behavior question

Question
I have a 8mo. blue standard. We purchased him from a breeder at 6mo. He was kept as a show potential puppy. He was in a kennel situation. I went to see a few dogs at the breeders, I chose him because he was very affectionate and responsive. I wanted a standard for obedience and therapy work. (we have 2 dobermans and have bred and shown whippets for years, but only have one old girl now)He likes prefers women over men( the breeder and her employee's were all women) he seems to choose a who he acts himself around. At home he is playful and jumps and acts goofy. Around strangers he is very shy and needs to warm up. He loves the groomer at my husbands store, he takes him for socialization a few days a week, when he goes to leave its a struggle to catch him to take him home. He acts like he doesnt know him. He is very affectionate but chooses who he lets get close to him. Is this a poodle thing? I have always liked the breed and chose a poodle for intelligence. Let me know what you think.
Sophia

Answer
No this is NOT a poodle thing.  This is a case of a poorly socialized puppy.  Most of your behavioral problems go back to a puppy that was not socialized properly or at the proper time.  I would suggest taking him whereever you can take him to socialize him.  Although I may caution you that he just plain may not be suitable for a therapy dog unless he possibly grows out of it as he ages.  Now at 8 mo he is going through the teenage phase so he may be teasing you and the not coming thing at this age is more normal.  But he should never be shy and withdrawn.  Poodles especially standards should be very outgoing.  If you really want a poodle for therapy and obedience work I would highly recomend getting a young puppy of 8-12 weeks from a reputable breeder that has dogs that are already proven in those areas.  If he is used to being a kennel dog and nothing else you face some serious obstacles in your path on training this male.  If you are up to the challenges and can work through his stubborn streak then he may turn out to be an awesome therapy dog.