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Grooming Tips & Supplies
Brushing
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.
Bath Time
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.
Dryer
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.
Grooming Table
Grooming Table
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.
Trimming Nails
Grooming Table
Trimming Nails
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.
Ears
Grooming Table
Trimming Nails
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.
Clippers
The one we like best for poodles is "Andis Excel 5-speed Pet Grooming Clipper". The speed of the clipper is very important.
Clipper Blades
We like a #10 on the face & neck, base of the tail and on the feet, #40 is too irritating.
#5 fine can be used for a shaggier face.
#7 skip tooth around the neck
#5 or 3 skip tooth on the body and legs.
Scissors
Scissors
You will need a good pair of shears or two. A nice straight 7 to 8 inch pair, and 6 1/2 inch curved shear. The curved sheers are great for learning to trim around heads, legs and tails.
Teeth
Scissors
There are a lot of choices to keeping your dogs teeth clean. You can brush them on a regular basis or give them tarter control chews. Your vet should check your dogs teeth at their regular visits as well.
Shedding Rake
If you keep your poodles hair shorter in a sport clip, you don't usually need this but if not they might come in handy.
A shedding rake is great for removing loose hair for dogs with an undercoat.
Matt Rake
Used to remove matts.