How to Groom a Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are extremely high maintenance dogs. They require extensive grooming at least every six to eight weeks. It is very important that they are groomed often. If their hair is not cut and brushed constantly, then it can grow up into little cords. If these cords continue to grow they will begin to make the animal uncomfortable and cause lack of freedom in its movements. The following steps will show you the easiest way to groom a toy poodle while still keeping the animal looking its best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Dog clippers
• Dog scissors
• Soft slicker brush
• Greyhound comb
• Dog shampoo
• Nail clippers
• Epi Otic ear cleaner for dogs

1. Find a groomer than can show you the tools to use and the correct way to use them. This is especially important if you have never groomed a dog before.
2. Use a low maintenance "kennel clip." This is where the body and legs are clipped the same length at about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch long. The face and throat are shaved clean along with the feet and the base of the tail. Then, a ball of hair is scissored at the end of the tail and the top of the head. This should be trimmed every six to eight weeks.
3. Brush and comb your toy poodle with both a soft slicker brush and a greyhound comb. Do this at least every week.
4. Give your toy poodle a bath, trim its nails and clean its ears every six to eight weeks. It is probably easier to do it all together. It is important that you keep its ears clean, as toy poodles are notorious for ear infections.
5. Try buying a book on grooming for extra help.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to do an easier style or maybe a more elaborate style depending on how much work you are willing to put into maintenance.