Dear Dog Talk: I read your column every week and appreciate the service that you provide to dog owners. I do not currently own a dog, but I do have a question. Why do poodle owners, mainly those with show dogs, shave them in a way that makes them look foolish⢠Where did the idea come from to shave a dog bald except for a few oddly placed tufts of hair shaped like pompoms⢠Not only do these dogs look silly, but also doesn't the bare skin cause them to not be protected from cold in the winter and heat in the summer?
Dear Poodle Puzzler: I know that originally poodles were bred as hunting dogs that retrieved birds from the water. However, I'm not a dog show person, so I had to do a little research to find an answer for you about their unique hairdo.
According to the "Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs," the "continental clip remains the classic cut for show poodles. At one time this practice was eminently sensible: The dogs could swim more easily with their long coats trimmed, and bands of hair left on the legs and forequarters protected joints and vital organs from the cold."
Many years ago I adopted a 2-year-old black standard poodle that was going to be euthanized because of behavioral problems. Jossie truly was a very "adoptable dog." All she needed was a structured life and obedience training in order to turn her into a wonderful dog. As a matter of fact, she ended up earning two American Kennel Club obedience titles.
Unlike AKC dog shows where the continental clip is mandatory, the American Kennel Club does not mandate any specific coiffure in order for a poodle to compete in obedience trials. I kept Jossie in what is called a "kennel clip." The fur on her body and ears was left moderately long. Her feet and face were shaved short. On the top of her head she had a trimmed top knot and a trimmed pompom on the end of her tail. The kennel clip was very practical, and she looked very cute when she was freshly groomed. She did not look at all silly in this hairdo; however, I must admit it sounds a little silly describing it in writing.
Although Jossie never experienced the poodle show dog clip, I did try to use the continental clip as a motivator for the obedience ring. Many of our obedience trials were held in conjunction with dog shows. A few times, right before it was Jossie's turn to compete in the obedience ring, I would bring her over to the show ring where the poodles were being exhibited. I would show Jossie the poodles with the "silly haircuts" and say, "That's the haircut you're going to get if you mess up today!" I actually think it might have worked a few times.
Dear Readers: Here is the latest Sophie update. My little black Labrador puppy is growing fast. She is just 4 months old and weighs about 26 pounds. She is doing great with her housebreaking, but I'm still running a really tight ship. She is only out of her crate in the house right after she has "done her bidness" outside. Her mouthing (puppy biting) has improved a lot. She is getting the idea of what is appropriate to chew (her toys) and what is not (every thing else in my house) but of course she cannot be left unsupervised.
I have begun gently compelling her to sit and down as I say the command. My goal is to simply show her what I want in association with the command. I have also started sit-stay for short periods of time. She is a dog that seems to enjoy learning.
I introduced Sophie to a training collar this week. I allow her to wear it for short periods of time (half-hour to an hour) while I supervise her. She scratches at it, rolls on it and tries to bite it. After a few days she will feel accustomed to the collar. Once she is, I will begin teaching her controlled walking.
My springer, Crea, has actually begun playing with her. Crea dominates Sophie as they play, but the puppy loves the interaction. As a matter of fact, she adores Crea, and I think Crea finds Sophie amusing. Watching the canine behavior exhibited by the two of them is truly fascinating. It has really reinforced to me what a valid approach "training through a canine point of view" is. I'll keep you posted on her progress.
