How to Groom a Poodle Terrier

Terri-Poos, the poodle/terrier mix, do not have a standard look. To determine the best cut for your dog, talk with your dog groomer. The groomer will recommend a cut based on your dog̵7;s size and the shape of its body and head. Generally, he will suggest a cut that conforms to that of the breed your dog most resembles. The groomer will also consider your dog̵7;s coat, which can range from curly and dense, to feathery and wiry, to a mixture of both. Then you will need to regularly groom your dog at home. Terri-poos, like poodles, do not shed, and their hair grows fast. Therefore, you must remove the dead hair yourself, or your dog will get matted.

Things You'll Need

  • Dematter
  • Dog brush
  • Dog comb
  • Hair dryer
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog cream rinse or detangler
  • Sink or bathtub
  • Canine nail clippers
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Instructions

  1. Brushing

    • 1

      Work out any mats in your dog̵7;s coat. Spray the mat with a dematter and let it penetrate it for about 20 minutes. Starting from the outside of the mat and working in, use your fingers to separate it into smaller parts. Again, starting from the outside and working in, brush out the mat.

    • 2

      Brush your dog with the proper brush for its hair type. If your dog has a curly, cottony coat that mats easily, brush it a couple of times a week with a sturdy wire brush, such as a slicker brush. If your dog̵7;s coat is wirey like a terrier̵7;s, brush it once a week. If the terrier-like coat is thick, use a slicker brush; if it is thin, use a softer brush, such as a wire pin brush.

    • 3

      Start brushing your dog at the bottom of its feet. Brush a layer of hair, then run a comb through it. Using this process, work your way up until you have brushed one side of your dog̵7;s coat. Repeat the procedure on your dog̵7;s other side. Finish by brushing the inside and outside of your dog̵7;s ears.

    Cleaning and Nails

    • 4

      Bathe your dog regularly, which will keep its skin conditioned as well as remove dead hair. If you wish, use a zoom groom brush when bathing your dog. It removes dead hair well, and your dog will feel like it̵7;s getting a massage. Rinse your dog thoroughly. Any soap that is left in your dog̵7;s coat will cause irritation.

    • 5

      Use a cream rinse or detangler if your dog has a dense, curly coat. Rinse out the cream rinse or detangler -- though some detanglers are not rinsed out. Check the directions.

    • 6

      Dry your dog. If your dog has a dense, curly coat, use a hair dryer on a low setting. Fluff your dog̵7;s hair as you dry it. If your dog̵7;s coat is wiry like a terrier̵7;s, you can let it air dry.

    • 7

      Check your dog̵7;s ears to ensure they are healthy. The ear should appear clean, and it should not have any odor. Terri-poos with floppy ears can be prone to ear infections. One sign of an ear infection is a sour smell coming from the ear. Also, if your dog is scratching or rubbing its ear, it may have an ear infection.

    • 8

      Trim your dog̵7;s toenails. Hold the nail clippers in your dominant hand and your dog̵7;s paw in your other hand. Clip the nail just where it begins to curve. If you clip too far in, you will cut into the quick.