When your poodle is a puppy, she'll need to be fed several times a day. After she gets to be about six months old (or slightly older, if she's a Toy), you can switch to a twice-a-day regimen. Some dog owners like to feed only once a day, but your poodle will probably enjoy eating more often.

Some people prefer to put down a bowl of food and let their dog work on it throughout the day. This only works for dry food, of course, which can stay out without going bad. If your poodle is an only dog, you can go this route. But if you have more than one pet, you risk one pet eating more than she should and depriving the other of his ration.

There are several benefits to feeding your dog a set portion of food at set mealtimes:

• You are in charge of when your poodle eats, which can be important in maintaining or establishing your position as her leader.

• You know how much your dog is eating and how enthusiastically she's greeting her food.

• You're able to know with certainty if she turns her nose up at her food, which can be a sign of illness.

• You're not restricted to feeding dry food.

• Your poodle has something to look forward to — mealtime!

Feed your dog before you leave for the day and again before you eat your own dinner. If you feed her before you eat your dinner, you'll minimize her begging at the table while you're trying to enjoy your meal.