How to Groom a Male Poodle

The standard poodle is a German breed and was originally trained as a hunting dog and water retriever. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1887. The standard grooming style of poodles is intended to keep the joints and the areas around vital organs warm. A widespread opinion is that poodles don't shed, but in fact the dead hairs tend to build up in the coat and are likely to form knots. For this reason, poodles need regular grooming and trimming.

Things You'll Need

  • Coat rake
  • Metal comb
  • Rubber mat
  • Cotton balls
  • Dog shampoo and conditioner
  • Blow-dryer (optional)
  • Blunt-nosed scissors
  • Dog ear wash
  • Nail trimmer
  • Canine toothpaste
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your poodle thoroughly before the bath. Use a coat rake to remove any remaining mats and a metal comb on the fluffy areas where the hair is likely to be more tangled. Don't pull the hair to avoid breaking the dog's skin.

    • 2

      Place a rubber mat in your bathtub and use the shower head to wet the dog with lukewarm water. Avoid getting water in the pet's eyes and ears. Apply the shampoo linearly on your dog's back and shampoo from back to front. Don't use circular motions to avoid creating more knots. Use dog conditioner to untangle the hair.

    • 3

      Rinse abundantly until the water comes out clean.

    • 4

      Fluff your pet dry or use a blow-dryer.

    • 5

      Check for ticks and excessive wax buildup in your pet's ears. These are common threats for any dog with hairy ears. Use blunt-nosed scissors to trim the hair at the entrance of the ear. Apply dog ear wash on a cotton ball to gently clean the skin inside the ear.

    • 6

      Use a nail clipper to cut the dog's nails, but don't cut too close to the quick.

    • 7

      Prevent periodontal disease by brushing your poodle's teeth on a daily basis, or at least every two days. Choose an appropriate toothbrush for your dog. Apply veterinary toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush gently from back to front alongside the gum line. Perform circular motions along the gum lines.