Grooming is essential for a healthy happy poodle. Your puppy will arrive freshly bathed with trimmed toenails and with clean, hairless ear canals. Face, feet, and tail will be shaved.
Learn the basics of coat care:
- Brush thoroughly before bathing.
- Bath twice monthly at least using a mild puppy shampoo.
- Do not get soap in the puppy eyes or ears (in fact, do not wet the face with soap and water—clean with a washcloth).
- Blow dry the puppy under low heat from your hair dryer with a brush while the hair is drying. Standard poodle puppies may need to be dried with an electric dog dryer.
- Use a pin brush rather than a slicker.
- Brush every other day to avoid matting.
- Or find a professional groomer! (...after the puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks of age)
- Clipping should be left to a professional.
- Ears can be cleaned weekly by gently pulling the long hairs out of the canal.
- Odor, wax or heavy hair buildup should be addressed by your veterinarian.
- Toenails should be clipped twice monthly.
- Make grooming a positive experience. Stay with the pup for the first grooming session and don’t forget the treats!