How to Trim a Poodle at Home

As a dog owner, it's important to take pride in your dog. Whether you walk it around the neighborhood or at the dog park, other pet owners take notice. A well-groomed dog, especially a poodle, reflects on you as the owner. Most people expect poodles' coats to be neatly maintained. Plus, your poodle will be happier with a shorter coat, especially in warmer months. Professional grooming can be costly, since it should be done every four to six weeks. Instead, invest in some shearing materials and do the job yourself. You'll save money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Hairdryer
  • Brush
  • Comb
  • Electric clippers
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your poodle's hair before trimming it to work out the knots. Use shampoo that is OK for dogs. Start soaping your poodle's neck and work down through the rest of its body. Rinse with warm water and towel dry. Use a hairdryer to dry your poodle's coat further, as long as the heat does not bother the dog. Hold the hairdryer far enough away from your poodle so as not to burn it.

    • 2

      Brush out your poodle's hair with a brush and comb to get rid of the remaining knots. Brush the hair into the style in which you want to cut it. The most common type of cut for a poodle who isn't a show dog is a "pet cut."

    • 3

      Use a blade attachment for the electric clippers that will cut the hair to the desired length, and shave from the neck down the spine. Then trim the poodle's sides. Lay the dog on its side to trim the underside of its body.

    • 4

      Use the scissors to trim your poodle's head, neck, legs and feet. Hold each foot in your hand to steady it before trimming. Use the brush and comb to restyle the hair throughout the trimming process. Step back and make sure the hair on each side of the dog is the same length. Keep trimming with the clippers or scissors until you get the length you want.