Mini-Poodle

Question
We just got a rescue poodle 2 years old, he is very timid and nervous, but has attached to me quickly. He barks at my husband when he comes home from work or enters the room. The vet has check him out and except for an ear infection he is fine. I have been feeding him 1/2 cup combo of science diet dry and can twice a day. Should I just feed him once a day. Also, I need help with house-breaking. any suggestions would be helpful. I have been taking him out religously in the morning, afternoon and evening but he still won't bark or let me know that he has to go out. Thanks

Answer
Hello Gayle,
Congradulations on your new Poodle, with time I am sure he will adapt to your lifestyle and will make you a happy and healthy pet for years to come.  

For his feeding schedule, if he is doing good with the twice a day feeding then this is alright, but if he seems to be gaining weight or if feeding once would be more convenent for you, feel free to just feed him once a day.  
If you do switch to only once a day, I would increase his food to 1 cup dry plus 1/2 can of wet food.  

You should let your husband feed him some (plus things like walking him, playing with toys with him, and the Dog Exam, which I will go over in a bit) so that your dog gets used to him also.  

Housebreaking can be a bit more tricky with an older dog who is used to just going when he needs to.  Plus you will need to get him on your schedule rather than him being on his own schedule.  
To do this, start by setting specific times (maybe every 3 hours or so) and taking him outside to the same spot.  Praise him if he will go.  You can also hang a bell at the door you take him out of and have him touch it with his nose when you take him out to potty.  Praise then take him outside.  This will teach him to alert you when he has to go.  
Take him out about 20 minutes after he eats and about 20 minutes before going to bed.  Do pull up his water about 2 hours before bedtime so that he doesn't go to bed on a full bladder, and make sure that if you feed him in the evening that you give him time to poop before he goes to bed.  

Dog Exam:
Do the Dog Exam with him.  
Start with you sitting on the floor and lay your dog in your lap on his back with his head near your stomach.  Rub his tummy until he will relax some.  Once he settles down some, go over his head and ears, and look in his eyes and mouth.  Next go over his legs, coat, skin and rear area.  Finally just pet and rub on him.  
This teaches him that you can touch him anywhere on his body and that you are dominate because your head is over his and even though he is in a very submissive position, you won't let anything hurt him.  
I would start it with him first, then let your husband do it after your dog is more comfortable with it.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.  

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim