3 Common Standard Poodle Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Standard Poodles are brilliant, elegant working dogs who thrive on mental challenges. Give their incredible intelligence a purpose, and they'll become the devoted, impressive companions they were bred to be.

Where Do Standard Poodles Come From?

Standard Poodles were originally bred in Germany as water retrievers. The name "Pudel" means "to splash in water." They were later refined and standardised in France, where they became the national breed.

Developed over several centuries, with written records dating to the 1400s, they were working dogs for hunters, not the pampered show dogs many assume. The distinctive clip pattern has functional origins.

What were they bred to do?

Standard Poodles had important hunting jobs:

• Retrieve waterfowl from cold water for hunters
• Work independently with intelligence and problem-solving ability
• Swim strongly in harsh conditions
• Carry game gently with a soft mouth
• Communicate through barking when they detected game

Later, they were used for circus performances due to their trainability and showmanship.

Key breeding traits:

Poodles have exceptional intelligence (consistently rated the second most intelligent breed). They're highly trainable with outstanding problem-solving ability and an alert, watchful nature.

Their hypoallergenic coat requires extensive grooming. They notice everything and were bred to communicate through barking when they detected changes. They have strong handler focus and versatile working ability across multiple tasks.

Why Do Standard Poodles Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Standard Poodle isn't being difficult. Now they exist in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy) with Standards closest to the original working dog. They're used for everything from service work to show, but most are companions.

Their working intelligence remains extremely strong - they need jobs for mental stimulation. Their alert nature and intelligence often manifest as anxiety without proper outlets.

They were bred to notice subtle changes in their environment and anticipate handler needs whilst hunting. Without a job, this awareness becomes anxious scanning.

Problem 1: Excessive Barking & Alert Behaviour

What's happening: Your Standard Poodle barks at every sound, movement, or change. They seem to announce everything they notice throughout the day.

Why it happens: Poodles were bred to alert hunters to downed waterfowl and communicate across distances whilst working. Their high intelligence means they notice and announce everything. They were also used as watchdogs for French nobility, reinforcing their vocalisation tendencies. They genuinely believe it's their job to announce everything to you.

The fix: Establish a two-part "thank you" sequence: when they bark at something, calmly acknowledge it by saying "thank you" once whilst looking toward what they're alerting to, then turn your back and walk away. If barking continues, immediately place them in a separate room without a word. Release only after they've been silent for at least 30 seconds.

Find mentally draining games for them. They're incredibly smart and you'll need to actively think of ways to challenge them. Teach them that it's not their job to alert you - your calm assessment and dismissal teaches them you're monitoring and they can relax.

Do not reward excited behaviour. Let them calm down before you acknowledge them. DO NOT give them treats when they calm down - you're reinforcing the over-alertness.

Struggling with constant barking? Poodles notice EVERYTHING. Join our free Skool community to learn mental stimulation games that redirect their alertness and get advice on managing their watchdog tendencies during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Separation Anxiety & Velcro Behaviour

What's happening: Your Standard Poodle follows you everywhere, becomes distressed when you leave, or shows signs of anxiety when separated from you.

Why it happens: Poodles were bred as close working partners to hunters and later as devoted companions to French aristocracy. They have an intense human-bonding drive combined with high intelligence that makes them hyper-aware of their person's absence. They were bred to think and problem-solve with humans, making solo time psychologically difficult. Their alert nature means they notice every cue that you're leaving.

The fix: Practice mini-departures 40-50 times on weekends: leave for 30 seconds, return and ignore completely for 5 minutes. They must be calm before acknowledgment. When you come back into the room, let them calm down before you acknowledge them.

Teach "settle with purpose": give them a specific job like "watch the house" when alone, making it a task rather than abandonment.

Desensitise all leaving rituals by doing them randomly throughout the day (put on shoes, pick up bag, jingle keys) without leaving - this reduces their predictive power.

When you come back home, go about your daily tasks for a few minutes before bringing your dog over. Whilst this may seem counter-intuitive, you're helping your dog's separation anxiety.

Velcro Poodle won't leave your side? Teaching independence to such an intelligent breed takes patience. Inside our Skool community, you'll find "settle with purpose" training and can troubleshoot setbacks during live weekly webinars.

Problem 3: Hypervigilance & Anxiety

What's happening: Your Standard Poodle seems constantly on edge, reacts to small changes, or appears anxious and unable to settle properly.

Why it happens: Their intelligence and working heritage create a brain that's always "on" and analysing. They were bred to notice subtle changes in their environment and anticipate handler needs whilst hunting. Without a job, this awareness becomes anxious scanning and reactivity. Their sensitive nature combined with high intelligence means they overthink everything, leading to chronic stress.

The fix: Make sure they're getting sufficient variation on walks to give their brain a chance to work. If you're able to, engage in dog sports (agility, rally, scent work) where their brain works toward specific goals rather than scanning for problems.

Similar to the point above, make "going" and "leaving" non-events to Poodles. When you come back home, go about your daily tasks for a few minutes before bringing your dog over.

Anxious Poodle can't settle? Hypervigilance stems from their working intelligence needing a purpose. Join our Skool community for mental enrichment activities specifically for intelligent breeds and get support managing anxiety during Q&As.

Is a Standard Poodle Right for a New Owner?

A Standard Poodle might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

One of the most intelligent, trainable dogs - Standard Poodles are exceptionally smart. They excel at learning complex tasks, problem-solving, and advanced training. If you love teaching and mental challenges, they're ideal.

A hypoallergenic companion for allergy sufferers - Poodles have very low shedding coats, making them suitable for people with allergies. Their coat is one of the most allergy-friendly amongst larger breeds.

An active dog for outdoor adventures - These dogs need 1-1.5 hours of daily exercise and love activities like swimming, hiking, and running. They're perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor time.

A versatile dog for dog sports - Standard Poodles excel in agility, obedience, rally, and other dog sports. Their intelligence and athleticism make them outstanding competitors.

A devoted family companion - Poodles are very good with children and other pets. They bond deeply with their families and are gentle, loving companions when properly exercised and mentally stimulated.

If you're ready for high grooming commitment (professional grooming every 6-8 weeks), can provide daily mental stimulation, and want an intelligent working partner, a Standard Poodle will be the most impressive, devoted companion you could ask for.

Get the Full Support System for Your Standard Poodle

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Standard Poodle is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Standard Poodle and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Standard Poodle owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Standard Poodle.