How to Spray a Poodle Top Knot

Preparing and showing your own poodle can be gratifying, especially when your dog is well turned out. Poodles have one of the most challenging coat requirements in the show ring, and grooming them can be difficult. The top knot, or hair above the eyes, must be done to perfection.

Things You'll Need

  • Coat conditioner spray
  • Hair spray
  • Pin brush
  • Comb
  • Leash
  • Grooming table
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your poodle on the grooming table. For optimum comfort for you, and to avoid lower back strain, the table should be at waist level. The dog should be comfortably, but securely, tied to the table and asked to lie on its belly, head up. This allows you full access to the dog's face and top knot.

    • 2

      Spray the coat with a light conditioning mist and brush through the hair thoroughly, making sure to work through the hair all the way down to the neck. Using the conditioner will help prevent breakage and hair damage.

    • 3

      Comb the hair up in a fan shape from the base of the neck, blending the top knot hair into the rest of the coat. Do the top knot hair in sections, fanning it up and out, while tapering it with scissors to blend neatly into the neck portion of the coat. Use the conditioning spray as you comb.

    • 4

      Spray the top knot lightly with hairspray to complete the look. Human hairspray works well, but they also make dog-specific hairspray. Take care not to over spray as this can create a stiff and unnatural appearance.