How to Trim Poodles

Poodles are known for their curly fur.

During the colder months of the year, a poodle's hair grows thicker and bushier and may require trimming. It also may be necessary to trim a poodle's hair in the summer to reduce the potential for heat exhaustion or dehydration. Cutting a poodle's hair is something you can do by yourself. Doing it at home will cost less than paying for the services of a trained pet groomer. All you need is a lot of patience and the right tools. Dog clippers are the best, but human hair clippers will also work.

Things You'll Need

• Dog tub
• pH-balanced dog shampoo and conditioner
• Cotton towel
• Electric clippers
• No. 10 clipper blade
• No. 5 clipper blade
• Dog grooming scissors

Instructions

1. Pour the pH-balanced dog shampoo in a tub of lukewarm water and mix it into suds. Follow the manufacturer's directions.

2. Bathe the poodle in the tub. Thoroughly rinse the dog. Make sure the poodle is comfortable and happy, otherwise you may risk being bitten.

3. Dry the poodle's hair with a clean, soft towel. Alternatively, use an electric hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to dry the poodle's hair.

4. Attach the No. 5 blade to the electric clippers and evenly run the clippers down the body. Leave at least 1 inch of hair on the poodle's body to prevent skin irritation. Do a dry run first until the poodle is comfortable with the noise from the machine, especially if this is the dog's first trim.

5. Remove the No. 5 blade. Attach the No. 10 blade to the clippers. Carefully shave the poodle's face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Shave in the direction of the dog's hair.

6. Shave the dog's feet in the direction of the hair and shave the tail. Leave 3 inches of hair on the tip of the tail to create a pompom.

7. Carefully trim around the dog's more sensitive areas with the No. 10 blade, but do not allow the clippers to touch the skin.

8. Complete the poodle's trim with scissors to round out the pompom at the end of the tail.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when working with electrical appliances, especially around animals.

• Always work with caution when grooming a dog.

References

• Florida Institute of Animal Arts: The Pet Grooming Profession
• Queens College: Pet Groomer