Weds 6th May: Good poodle information

This pom baby came in the morning and left late afternoon

We have a waiting list of potential adopters for small-sized puppies so when ones comes in, as happened today, we start to go through the applications and ask one by one if the potential adopter would like to come and meet the puppy.  In many cases the interest is no longer there or the puppy isn't suitable for whatever reason such as too small (the recent chihuahua) or too fluffy, today's baby pom.  Of course eventually we'll find someone who says yes, but it's frustrating to have to spend so much time chasing after people who have already adopted (or bought) or can't decide.  Because of this I want to ask a favour of everyone who wants to be added to the waiting list for a puppy, and that is to please just let us know if you want to be taken off.    In fact after the recent experiences it might be a good idea not to have a waiting list at all and simply let fate and opportunity take over.  There are other puppies or  small dogs who may be coming to us, and I have to stress the "may", so please keep checking in if you want to be contacted if it happens.

This is a file photo, not the actual dog coming

I know for sure that we have a standard poodle boy arriving on Thursday as he's coming from AFCD along with two (not baby) puppies and the two adult dogs from the cruelty case.  Standard poodles are quite rare these days as the labrador-poodle crosses have taken over in popularity, but they are very intelligent dogs, active and large sized, not to be confused with the much more common toy poodle.   I'd love to have a home lined up for this boy because he's one of those breeds that is really too big for the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, but doesn't really fit at Tai Po either.   Even if only a foster home where we can assess the behaviour (taking into account that he's already passed the AFCD assessment) can anyone help?  Please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, or complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/
This is general information about standard poodles I took from the internet, and it applies to all sizes too. Many people have misconceptions about Poodles -- that they look and act like "sissy" dogs.

That is one of the biggest myths in dogdom.

First, ignore the silly show-ring clips. Poodles can be clipped into shorthaired, normal -looking dogs who are a snap to brush. Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds.

Second, Standard Poodles are elegant, energetic athletes who move with a light, springy gait. They excel in advanced obedience competition, where retrieving and jumping skills are required, and in agility (obstacle course) competitions, where they fly over and under and through the obstacles with a strength and grace that is breathtaking to watch.

Even better, a good Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. He is a "thinking" dog who pays rapt attention to his owner, learns quickly, and responds eagerly to positive training methods. Indeed, Standard Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulation in order to be happy -- advanced obedience classes (not just basic), agility classes, or challenging games such as hide 'n seek, or fetching a variety of named toys. This intelligent breed cannot simply sit in the backyard and be ignored.

Most Standard Poodles make great watchdogs and some even have mild (and sensible) protective instincts, but this is not an aggressive breed. Their attitude toward people varies from friendly to politely reserved. Early socialization is important to avoid excessive watchfulness or timidity.

With other dogs and cats, Standard Poodles are usually peaceful and accepting.

However, this breed is by no means perfect or low-maintenance. Besides the regular clipping (every 4-6 weeks), they need a good deal of daily exercise. Their energy level varies from moderate to high and they require brisk walks, jogging, swimming, and/or vigorous play sessions to keep them fit, satisfied, and calm indoors.

Standard Poodles also need a lot of daily companionship. They suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much.

Most Standard Poodles are "soft" and sensitive dogs, sometimes hypersensitive. If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are not good with small children.

Similarly, Standard Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household -- they prefer peace and harmony.

You do have to watch your lines: some Standard Poodle lines are high-strung, nervous, even neurotic.

Sweet little Cherry is waiting for you

I don't know why sweet puppy Cherry is still waiting for a home as she is a lovely girl.  Also still waiting and hoping for the right home is French bulldog Romeo, a boy with some issues that he needs to sort out but who can only do that if he has a home without other dogs or children.   I know the right person is out there somewhere.

Romeo looks good in green