the poodle that answers back!

Question
Hi,
My family and I have recently welcomed a Standard Poodle into our family.Phalcor.
He is just awesome! We love him to bits but he has one really annoying trait, He answers us back! (bit of a giggle really, but also annoying.)
We are not people who believe in hitting as a solution and recognise that Phalcor loves to please and be a part of things.
Having owned and trained many dogs personally I find myself at a loss as to how to let Phalcor know this is not a welcomed behaviour. I consider it a challenge more than a problem to sort this one out.However I am fortunately now at an age to realise more than one brain is better!
Your assistance on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Birgy  

Answer
Hello Birgy,
Sounds like Phalcor (you must be a fan of "The NeverEnding Story") is a really neat dog.
As you can probably tell by now, Standard Poodles are very smart and will find ways of getting your attention, whether its positive or negative.  You have to make sure that you are not giving him what he wants when he "talks back" to you.  Since attention is what he is looking for, try avoiding him.  Don't say No!, don't look at him, just ignore him.  If you have to, go into another room or outside (pending good weather of course) to avoid him.  Since attention is what he wants, that is what you have to deny him.  As soon as he stops barking at you, then lavish the praise and attention on him.  Let him know that being quiet will get him what he wants.  
If he still wants to bark, try distraction training.
You said that you have trained dogs before, so I assume that Phalcor has some Obedience training.  When he barks at you give him an Obedience command and have him do it.  Make sure that you only tell him ONCE then make him do it so that you don't confuse him.  

You can also teach your dog the "Go To Your Mat" command.  It is kind of like a Time Out command but can also be used for when you are eating at the table (and don't want any beggers) or for company (use it as a neat trick to WOW your guests)

Get yourself a Mat....you can use anything such as a Blanket, Rug, Towel, or dog bed as your dogs "Mat".  
Start off with the mat in the middle of the room so you have some room to work.  Place a piece of yummy treat (such as a piece of Cheese or Hot Dog) on the mat so that your dog can see it, then walk your dog about 5 steps away.  Tell your dog to "Go To Your Mat" and lead him to the mat.  Place him in a down position and let him eat the treat.   Repete until he gets the idea of going to the mat and laying down.  
When your dog understands what go to your mat means, you can take away the piece of treat on the mat.  You can also start to back farther away from the mat.  
Next, leave your dog on a stay while you go over near the mat.  Tell your dog to "Go To Your Mat" and have him come towards you and lay down on the mat.  Give him a treat only when he lays down on the mat.  You can also have him stay for longer periods of time.  
Your last step is to have your dog go to the mat on his own.  Follow behind him over to the mat the first couple of times until he will go on own.  
Now you are ready to impress friends by having Phalcor go to his mat at your command.  
You can also move the mat to where you would like it.  You can take the mat to friends houses or anywhere where you would want Phalcor to lay at your command.  
Be sure to make him stay on the mat until you give him another command or his release word.  

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

Have a great day, and Many "Un-Sassifyed" Tail Wags.
Topkdog