| Poodle grooming can be a daunting task, but a | | | | blades, this way you can rotate the blades during the |
| necessary part of owning this particular breed. | | | | grooming session if need be. |
| Well-groomed poodles have healthier skin and coats | | | | You will also need quality brushes and combs to |
| and grooming also helps prevent health problems. | | | | maintain your poodle's cut between grooming sessions. |
| A poodle's hair never stops growing, so a full clipping is | | | | Your dog should be well brushed at least twice a |
| necessary every six to eight weeks. If you can afford | | | | week, if not daily. |
| it, it may be best to pay someone else to groom your | | | | Even though poodles don't shed as much as other |
| poodle. The steps involved can be labor intensive and it | | | | dogs, they do lose hair. That hair remains in the dog's |
| is sometimes best left to a professional. | | | | coat until you brush it out. Brushing will also keep your |
| Choose your groomer carefully and take advice from | | | | poodle's coat shiny by distributing the skin's natural oils. |
| other poodle owners in your area. You might want to | | | | Ask your groomer for brush recommendations, as the |
| consider scooping out different breeders in the area. | | | | right brush will depend on what type of cut your |
| Visit their shops without your dog and pay attention to | | | | poodle has. Bi-weekly brushing sessions can be a |
| how the facility is managed. Look for a clean shop and | | | | great way to bond with your dog. Gentle but vigorous |
| a groomer with a gentle hand and manner. | | | | brushing will make your dog feel good and increase |
| If money is an issue, you can use a professional | | | | circulation in the skin. |
| groomer every second time. You can maintain your | | | | You can bathe your poodle as often as once a week. |
| poodles grooming yourself in between visits and save | | | | Using a raised tub with a non-slip mat will make the |
| money. | | | | experience more pleasurable for you both. To start, |
| To maintain your poodle's cut between visits, you will | | | | use warm water to soak your dog's coat to the skin. |
| need some quality dog grooming tools. Your groomer | | | | Since poodles are water dogs they naturally shed |
| can often purchase professional tools for you at a | | | | water so it might take some effort to get the coat |
| discount, or you can find quality tools at a good pet | | | | completely wet. You can use a mild dog shampoo to |
| store or at a dog show. | | | | bathe your poodle. |
| You will need a high quality pair of clippers and | | | | Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of the dog's coat |
| scissors. Keep your clippers in top working condition by | | | | thoroughly. Any leftover residue can be irritating to the |
| cleaning the blades and oiling them regularly. Dull blades | | | | dog's skin. After your poodle's bath you can let the |
| can scrape the skin of your poodle and cause clipper | | | | dog air dry for a curly look, or brush out the hair while |
| burn. Look for a pair of clippers that have a many | | | | blow-drying to give the coat a smooth and fluffy look. |