How to Train a Toy Poodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Toy Poodles are known for their charm, intelligence, and just a dash of cheekiness.

Pet parents often describe them as “little shadows”: always close by, always watching, and sometimes just a bit too clever for their own good.

Training a Toy Poodle can be a joy, but it’s not always straightforward. Their sharp minds mean they learn fast: both the good habits and the not-so-great ones. Without the right structure and consistency, it’s easy for a Toy Poodle to start calling the shots. Throw in a touch of sensitivity and a streak of independence, and you’ve got a dog that really needs breed-savvy training.

Whether you’re raising a Toy Poodle puppy or supporting an older rescue, these practical, expert-approved training tips are designed to suit your pup’s unique personality. 

We've also created a handy downloadable puppy training checklist to help you build your routine and celebrate your puppy's progress week by week.

Toy Poodles aren’t just smart, they’re emotionally in tune. They bond deeply with their humans, often picking up on subtle moods or routines. That makes them incredibly affectionate, but also prone to anxiety if left unsupported. These dogs like to know the rules, feel close to their people, and stay mentally engaged.

Their intelligence also comes with high expectations. If a Toy Poodle feels bored or confused, you’ll often see it come out as barking, pacing, or mischief. They need guidance that keeps their brains as active as their bodies.

Barking and Alertness

Toy Poodles have excellent hearing, and they’re not shy about using their voice. Barking often starts with alerting (like notifying you about someone walking past) but it can quickly become habitual if not managed early.

To reduce barking:

• Teach a quiet cue by rewarding silence
• Avoid reinforcing barking with attention (even negative attention counts).
• Use window films or calming music to reduce outside triggers.

Separation Anxiety

Because Toy Poodles are so people-focused, they can develop anxiety when left alone. This often shows up as pacing, whining, or destructive behaviour.

To build independence:

• Practice short, calm departures and returns.
• Pair alone time with special toys or enrichment activities.
• Avoid over-fussing before leaving or arriving home.

House Training Challenges

Their small size means Toy Poodles have small bladders, especially as puppies. If you’re finding little accidents indoors, don’t worry, it’s common, and it’s fixable.

Tips for smoother toilet training:

• Stick to a reliable schedule, especially after meals, naps and play.
• Use crate training to support routine and reduce indoor accidents.
• Reward outdoor toileting immediately and generously.

Nipping or Bossiness

Some Toy Poodles test boundaries through mouthy play or “demand barking” for attention. These behaviours usually stem from under-stimulation or inconsistent boundaries.

Redirect with:

• Chew toys and gentle games that encourage calm interaction.
• Clear, calm cues like “enough” or “settle”.
• Rewarding quiet, relaxed behaviour instead of engaging in the moment of pushiness.

The best time to shape good behaviour is during the socialisation window, which runs roughly from 8 to 16 weeks of age. During this time, your Toy Poodle puppy is forming lifelong impressions about the world.

Key focus areas:

• Socialisation: Gradual, positive exposure to new people, animals, textures and sounds.
• Toilet Training: Regular opportunities, clear routines and lots of praise.
• Bite Inhibition: Redirect nipping onto chew toys or tug ropes, not hands.
• Crate Training: Helps with toilet training, travel, and creating a safe, calm space.

Start small. Keep training sessions short (around five minutes at a time) and always end on a positive note. Toy Poodles respond best to kindness, clarity, and consistency.

Further reading: The Vet’s Puppy Guide: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Once the basics are in place, you can start building everyday obedience and manners.

Focus Areas:

• Sit, Stay, Come: Use food rewards and verbal praise to shape behaviours.
• Leash Manners: Toy Poodles can be light pullers. Reward them for walking calmly beside you.
• Polite Greetings: Teach them to sit when meeting new people to prevent jumping.

Because Toy Poodles have a short attention span, keep sessions fun and fast-paced. Think games, treats, and lots of encouragement.

They also need plenty of mental stimulation. Without it, boredom creeps in—and that’s when problem behaviours pop up. Enrichment toys, food puzzles and scent games are all brilliant tools for this breed.

Further reading: Easy Tips to Mentally Stimulate your Dog

If you're welcoming an older rescue or refreshing the rules for your long-time companion, adult Toy Poodles are very trainable. But they do need you to be patient.

Start by assessing what they already know. Reinforce the good habits, and gently replace the unwanted ones. It can take time to undo learned behaviours, but with consistency, even long-standing quirks can improve.

Training is also a bonding tool. Regular sessions help rebuild trust, especially for dogs with a rough past or inconsistent handling.

Tips for adult training:

• Focus on routines that support their energy levels.
• Break new skills into small steps.
• Avoid punishment, as this breed responds far better to redirection and praise.