How to Groom Poodles
Unlike most dog breeds, poodles do not shed. While that means there will not be fur coating the living room couch, it also means routine grooming is important to a poodle's well-being. Unkempt hair will become knotted, matted and uncomfortable for your pet. Many owners decide to send their poodles to professional groomers because of the skill and time involved. Other owners, however, attempt to do the task themselves. There are a plethora of poodle styles out there. Some owners intend to enter their poodle as a show dog in competitions, while others keep them as regular pets. The following tips apply to all types of poodles: standard, miniature, toy and teacup.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bathtub or large plastic tub
- Rubber mat
- Shampoo designated for dogs
- Sturdy surface, such as a firm table
- One large towel
- Hair dryer
- Electric clippers with various heads
- Scissors
- Fine-tooth comb
- Brush designed for poodles' hair
Instructions
-
-
1
Bathe your poodle in room-temperature water in either a bathtub or large plastic tub. To prevent slipping, a rubber mat can be used. Use dog shampoo, which can be purchased at pet stores. Once the poodle has been thoroughly cleaned, dry him off with a towel and hair dryer. Simultaneously brush the poodle's coat and comb the hair.
-
2
Clip your poodle. The process starts with the dog's head. A No. 10 head can be used on the clippers or, alternatively, a pair of sheered scissors. The dog's top portion should not extend over the eyes. On the sides, hair can be full over the ears.
-
-
3
Trim the dog's muzzle, or face. This starts with the lower eyelids, moving on down past the front of the nose and right before the poodle's throat. For best results, keep only a small beard around the dog's face. The lower portion of a poodle's muzzle has to be trimmed in a straight line.
-
4
Shave her hind and front legs in a downward direction. A No. 7 head on the clipper can be used to achieve this.
-
5
Cut his fur in an even line throughout the chest and back area with a scissors. From the back to the poodle's head, cutting should be done with an upward curve.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hairs near a poodle's anal region should be kept short to keep the area from getting dirty and matted. There have been documented cases of dogs getting sick because their anus was blocked from too much hair growth.
Cleaning her ears is also an important part of the grooming process. Hairs as far as the ear canal can be plucked so they are not saturated by earwax.
Hairs around poodles' eyes should be trimmed so tear ducts do not become inflamed or irritated.
A poodle's skin is more sensitive than a human's. Using regular human shampoo or soap could result in rashes, and that is why it is imperative to use specially formulated products such as dog shampoo.
When using a hair dryer, keep it several inches away from a poodle. Extreme heat from the dryer could harm your dog's skin.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Dave Fidlin
