at the table, and standing on hind legs for treats.
1 Potty Training
Fix a spot (a corner or apartment bathroom) and lay newspaper soaked with the dog’s urine and a bit of feces so it recognizes the scent as the toilet. Start with a large paper area, then shrink it. Praise when it goes on the paper; scold briefly and firmly if it goes elsewhere. Once the spot is set, don’t move it.
2 Sit (Best Before Meals)
At first the dog won’t understand “sit”; press its back down gently while giving the command until it sits calmly.
3 No Barking
Teddies are vocal. Teach when barking is okay and when not; when guests come, stop it without hugging (which rewards the behavior)—firmly say “no bark,” no hitting. For bored barking, don’t scold or the dog learns barking brings you over. Repeat before meals; reward quiet with a pat on the muzzle.
4 Correct Biting
Dogs naturally chase moving things, especially puppies; unchecked it turns nervous. Bring it near a weaker animal, stop it with “no” or a rebuke, pull it back, and explain why you’re displeased.
5 No Begging at the Table
Free-roaming Teddies beg at meals—never feed from the table, and teach it not to bark or jump. Pin it gently with your foot so it rubs against you and stops; then you can eat in peace.
6 Standing
Most Teddies can learn to stand on two legs: hold a treat high so it stretches up, then it learns to stand and eat. Or lift the front legs with a lead until it stands on its own.
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