The Training of Standard Poodles. What Every Owner Needs to Know

Standard Poodles tend to surprise people. For those who only know them from their traditional sculpted show-ring appearance, it is easy to assume they are dainty or high maintenance. But behind the poms and precision clips is a clever athletic and incredibly trainable dog with a huge amount of personality.

In this Breed Spotlight, we are putting the Standard Poodle front and centre. We are cutting through the fluff to give you a proper look at what life with this breed is really like. Whether you are just starting your research or actively looking to bring one home, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

What is a Standard Poodle Really Like?

The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three poodle varieties. The others being Miniature and Toy. It was originally bred as a water retriever. Yes, despite the prim and proper image, this breed’s background is rooted in hard work and practical function.

These dogs are sharp. Often ranked in the top three for intelligence, they learn quickly, retain information easily and thrive when they are given purpose. They are also surprisingly sturdy, athletic and playful. A well-bred Standard Poodle has energy, grace and just the right amount of mischief.

They are also known for their emotional intelligence. These dogs pick up on human moods and are often incredibly responsive to their owner’s behaviour. This makes them excellent companions, especially when training is approached with clarity and consistency.

Temperament and Behaviour

Standard Poodles are friendly, alert and intuitive. They tend to get along well with people, children and other dogs, especially when properly socialised from an early age. They are neither overly shy nor excessively bold but can lean toward caution in unfamiliar environments.

Their intelligence means they can outsmart even experienced dog owners if boundaries are not clear. It is not uncommon for a Standard Poodle to test limits in subtle ways. Skipping commands they do not feel like following or pretending not to hear you when something more interesting is going on.

The key to success with this breed is mutual understanding. They are not pushovers, but they also do not respond well to heavy or inconsistent handling. If you communicate clearly and provide structure, they will rise to the occasion.

Training a Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles excel in obedience, agility, scent work, tracking and advanced tricks. Their eagerness to learn makes them a dream for people who enjoy training. They often thrive in environments where learning is part of everyday life.

Because they are so tuned in to their environment, they do best with low distraction training early on. Gradually building up to more challenging settings avoids frustration on both sides and sets the dog up for long term success.

Reward based training is the foundation of good Poodle development. These dogs respond beautifully to clear, positive methods, especially when combined with calm feedback. Harsh corrections often backfire and can cause anxiety or hesitation.

A Standard Poodle is not satisfied with basic obedience alone. They benefit from ongoing challenge. Trick training, scent games, focused recall work and canine sports are excellent ways to keep their minds and bodies engaged.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Standard Poodles are not hyperactive but they do require daily physical and mental outlets. They enjoy structured walks, games of fetch, water play and anything that challenges them physically and mentally.

At least one hour of daily exercise is a healthy baseline, though they will happily do more. If you are someone who enjoys hiking, running or spending time outdoors, a Standard Poodle is likely to be an ideal companion.

Mental stimulation is just as important. Without enough engagement, boredom can develop quickly. That often leads to behaviours like digging, barking or chewing that can be difficult to manage without structure.

Grooming and Coat Care

Let us talk about the coat because it is a significant part of owning a Poodle. Standard Poodles have a dense, curly, low shedding coat that requires regular grooming. While this can be helpful for allergy sensitive households, it also means coat maintenance is not optional.

Without routine care, the coat mats easily and can become uncomfortable or even painful. You will need to brush several times a week and book professional grooming every four to six weeks. Some owners choose to learn to groom at home, but many prefer to work with a trusted salon.

On the plus side, Poodles do not shed fur in the usual sense and you will not find hair on every surface in the house. Regular maintenance keeps them clean, healthy and looking their best.

Living with a Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are highly adaptable and can live happily in a variety of homes. They are well suited to family life, single households or even apartment living, provided their needs are met consistently.

They form strong bonds and often like to be near their people. While they can be comfortable being left alone for short periods, they are not dogs that cope well with long days of isolation. If you work away from home full time, consider building in support like a dog walker or structured day care.

Standard Poodles are expressive and often quite communicative. Many owners feel their dogs “talk” with their eyes or gestures. They thrive on human connection and do best with owners who enjoy that kind of closeness.

Are Standard Poodles Good for First Time Owners?

They absolutely can be. Standard Poodles are forgiving learners, emotionally intelligent and eager to connect. But they do require commitment. This is not a breed that flourishes with guesswork or an overly casual approach.

If you enjoy learning, working together and building a long term relationship with your dog, the Standard Poodle can be a brilliant fit. If you are after a low effort companion, there are easier breeds to manage.

Getting support early makes a difference. At Paws Academy, we work with owners both virtually and in person to build confidence and communication from day one.

Common Health Considerations

Standard Poodles are generally healthy but there are a few conditions to be aware of. These include hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, progressive retinal atrophy and bloat.

Reputable breeders carry out full health testing and will be transparent about results. If you are adopting, choose a rescue that provides vet checks and background information wherever possible.

With proper diet, regular exercise and early intervention where needed, Standard Poodles often enjoy long healthy lives.

Summary. Is the Standard Poodle Right for You?

The Standard Poodle offers intelligence, elegance and a surprising amount of drive. They are clever, people focused and always up for a challenge.

They are not low maintenance, and they do best with owners who enjoy an active lifestyle and ongoing training. But if you want a dog who truly understands you, learns fast and can adapt to many environments, the Standard Poodle could be the ideal choice.

Success comes from preparation and honesty. Know what you can give, understand what they need, and get help early if needed.

At Paws Academy, we work with Standard Poodle owners worldwide through virtual and in person training. Whether you are bringing home a puppy or looking for behaviour support, we are here to help you build a confident capable companion. Reach out today to see how we can support your journey.