Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Towel
- Electric clippers
- Leash
- Brush
- Clipper lubricant
Instructions
Prepare your supplies. Make sure your clipper blades are sharp and clean for easier clipping. Blades come in a variety of sizes for a wide range of needs. Buy clipper blades that are designed for the thick, curly hair of your poodle. Have clipper lubricant and a towel on hand to clean the clippers during use.
Wash your poodle, towel him dry and allow him to completely dry before you start clipping. He should be clean, dry and as tangle free as possible to make clipping as painless as possible.
Decide on your puppy's cut while he's drying. For poodles, there are many "patterns" that are breed specific. For a poodle's first puppy cut, it's best to go with a full shave. This will be quick, and won't require your puppy to stand still while you painstakingly develop the pattern.
Put the collar and leash on your poodle to keep him still and get started. Start with a small area first, like the puppy's chest. Move the clippers in long, even strokes against the hair growth. Push only hard enough to take off adequate hair. When you and your puppy are used to the sound and feel of the clippers, move on to his back, sides, stomach and legs.
Clip your puppy for five- to seven-minute sessions, then rest and give him a treat. While you're resting, cool the clippers and clean them with lubricant and your clean towels. Clippers are likely to get clogged up with the hair you're cutting, and won't work as well as they do when they're clean. Continue these steps slowly, taking consistent breaks, until you're done.