Buying a new poodle

Question
QUESTION: After losing our miniature poodle last year after 17 years, we are ready to start fresh. Its's been so long that I need advice. I wanted another miniature but slightly oversized. We went to the same kennel that supplied Buddy, and a Wheaton to us in the past.  He "located" this new baby for me, but I wonder if the behaviors I am noticing are cause for concern.  I watched him play with another puppy, and he got along very well. When a second playmate nipped at his ear, he didn't bark/growl but used his paw to push away. He didn't react as well to me. He backed away and began to shake.  He didn't resist to being held, but he certainly didn't enjoy the handling. He squirmed when I tested his submissiveness by holding him on his back. I spent two hours with him during the first visit.  The kennel said they thought it was because he had just arrived two days before, and that they would handle him more. Three days later I went back, and I did see an improvement. He plays with toys independently, he has stopped shaking, and seems to enjoy being held. The submissive test had better results,as I repeated it several times during the two hour visit. He still does not come over to play on his own.  Apart from commenting his skittish nature and whether it should concern me, I wondered if you could guestimate as to his eventual size. At 11 weeks (today) he is 10 3/4 in. and almost 6 lbs. They can only hold this cutie for me another day or so, and therefore I would like to hear from you as soon as possible. Thanks

ANSWER: Hello J.
I would go ahead and take this puppy if it feels right to you.  He seems to be getting used to you the more times you are around him and so that lets me know that he will eventually accept you.  Even if he is a bit skittish, you can work that out of him if you are diligent.  You may need to take him places where other people can pet him and give him treats.  I would start at a Pet Store in your area, or somewhere like Home Depot.  That way, he can get positive feedback from other people and he will learn that other people mean a good thing.  

When you play with him, if you can, get down on the floor on his level and play with him.  This way, you won't tower over him and scare him.  When petting him, lay him on his back in your lap and go over his whole body.  Start by rubbing his tummy until he will relax, then start at his head and work down to his toes.  This is the Dog Exam position and doing it will cause him to understand that he needs to submit to you, in a non-threatening way.  

He could very well be a Miniature Poodle size.  Thats anywere from 10" up to 15" at the shoulder, and weigh around 30lbs or so.  

I hope this helps you some and sorry for the slow response.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the advice. Home four days, seemed to be doing well with housebreaking (only two accidents a day) and learned to fetch,come and sit. Showing some aggressive behavior- tell me what you think. Fights wearing the leash sometimes by shaking his head and jumping haywire, and minor mouthing. But on his third day, he was being picked up (and told No)mid-poop on the kitchen floor during play time and he snapped at me and wriggled to bite both my hands several times. Did not break skin, and in his defense had had two vaccinations that afternoon.  Going to a behavior class this morning (5th day home). Ninety percent of the time he's great.  I want to avoid the kind of trouble my sister had with a cocker who started difficult and turned into a biter despite training.  Advice welcome.  Also do white poodles tend to be more of a problem with people allergic to dander. All my poodles (3) have been black without incident. If not is there a shampoo that might help. I am not getting asthma but just itchy. Sorry for sounding so confused and needy. Really out of character for me.

Answer
Hello again,
Glad I could help you with the advice so far.  As to the semi-aggressiveness, this needs to be stopped right now and no waiting.  
You need to show this dog that you are his boss and that he has to submit to you no matter what.  
To do this, there are a couple of things you can do.  Start off by doing the Dog Exam with your dog.  Lay him on his back in your lap and go over him.  Examine his mouth, ears, eyes and face.  Get him to where he will let you open his mouth without protest.  If he gets bitey, Grab his muzzle and tell him "NO!" in a firm voice and give his muzzle a gentle shake.  Praise him if he calms down.  Continue.  You will want to get him to where he will let you go over his whole body without complaint.  Be sure to check his toes and get him used to having his feet worked with.  Alot of dogs get foot aggressive and this can be stopped at a young age if you just let the dog know that they are really YOUR feet when you touch them and he has to let you handle them.  

You also need to hold him down in the submissive position when he growls or snaps at you and make him submit that way.  He should be laying down on his side with his head on the floor and your hand should hold him down until he relaxes and lets you hold him down.  If he struggles, he is NOT submitting.  
Get on to him if he tries to bite or growl by grabbing him by the back of the neck and giving him a gentle shake and saying NO! in a loud voice.  You dont' want to scare him by any means, but you do want him to realize that you WON'T tolerate this kind of behavior.  Once you estabolish that you are his boss, he will stop trying to bite or growl at you.  

Give this a try and if you have other questions for me about this, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks again,
Kim