Java Demitasse

Java is just over four pounds and is  AKC registered.

Java is my little sentry. Regardless of what he's doing (and he entertains himself quite well) he is always aware of what I'm doing. A glance in his direction will cause him to stop and look at me to see what I want or what I will do next.

Java taught me some interesting things about how puppies and dogs develop habits. Theoretically I knew these things already  but watching Java watch me, and learn, gave me some new insights into how to create the habits we want our dogs to have.

Java had eaten scrambled eggs with me three times. Each time I cooked the eggs, placed them on the bar between my kitchen and dining room, put Java on a barstool next to me and fed him his eggs while I ate mine. By the fourth time (about a week after the first time) when he saw me put the eggs on the bar he walked to the baby gate that separates the kitchen from the dining/living rooms. When I opened it he walked right to "his" barstool and waited for me to pick him up. He sat quietly waiting for his eggs which he had no doubt were coming and ate them with good poodle manners. 

This is just how easy it is to teach our little pups the ways we want them to behave. If we do the same routine things in the same ways the dogs quickly understand what is expected of them. 

Java is a constant delight and although he never misses a thing I do he has "little person independence". It is very important to have respect for a dog who is so small and to keep in mind that only the outside is small. Inside lives the same sized dog you would find in a 12 pound miniature like Panama or in a large Standard poodle. Approaching a dog and picking them up with no warning is the best way to make a dog wary of you and to keep them on constant stress-alert. Being a very small person I understand this perfectly. I have always hated it when people lifted me off my feet while hugging me or ran up behind me and lifted me up. Little dogs feel the same way. Small dogs tend to get carried around a lot and while this is ok they always need some warning that we are there and intend to pick them up. It's only polite and how can we ask our dogs to ask permission before jumping on us if we don't show some respect and ask the same of them before picking them up?

Please note: Although Java is only slightly bigger than what some people refer to as a "teacup" poodle most of his offspring will be bigger, closer to the size of their mothers. I do not purposely breed "teacup" poodles.