Grooming Tips & Supplies

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We find that a regular hair brush, one with wide spaced, hard bristles, works best, or a pin brush. We also use metal combs and wire shedding brushes for straightening and lifting the hair. 

We like to keep it simple. Since Service Dogs are out in public several times a week,  we recommend bathing every week or two. Avoid getting water in the ears. We always use a tear free shampoo. EZ Groom Crystal White shampoo, and EZ Groom Ultra Fast Blow Dry Conditioner works great on poodles.  These are in a concentrated form concentrated, and are available online or at shows. 

We recommend a high power dryer. It blows the water out of the hair without heating. Be sure to protect the ears and eyes. Start out slow and speed up. 

A table helps raise the dog up to you. The one we like is shaped like a dog bone. It helps keep your back straight. 

We prefer the scissor type trimmers. Best to have some "blood stop" handy. Clip off the dead part of the nail only. Once shortened, use a Dremel tool to round off the nail and remove any rough edges.

Dogs with drop down ears are more prone to yeast and bacterial infections. Usually a soft cloth is sufficient to clean the ears.
Step 1 - Rosin powder helps pull the hair from inside the ears with just your fingers. 

Step 2 - Clean the ears with a liquid cleaner, and baby wipes.

Step 3 - You may want to use an ear cream. It helps dry the inside of the ear. Always follow instructions on the container.
If ears are irritated, always check with your veterinarian. I found a medication called "Zymox 1% Hydrocortizone" worked best for yeast treatment.