How to Groom Male Poodles

Poodles grow long coats that don't shed, so routine maintenance is necessary to prevent knots and matting. Most poodle owners keep the dog's coat clipped to reduce daily grooming requirements. Trims have to be to exact specifications for show dogs. Pet poodles are usually trimmed in a puppy or lamb clip for ease of maintenance. Taking the dog to a professional groomer every couple of months is the best way to keep the coat clipped properly, but there are basic grooming requirements that need to be addressed at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal comb
  • Slicker brush
  • Mat rake and splitter
  • Round-tipped scissors
  • Nail trimmer
  • Dog ear wash
  • Cotton balls
  • Dog toothbrush and paste
  • Dog shampoo
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your poodle daily to maintain its coat. Use a metal comb and slicker brush, and thoroughly comb through the undercoat to prevent knotting and matting.

    • 2

      Use a mat rake and splitter to remove any tangles. Rake and split mats gently to avoid pulling on knots and hurting the dog.

    • 3

      Bathe the dog if it becomes excessively dirty. Dogs do not need to be bathed too often, and excessive washing can actually dry out the skin. If the dog gets smelly or has an excessive amount of dirt, bathe it using shampoo with a pH specific to dogs.

    • 4

      Trim your poodle's nails to keep them from overgrowing. Use dog nail clippers to clip the tip of each nail, being careful not to clip into the bloodline, or quick. Trimming the nails too short will hurt the dog and cause profuse bleeding. If you are not familiar with how to trim your dog's nails, ask your groomer or veterinarian to show you or do it for you.

    • 5

      Check the dog's ears weekly for mites. Use blunt-nosed scissors to trim away excess hair from the ear opening. Use dog ear wash and cotton balls to clean debris out of ears. Ear wash for dogs can be purchased from your vet or at any pet supply store. Follow manufacturer's instructions for using ear wash.

    • 6

      Brush your dog's teeth daily. Dirty teeth can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause heart problems in dogs. Schedule regular tooth scaling by your veterinarian to keep your canine's mouth healthy.