How to Groom or Trim a Poodle

There are many advantages to learning how to groom your poodle at home. One of the most important benefits is that you would be certain your pet is treated with care. No one will give as much quality care and comfort to your pet as you.

Grooming your poodle is not difficult to learn. It is best that you secure the poodle before you begin grooming as the pet may move around. Most poodles get used to the grooming and trimming sessions quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Large hair brush
  • Electric clippers
  • Scissors
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Blow dryer
  • Nail clippers
  • Styptic powder
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the poodle's fur using the large brush. The intention here is to untangle the hair and remove all the loose hairs.

    • 2

      Clip the hair using electric clippers, starting from the cheek and moving towards the ear on each side.

    • 3

      Clip the hair from the nose to the cheek on each side. Move the electric clippers slowly and in long strokes. Do not repeat the stroke as that would cause clipping burn.

    • 4

      Trim the hair around the face with scissors. You can leave the hair on top as a tuft. Shape the tuft with the electric clippers initially, then shape it with scissors.

    • 5

      Trim the hair with scissors all over the body, leaving it about one inch long. The poodle's hair does not shed so it is important that it is kept short if the weather is warm. Trim all the hair from the tail and under the belly very carefully.

    • 6

      Trim the hair between the toes with scissors. You can style the hair pumped up on the lower half of the legs to match the tuft on top of the head. If you did not create the tuft on the head, the fluff on the legs still looks good. The poodle looks like it is wearing pants.

    • 7

      Take the poodle where you plan to bathe it. Wet the dog then apply shampoo. Work the shampoo into a rich lather and rinse twice. Wash carefully between the toes, tummy and tail area. Wet the ears and wash them very carefully. Water should never enter the ears due to possible infection.

    • 8

      Towel-dry the fur thoroughly. Use the blow dryer to dry the tufts on the head and the legs. Run the brush a couple of times over the hair to fluff.

    • 9

      Clip the nails after bathing when they are a bit softer. Be careful not to clip too much or they may bleed. If this occurs, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

    • 10

      Give the dog its favorite treat so it will learn to associate the grooming and trimming sessions with the pleasure of receiving the treat.