Let's start by saying here's your first Poodle grooming tip - their coat grow quickly. Trim and bathe them every six to eight weeks.

Owners enjoy caring for the coat. Poodles enjoy the attention, and settle for seeing a professional groomer once a year.

Proper supplies create happiness when poodle grooming time arrives. A fine-toothed comb and a coarse-toothed comb detangle the coat gently.

For all Poodle grooming styles, a pin-bristled brush enables basic brushing.

Straight bristles should be set widely apart on a rubber base. Curved bristles damage the coat. A slicker brush tackles mats and tangles.

It is a long brush with closely set fine wires. It is best if there is a slight bend at the tip of the wires.

Poodles require electric clippers with interchangeable blades. Professional dog grooming experts recommend a small animal clipper.

The clippers handle easily, and are lightweight.

You identify the right blade by the number on the blade. The number indicates hair removal, taking more off with high numbers.

Hot blades burn the skin. If the clipper blade feels as though it is too warm for comfort, let it cool down.

Spray lubricants lube and cool blades during use. Hand clippers eliminate the problem, but make the trimming go slowly.

Scissors complete the trimming. Sharp scissors require stillness, as do the finishing touches to make the coat look right.

Dog grooming is serious, not a game. You teach confidence by lightly going over the grooming procedure with your poodle.

Your command to "stay" while he stands on the grooming table needs obeyed. Start poodle grooming the hindquarter area.

Your poodle can see you, but cannot see what is happening. The mild humming reassures him that all is well.

Confident grooming eliminates annoyance and nervousness.

Grooming starts with searching for tangles or matted fur. Your fingers search the coat first, carefully working through the coat.

You repeat the procedure with the fine-toothed comb. The matting comb and slicker brush untangle the mat.

Matted hairs can be loosened by brushing the coat up and down, or applying a tangle remover.

Before bathing the poodle, be sure the matted fur is removed. Water creates tightening.

With the hindquarters brushing completed, it is time for the next step.

Hind legs require brushing with short, quick, up and down strokes, as do the front legs.

Remove all tangles from the legs, and move to the poodle's body. You brush the back end, moving towards the neck region.

Matting increases dramatically underneath the body, so detangle it well with the brush and comb.

The head and ears incur beauty when given special attention. Extra care is necessary with the delicate features.

Your dog likes to feel beautiful and appreciates your efforts at poodle grooming.

---------------------

Article written by:

Edie MacKenzie