Standard Poodle Grooming
Standard Poodle grooming is important for its health as well as appearance. Because poodles have hair, and not fur - it will involve brushing, washing and cutting.
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First, you must make the decision of how you want your pup to look. With poodles the options are varied. If you like the Continental Cut you can see at the dog show, or a utilitarian cut like a kennel clip,
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Next you need to decide if you are going to take the pup to a groomer, or tackle this job yourself. If you choose to groom yourself, be sure to take some classes or training so you do not injure your new pup.
Either way it is VERY IMPORTANT to get them on a schedule. Our pups are groomed monthly before they go to their new homes. Depending on the look you prefer - they will need to be groomed from every few weeks to every three months.
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When finding a groomer, it is good to find out if they have experience grooming Standard Poodles, also be very clear what look you are wanting. Pictures help, as not all groomers know the technical names for the various cuts. Please note - if your Pup is matted, the groomer will not be able to do much other than a shave down - which is why for the fancy cuts daily brushing down to the skin is SO important.
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Price for a groom can vary significantly. I've been quoted from $65 - to over $200 for the same haircut. Conversely, if you choose to groom yourself, good equipment will cost you a minimum of $250. On our Puppy Checklist - it lists our suggested equipment for grooming yourself.
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Below are some training videos on how to groom your Standard Poodle.
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Standard Poodle Ear Cleaning
Because Standard Poodles have droopy ears - they will need Ear Cleaning from time to time. We generally wash our Poodle ears at every bath time, using an ear cleaner with a drying agent such as EpiKlean Cleanser.
When cleaning Standard Poodle ears, it is critical not to use anything that would tend to push any debris further into the ear canal. Q-Tips should NOT be used.
Use cotton balls and the ear cleaning solution. Squirt enough cleaner into the ear to fill the canal. Massage the base of the ear until you hear the solution “squish” several times.
Gently grasp the base of the ear, and pull the ear flap up and away from the head in order to straighten out the ear.
Allow the pet to shake his head to remove the excess liquid from the ear canal. Wipe the ear clean of any excess solution and repeat the process 2-3 times, or until the discharged liquid is clear.