1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

you have a cage dryer, this can be used to help the coat dry off what the towel didn't. A cage dryer will get the coat damp-dry and the blow-dryer will be utilized to fully dry the coat. Working from the rear to the head, allow the blow-dryer to separate the hairs. Dry one area at a time and using a brush will help keep the hairs from tangles.

Once the coat is cleaned and dried, the Poodle is ready for the ear cleaning. This is a simple process of using a cotton ball and water. Some groomers will use mineral oil and/or ear powder. The only concern when cleaning the ears is to be gentle, do not go into the ear canal and do not use Q-tips. If the ears are overgrown with long hairs, these can be easily trimmed away with short scissors. Hemostat scissors are the most common type utilized for this area because of their bent shape at the ends.

Nail trimming can be intimidating and should be approached with caution. Inside the toenail is a "quick" that can hurt the Poodle if cut and even bleed. If you are doing this for the first time, trim a little at a time until you reach the quick without cutting into it. Today's technology has made other tools available for nail trimming that are much safer than clippers and can be purchased for the novice groomer. Nail trimming and ear cleaning can be done before bathing but I prefer to do it after the dog is clean and the coat is manageable.

These are the simple fundamentals for basic Poodle grooming. If you want your Poodle to have a special style, this will require some practice and knowledge of the different styles that are usually seen on this breed. As mentioned before, if the Poodle you are grooming has become heavily matted and the coat is uncontrollable, the coat may need to be shaved fully before bathing since no amount of washing will remove large mats.

Poodles were once used as water dogs and retrievers. The clip that was found to be most suitable for their needs is known as the "Continental clip". The mane of the hair is left on the forepart of the body and the back and hindquarters are shaven. The appearance of this clip became known as the "Lion clip" in England and has undergone some modifications since its first introduction.

There are a wide variety of Poodle clips that would fill a book on their techniques. Many of the basic clips are simple to carry out while others take more training and practice. Just as there are different hairstyles for people, the Poodle has a range of styles including The Puppy Clip, The Kennel Clip, The Sporting Clip (or Lamb clip), The Town and Country, The Dutch, The Bikini, The English Saddle and several others.

The Poodle has been endowed with a unique coat that can grow to long lengths which make the breed one of the most, if not the most popular dog breed owned around the world. If there coat is cared for on a regular basis, it is very manageable but left un-groomed, the coat can become matted. Regular grooming will keep the coat beautiful, controllable and easy to maintain.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to groom a Toy Poodle?
We want to hear your view. Write now!