How To Groom A Poodle (A Complete Guide)
When we talk about grooming in dogs, what comes first in our minds are usually breeds with long and wiry fur, such as Poodles. And as one of the most lovely and popular dogs in the world, Poodles deserve the best from their caregivers. As a responsible Poodle parent, you have to ensure that you meet all your furbaby’s basic needs such as proper diet and exercise, and of course, grooming!
Although they don’t shed a lot, Poodles still need a lot of maintenance. Their coat should be clipped every few months to prevent matting. Their eyes and ears should be checked on a weekly basis, while their nails should be trimmed once or twice a month. Apart from this, Poodles also need regular brushing to keep their fur in good condition.
Now, grooming your pet requires that you follow certain steps. Here is the procedure to get things done;
10 Simple Steps For Grooming Your Poodle
Step #1 Know And Get What You Need:
The first step is to make sure that you have all the grooming supplies. These include a mat stand, pin brush, slicker brush, rakes, and metal comb. You will also need scissors, dog shampoo, conditioner, styptic powder, cotton swabs, soft towels, and a pair of dog nail clippers. You may also need a leash to control your dog, and a spray bottle filled with water.
Step #2 Prepare the Right Environment:
Before getting started, make sure that the area where you will be grooming your dog is safe and clean. Put a mat under his feet to prevent slippages.
Step #3 Put On Your Grooming Apron:
The next step is to put on your apron or smock just in case you get some loose hairs on your clothes. Next, tie back long hair using bobby pins or clips. You can also wear rubber gloves if you have long nails, or you can just push your sleeves up to make sure that they don’t get wet and dirty.
Step #4 Prepare Your Poodle:
Make sure that your Poodle is in a comfortable place with good lighting. You can also play some relaxing music to make the process enjoyable for both of you.
Step #5 Brush:
As always when dealing with Poodles, the most important part is brushing. To do this, you must hold your Poodle’s head with one hand and brush its coat with the other. You should start brushing from the top of his head, then to his neck, back and stomach.
Step #6 Check:
While brushing your Poodle’s coat, check for any mats or tangles. If you find some, use the mat stand and spray a little water to make them easier to remove. This will help prevent the hair from breaking.
Step #7 Clean:
To clean the Poodle’s face, wet your hands with water and rub it in small circular motions. You should use a wet cloth to wipe its eyes and ears carefully. If you find dirt or have some concerns about any part of your dog’s fur, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian for further advice.
Step #8 Trim Nails:
Poodles have double coats, which means that they need their nails to be trimmed on both the inner and outer sides. If left untrimmed, a Poodle’s nails can grow long, break or curve causing discomfort. So make sure you trim your dog’s claws every week!
Step #9 Wash:
You should wash your dog’s body and fur with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo that doesn’t irritate his skin or cause any allergies. After rinsing, leave your Poodle to dry under the sun. You can also use an electric hair dryer if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to point it directly at him!
Step #10 Finish Up:
When the process is done, it would be best to brush your dog’s fur once more and groom him according to his breed-specific style.
The Steps In Summary;
- Know and get what you need.
- Prepare the right environment.
- Put on your grooming apron.
- Prepare your Poodle.
- Brush the Poodle’s coat from the head to the tail.
- Check for tangled hair in all body parts.
- Clean
- Trim nails
- Wash
- Finish-up.
Self Vs. Professional Grooming- What Should You Choose?
The decision whether to groom your Poodle yourself or get him professionally groomed is something you will have to make on your own.
Some people may find it daunting and scary if they are not familiar with dogs. Others think that maybe they don’t have the time to groom their pet every week, so they just leave it for a professional instead.
But there are a number of benefits if you choose to groom your Poodle on your own. For instance, it’s cheaper and gives you more bonding time with your pet. You will get to clean all the parts that only you know about!
Also, grooming your furbaby yourself will allow you to learn more about him and his body so that you can better foresee any potential health problems.
On the other hand, professional grooming is still a good option for some Poodle owners. It will definitely be less messy and less time-consuming! You can simply drop your dog off at the groomer’s, wait in the car, or do something else until he is ready to go home.
And of course, if you opt to take your dog to a professional groomer instead, make sure that the person is responsible enough and knows what they are doing! You should always check their licenses and certificates first.
And most importantly, pick a place that is clean and has a good reputation. Remember that your dog is in their hands, and you don’t want him to get sick from all the hair and dirt he may pick up there!
Why Poodle Is Good For Your Pet
Now that you are here to find information on grooming your Poodle, chances are that you are interested in knowing why grooming is important for your pets. With that said, what makes grooming your Poodle a must-do for every pet owner?
Well, we may respond to that question with a thousand and one answers. But here is what sums up all these responses- it will keep both you and your dog happy. Grooming your pet makes him look neater, healthier, and more beautiful. With side benefits like these, we’re pretty sure that you’ll be doing it regularly!
Poodle Clip Styles
There are different types of Poodle clips that you can choose from when grooming your pet. The common ones include;
Puppy clips; This is the most basic and easiest to maintain Poodle style. You can achieve it by shaving every part of your dog’s body with a 3-4 blade. It is typically done in hot summer months or if you just want your pet to be comfortable from all those heavy fur coats!
Lamp clips; In this type of clip, you shave all fur to the length of 1-3 inches all around your dog’s body, except the head and ears. This type is best for dogs with thin, wavy fur that is about 3 to 5 inches long.
Bikini clips; It is a little different from the first type- you leave some of your dog’s fur on its stomach, thighs, and between the hind legs.
Full clips; This Poodle clip is done by shaving every part of your pet’s body with a lot of hair on it. A full-body shave involves using a #10 blade for that.
Lion clips; This Poodle clip is very close to the full-body shave. The only difference is that you leave some fur on your dog’s stomach, thighs, and between its hind legs. It is suited for dogs with thick fur that has about 1-2 inches of hair length.
Frequently Asked Questions On Poodle Grooming
How often should I groom my Poodle?
Like most dogs, your Poodle should get full-body grooming once every month or two – depending on how fast his hair grows back. You can trim him more frequently if you want to maintain a specific style that he has. And if you choose to keep his ha
What kind of shampoo should I use when bathing my Poodle?
Do not use human shampoos because they might contain ingredients that will irritate your dog’s skin! Use a shampoo that is specifically made for canines.
How often should I have my Poodle’s nails trimmed?
You should always wait till the very last moment before cutting your dog’s nails or you may cause them to bleed and hurt him! So, try not to think about it too much, and ask your groomer to do it for you instead!
How often should I brush my Poodle’s fur?
It all depends on the type of fur your Poodle has. For instance, some owners tend to have their dogs brushed once every day or two because they want them to look presentable at all times. The same applies to pet parents who want to keep their Poodles’ hair long. However, if you are among those that maintain a short trim, then brushing twice a week is okay.
What kind of clipper should I use?
Poodles have different types of fur. For instance, for the “puppy clip,” you can choose to use a small-sized clipper blade that is not more than 4. If you want a long style, then go for the #10 blade instead. You can also use a wide-toothed comb if your dog has wavy fur that is about 3 to 5 inches long.
How do I get my Poodle to stop resisting grooming?
You need to show your dog that grooming is not something bad at all. For instance, if he starts fussing about getting his coat brushed or having his nails clipped, stop what you’re doing and pay attention to him for a while!
Give him lots of hugs and treats so that he knows you’re not angry with him. Give the task a break for some time, and try again later. Your dog will eventually get used to grooming, just like how humans learn new things every day!
Final Verdict:
So, now that you’ve gone through the article and read how to properly groom a Poodle, do you think you’re capable of doing it yourself? Or would you rather leave this task to your pet’s professional groomer? All we can say is that it is up to you! You’re the only one who can decide whether you have what it takes to groom your Poodle perfectly or not. But keep in mind that grooming is essential to both of you!
