Grooming Poodles - Poodle Grooming Instructions

So how are you going to go about grooming your poodle?

Do you have a Standard Poodle, a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle? Does the grooming differ for each size?

Let's see ...

Grooming standard poodles completely takes about three hours, once you learn how to do it effectively. Grooming miniature poodles and toy poodles may take a little less time, but only because the dogs are smaller in size, so there is less area to groom. Until you become really proficient, it might be a good idea to spread the job out over a few days rather than attempt it all in a three hour stretch - because that three hours is likely to take a LOT longer the first few times you do it.

Spreading the grooming out over two or more days will give you a break, but also make it easier on your poodle. If you dont' think you can learn poodle grooming on your own, or are worried about the time it takes, you'll have to choose a professional to do it. Choose your poodle grooming salon carefully. Talking to other poodle owners is a good way to find a good groomer.

Decide which trim you prefer. Poodles have coats that lend themselves to plenty of different looks. However, your choice will in part be dictated on how much time and effort you're willing to put into keeping your dog's coat in shape. Whether you intend to show your poodle, or have him/her purely as a pet may make a difference to the trim style you choose. Show poodles have a very limited range of acceptable trims, which must be a variation on the traditional lion cut.

There are three variations on this kind of poodle grooming - continental, English saddle, and puppy. Each of these cuts is related to the traditional "poodle" cut that we know so well. Apparently, this cut was originally created to help these dogs swim more effectively while retrieving birds from the water. A long mane of fur on the chest protected the lungs and heart, and the tufts on the legs offered joint protection.

For non-competing poodles, there's a lot more to choose from. You can choose a shorter trim, which is easier to maintain, and especially easier to dry in the winter. Longer trims are showier, but they'll require more maintenance. Check some grooming books, or take a look at a few poodles to figure out which type of trim you prefer. Of course, there is nothing to stop you from trying out a few different trims for a different look each time, once you learn the basics of trimming your poodle correctly. Or if you go to a professional groomer, they will be happy to adapt the cut each time you go, to a different style, if that is your preference.

Most people choose to clip the fur at the base of the tail and on the feet and face very short. It gives that traditional poodle "look", and is also better from a hygiene point of view, since long hair on the face can trap food. Short clipped feet don't pick up grass seeds, and your dog also won't bring as much dirt into the house! Shorter coats are of course easier to wash and dry, and they don't need as much brushing as a fluffy, long coat. Always wash your poodle before grooming to keep your clippers and scissors in good shape. Use high quality equipment, too. Although it's more expensive to start with, high quality and well looked after clippers and scissors make poodle grooming much easier.

Poodle grooming, and your dog's physical condition can influence the way your Poodle feels, and also the way you look at your dog. Lack of appropriate care in any dog, and particularly lack of bathing and grooming a Poodle, can also affect the behavior of your Poodle.

It's true!

Learning how to groom a Poodle properly will not only give you a great looking Poodle, but also helps develop your Poodle's self-esteem, believe it or not - take a look at the demeanour of an uncared for dog with a dirty, matted coat, and compare it with the demeanour of a clean, groomed dog - very often you really can see a marked difference between the two.

And let's not forget that having a good looking, exquisitely groomed Poodle, also makes you a very proud dog owner, when other people comment on your beautifully groomed Poodle!

How to Brush Your Poodle:

Firstly, brush upwards - from tail to head - with a slicker brush, and then with a medium or wide-toothed comb. The slicker brush removes all the loose hair and the comb takes care of the tangles.

Secondly, brush your Poodle in the opposite direction - from head to tail, and make sure you reach the skin as you brush this way.

Finally, unless you are certain that your dog has no fleas, use a flea comb over the coat to get the fleas and remove any remaining tangles. Part the coat and start from the root and then comb through.

The benefits of brushing are:

Better blood circulation
Shinier and healthier coat
Better bonding between you and your Poodle
Fewer problems with fleas

Many Poodles learn to see their routine brushing as an opportunity for bonding, and an alternate form of petting, i.e. another source of affection and attention. So make poodle grooming time a fun time for you and your dog. Even if you never do learn how to clip your Poodle yourself, the other aspect of grooming - regular brushing - really is essential for Poodles.

Click Here for your FREE Dog Grooming Mini Course - and start effectively grooming your Poodle immediately!