Poodles For Dummies

The Poodle is known for her keen intelligence, excellent trainability, and, most notably, those signature curly locks. But there’s more to the Poodle than meets the eye (like, say, those expensive grooming bills). So, to Poodle or not to Poodle? That is the question.
With an overview of the breed’s history, an exploration of all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and 8 pages of full-color photos detailing the colors available and tips and techniques for grooming, Poodles for Dummies is filled with all the meaty information and enlightening morsels you need to decide if this refined beauty is a good match for you. You’ll get answers to your most important questions, including:
Which size Poodle is best for me? Which color?
How do I know if a Poodle breeder is reputable?
What are the pros and cons of shelters and rescue groups?
What do I look for in choosing a healthy Poodle?
How can I Poodle-proof my home and yard?
What’s the best way to introduce my Poodle to kids and other pets?
How often does my Poodle need grooming?
No matter which size, color, or gender you own, Poodles are not a “wash ‘n’ wear” breed. But if you have the time, passion, and dedication to give her the training, exercise, and upkeep she needs, you and your curly companion will have a happy and rewarding life together.

Susan M. Ewing has been “in dogs” since 1977 and enjoys showing and trying various performance events, with an emphasis on “trying.”
She holds a master’s degree in Television/Radio from Syracuse University in New York and has attended canine seminars at Cornell University. She’s a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, as well as the Cat Writers’ Association, and is listed in the 2005 edition of Who’s Who in America.
Ewing has been writing professionally since she was 16 and is the author of several books: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Family Friend and Farmhand (Howell); A New Owner’s Guide to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, The Pug, The Dachshund, and German Shepherd Dogs (all TFH Publications); and Bulldogs For Dummies (Wiley). Her column, “The Pet Pen,” appears in The Post-Journal (Jamestown, New York) every Saturday. One of her essays is a part of the book Cats Do It Better Than People.
Other articles of Ewing’s have appeared in AKC Gazette, Family Dog, Bloodlines, German Shepherd Dog Review, Good Dog!, Pet Odyssey, Dog Fancy, Dog World, Puppies USA, the national Schipperke Club newsletter, ASPCA’s Animal Watch, Bird Talk, Kittens USA, Cats USA, and Cats Magazine.

Introduction.
Part I: Picking the Poodle of Your Dreams.
Chapter 1: Making a Match with a Poodle.
Chapter 2: Unwrapping the Whole Poodle Package.
Chapter 3: Deciding Whether a Poodle Is Right for You.
Chapter 4: Choosing the Best Poodle for You.
Part II: Living Happily with Your Poodle.
Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Poodle’s Homecoming.
Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Poodle Home.
Chapter 7: Providing Your Poodle with a Nutritious Diet.
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Poodle Clean and Attractive.
Part III: Training and Having Fun with Your Poodle Pal.
Chapter 9: Housetraining Made Easy.
Chapter 10: Instilling Good Manners in Your Poodle.
Chapter 11: Socializing Your Poodle.
Chapter 12: Hitting the Road with Your Poodle.
Chapter 13: Showing Off and Enjoying Your Poodle’s Talents.
Part IV: Maintaining Your Poodle’s Health.
Chapter 14: Taking Basic Care of Your Poodle’s Health.
Chapter 15: Considering Common Poodle Conditions.
Chapter 16: Staying Prepared with First-Aid Basics.
Chapter 17: Easing Your Senior Poodle into the Golden Years.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Great Sets of Poodle Resources.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Help Your Poodle if Disaster Strikes.
Index.