How to Groom a Poodle's Tail

Poodles are stylish canines that were used as water retrievers in the past. They have curly, harsh-textured coats and carry their tail high. If the poodle is styled, the tail is adorned with a decorative pompom. Even if there are several different clipping styles for poodles, all styles involve a leaving a pompom at the end of the tail. This look is specific for poodles and it is not difficult to achieve. Perform the tail grooming as part of the overall grooming of your poodle.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Shampoo
  • Slicker brush
  • Electric clippers
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wet the tail and comb it using a steel comb. Poodles shed hair, but this typically accumulates in their fur. Comb through the tail to remove dead hair and dirt that may be trapped in it. Combing also helps untangle matted fur. Remove matted fur before you bathe and clip your dog, because bathing may tighten the knots and these can cause discomfort when you clip your dog.

    • 2

      Wash the tail using a mild shampoo. Towel the tail dry following the direction of the hair growth.

    • 3

      Brush the tail after it is dry.

    • 4

      Shave the base of the tail using a pair of electric clippers. To avoid clipping all the hair, hold the hair that covers the end of the tail with one hand and clip with the other. If you need to hold your dog while shaving it, use an elastic band to mark the portion that shouldn't be shaved. Tie the band so that it divides the tail into the portion that needs to be clipped and the pompom portion.

    • 5

      Shape your poodle's tail using a pair of scissors. Imagine a circle around the end of the tail and clip the hair to obtain a pompom. Brush the hair down and hold the top of the tail while you scissor the hair.

    • 6

      Comb through the tail and look for any odd hairs. If you find any, cut them to the length of the rest of the neighboring hairs.