Hi Everyone I just thought that I'd take a minute to introduce myself. I am from Tn. formerly from the Jersey shore. I am a Realtor specializing in waterfront property and I own 3 Standard Poodles, a Jack Russell and a Scottie rescue. About 20 years ago I was very active in the GSD club and now due to a variety of reasons I can no longer handle a dog that powerful. GSD have aalways been a love of mine since I was a kid,but, I have come to love the extremely versatile breed known as Poodles. I know a lot of you may scoff, but, as I relate what these guys can do, I am sure tht some of you will be amazed! Right now I have a bitch out in AKC conformation and the other two are heading that way when she finishes. I want to have titles at both ends.

Poodles are extremely intuitive and intelligent aand they absolutely NEED job. I have always been a dumbo about dog training and so I came here to try to refine the learning process. I would like to train the bitch as a service dog. I believe that she has the right aptitude. The two y.o. male would be good at hunt work or possibly herding. I swear he has the personality of a GSD in Poodle clothes. And then there is the 11/2 white bitch who I think would excel at obedience or agility. So, here I am, wanting to soak up knowledge. I am still very much on the learning curve with conformation as well. Growing these dogs coats is an education and a constant labor. Well, that should give you an idea of who I am and I hope to learn much from al of you.

Hi Gayle:

I have a Standard poodle also. I started coming to this site because of my interest in my GSDs, however when I have learned alot of information regarding my poodle also. (Even how to keep a bow in her hair).

My girl is 7 months old. She is red and extremely intellegent. I have so much fun training her. I do obedience, but, more tricks with her. I plan on using her as a therapy dog and to take her into my grandchildrens' school.

There is not many standards in the area where I live, and she sure gets alot of attention when we are out.

Sometimes, I think she can read my mind. I feed her a raw diet, which she loves. You will learn alot here.

Gayle: I think you are blessed to have your dogs. I enjoy poodles because they are very fun loving and have tons of heart.
I have a dream one day to have a standard poodle, but that isn't how it is for me right now. I have three wonderful terrior mixes I rescued, they are a blast too!
As a child, since I have asthma- I had a poodle, miniture. She didn't shed so she was the only kind of dog I could get, but she was the greatest, smart as a whip!
Good to meet you.

You are right! A well bred standard or mini poodle is a gem under all of that hair which can be shaved off!
If you don't think poodles can do it all check out some of these people!
http://www.jility.com
http://www.pooplastandardpoodles.com
http://www.geocities.com/jibandsuzicope/
http://www.vipoodle.org
http://www.harmonyhuntingpudels.com/RetrieverTraining.html
sonicagility.blogspot.com/
These Yahoo groups might help you out too.
agilitypoodle
huntingpoodle
obediencepoodle
http://www.poodle.org (The Poodle Support Group)
This forum is great (despite being GSD based!)
I used to be embarassed admitting I had a poodle amongst all of these tough working dogs, but I don't care now! I love them in all of their versatile glory.
My boy passed on in September 2006, but hopefully I'll be getting a new guy in January (if the dam is preggers!)
Welcome!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Yes, Poodles are very special! I am glad that there are people here open to Poodles. I had two beautiful GSD's back a ways and I absolutely adore them. Even now I am tempted. I also get sad when I see what is winning in the ring, Jimmy Moses' dogs for example. They win and win but they are so extreme that they look cripplled. If I ever did get another it would be from working lines. I am starting to feed my family raw, well almost; Honest Kitchen and raw meat. It has taken me a while. I also have been following Dr. Dodds protocol for vax. I am glad to see that there are like minded folks here. More than anything I want healthy, well behaved dogs. I can't wait to start reading and ordering DVD's. I always wanted to do SAR with one of my GSD's but the timing wasn't right and now I have been dx with MS so I know that I couldn't withstand the rigors unfortunately Maybe someday if I really feel like a competent trainer, I will add another GSD to the mix but right now I have my hands full especially with my male who thinks he is a GSD and the JR who thinks that he is a Pit. I run a ZOO>

Hi Gayle, Welcome to the forum! Just wanted to add that I have seen a few Standard Poodles in SAR and they do a great job! There are some SAR disciplines that may fit you and your poodles.

WOW!!! That is really good to know.