Toy Poodles may look delicate, but underneath the dainty exterior is a clever, confident dog that thrives on structure, attention and play. Their sharp minds and eagerness to please make them wonderfully trainable — but their strong streak of independence means they need the right kind of motivation to stay engaged. 

In this guide, we unpack what it takes to bring out the best in your Toy Poodle. From working with their quirks to supporting their learning with real food and exercise, you’ll find practical, dog-first strategies to help your Poodle grow into a well-balanced companion. 

Read more: Toy Poodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

Toy Poodle temperament and trainability 

Toy Poodles are the epitome of brains and charm. They’re eager to please and love being the centre of attention, which gives them an edge when it comes to learning new commands. Their sharp minds soak up training quickly, especially when paired with plenty of praise and tasty rewards. 

However, their cleverness can sometimes backfire. Toy Poodles are known to test boundaries, especially if they sense inconsistency in rules. They may also become easily bored with repetition — so creativity in training is a must. 

Luckily, their sensitivity and strong bond with their humans make them responsive to positive reinforcement. With consistency and gentle guidance, Toy Poodles can master everything from basic obedience to advanced tricks with flair. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

While generally a healthy breed, Toy Poodles may face a few conditions that can influence their ability to focus or participate in training. These include: 

Joint conditions: Joint issues, including patellar luxation and arthritis, can impact a Toy Poodle's mobility and willingness to participate in physical activities. Providing a complete and balanced diet with high-quality protein and rich in omega fatty acids, maintaining an appropriate exercise routine and a healthy weight can support your pup's joints. 

Skin sensitivities and allergies: Toy Poodles may be prone to skin allergies or sensitivities, leading to itching, redness, or irritation. Such discomfort can distract them during training and affect their well-being. Regular grooming and a diet containing vitamin E, zinc and ingredients with antioxidant properties can help maintain healthy skin.  

If your Toy Poodle shows signs of distraction or resistance, it’s worth checking in with your vet to ensure their health isn’t affecting their learning. 

How real food fuels your Toy Poodle’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Toy Poodles benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly. 

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain health and development, memory, and learning. 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms, to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing. 

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)  

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: What do Toy Poodles eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips

Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training

Exercise first for improved focus 

Despite their petite frame, Toy Poodles are energetic and agile dogs who need daily physical activity and mental engagement. Exercising them before training helps burn off excess energy and primes them for better focus. 

Try: 

• A brisk walk or light jog 

• Indoor games like fetch or hide-and-seek 

• Puzzle toys to engage their sharp minds 

A well-exercised Toy Poodle is more likely to be attentive, calm, and ready to learn. 

Training tips for Toy Poodles 

Training a Toy Poodle can be a joyful and rewarding experience, especially given their natural eagerness to please. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 
 
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Toy Poodle, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Toy Poodle motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point. 

Training your Toy Poodle puppy 

Toy Poodle puppies are full of zest, curiosity, and the occasional bout of sass. House training and basic obedience are top priorities early on. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine. 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime. 

• Early, controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and new environments. 

Toy Poodles are particularly sensitive to tone and treatment, so always use gentle, force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know

Training your adult Toy Poodle 

Just because your Toy Poodle’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door.

• Teaching fun tricks and new games. 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house. 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp as they age. 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging and celebrate progress, no matter how small. 

Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding

When to call in a Trainer or Behaviourist 

Not sure if your Toy Poodle’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity

• Anxiety or phobias

• Aggression

• Resource guarding

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”  

- Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Toy Poodle is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Toy Poodle’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Toy Poodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.