Grooming my Standard Poodle Puppy

Great Big Puppy · 08-07-2009, 04:13 PM

Hi,

I'm just looking for a little advise. We have a 15 week old black standard poodle puppy who we have had for one week now. The breeder never clipped the puppies before they went to their new homes. Last Saturday I bathed him, blew him dry and made sure he was completely brushed/combed out. As you can guess, I couldn't see his eyes. So I was giong to clip his face and paws. I found out very quickly he had different ideas. He was scared to death of the clippers. I was able to clip the fur out of one and a half front paws and that is as far as we got. Now I don't want to scare or traumatize this puppy, but I also don't want to end up with a 60 pound poodle who won't stand for grooming. I am thinking of spending 5-10 minutes every night with him and the clippers, not actually clipping him, but just rubbing the running clippers on his body, legs, head and face. My question is do you think this is the best way to go about it? Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Oh, I was able to sciszor clip some of the hair around his face to make him look somewhat presentable!

Thanks in advance for the advise!

Graco22 · 08-07-2009, 05:31 PM

At his age, to have not been groomed at least a few times by now, is definitly going to make for a challenge. I would recommend you take him to a good professional groomer a few times, where he can be trained to accept grooming. If you prefer to do it at home, its going to be a long road, and you are going to have to be very consistant and firm, and have the proper equipment for safety's sake. You will need a grooming table and arm, as well as the loop. And of course all the brushes, combs, blades, clippers, shears and a High Velocity dryer. Grooming a standard poodle at home is not something you can do with one or two pieces of equipment. Rubbing the clippers on him is fine, and may help him to accept them, until you start to clip his feet, and I think you are going to get the same reactions.

Great Big Puppy · 08-09-2009, 07:01 PM

Actually I already have a good set of clippers, blades, a grooming table with arm and loop. I also have a double k two speed dryer and good brushes. (I used to show Belgian Sheepdogs) I am not a total beginner at grooming, but had not had any formal training on Poodle faces, especailly those who are not used to grooming. I worked with him Friday night and it didn't take very long before he let me clip his face. I am not used to doing near his eyes,and need to work on my practice with that. I'd love suggestions on how to get closer to his eyes, and did I clip far enough up between his eyes?

thanks!

0hmyd0g · 08-09-2009, 07:07 PM

I think you did an awesome job on you puppy!

Graco22 · 08-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Great job. Your lines at the eyes are fine, you went maybe a touch too high between the eyes..think from one inside eye corner to the other, not above that. I cant really tell in the photo for sure, but it look like you didn't do the whole face. You want to clip a line from outside eye corner, under ears, to where the back of the ear is attached to the head, then down the neck coming to a "V" about a finger or two above the breastbone, depending on the lenght of your dogs neck. Let me see if I have a pic to help.

You can see most of the "lines" in these photos..pay no attention to the awful sprayup I was practicing..lol

poodleholic · 08-10-2009, 06:05 AM

Oh he's adorable!

Get yourself the Wahl Arco SE cordless trimmer! You will LOVE it, and I cannot imagine shaving FFT with anything but! It's so lightweight, and really easy to use to get close under the eyes.

Here's a picture of my little girl in a Poodle suit at about that age:

At 9 months:

Great Big Puppy · 08-11-2009, 11:53 AM

Graco22 - Thank you for all the help! I will try this weekend again to work on him some more. Your pictures are a great help! Your dog is beautiful!

Poodleholic - If my boy looks anything like your girl when he is older, I'll be thrilled. Is she a show dog?

Someday I would LOVE to have a high quality standard poodle, but I imagine they are way more difficult to show than my belgian's were! Gosh I miss showing!!! (beter not tell my hubby that!)

Graco22 · 08-11-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Big Puppy

Graco22 - Thank you for all the help! I will try this weekend again to work on him some more. Your pictures are a great help! Your dog is beautiful!

Poodleholic - If my boy looks anything like your girl when he is older, I'll be thrilled. Is she a show dog?

Someday I would LOVE to have a high quality standard poodle, but I imagine they are way more difficult to show than my belgian's were! Gosh I miss showing!!! (beter not tell my hubby that!)

Thanks. I have TONS of pics of my boy in all kinds of haircuts...show cuts to pet trims..LOL If you need any other pics, let me know. Your boy is a pretty guy.

poodleholic · 08-12-2009, 01:59 AM

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Big Puppy

Poodleholic - If my boy looks anything like your girl when he is older, I'll be thrilled. Is she a show dog?

Yes, and no! lol She doesn't like being away from her mama (me), and has a thing about cars - won't budge to get in or out of a vehicle, or when she sees a vehicle. She's not like that with me, but she is w/her handler. So, we decided to let her mature a little, and then see how it goes. Lucia's grand dam was #3 Standard Poodle in 2003. Her littermate finished and got his champtionship at 10 months old (most of her breeder's Poodles finish as puppies). I never dreamed I'd have the good fortune to have a Standard Poodle of her quality, and felt very flattered that her breeder let me have this little girl because she felt Lucia would have a good life with me.

Quote:

Someday I would LOVE to have a high quality standard poodle, but I imagine they are way more difficult to show than my belgian's were! Gosh I miss showing!!! (beter not tell my hubby that!)

More difficult to show, how? The hair? I have to take care of it, yes, but her handler does the grooming (except for FFT, which I do at home), and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is (I was worried about growing hair and maintaining it). Lucia is so cooperative, I really, really, enjoy brushing and combing and wraping and banding. You should just do it! lol

Great Big Puppy · 08-12-2009, 09:52 AM

[quote=poodleholic;603750]

Quote:

Yes, and no! lol She doesn't like being away from her mama (me), and has a thing about cars - won't budge to get in or out of a vehicle, or when she sees a vehicle. She's not like that with me, but she is w/her handler. So, we decided to let her mature a little, and then see how it goes. Lucia's grand dam was #3 Standard Poodle in 2003. Her littermate finished and got his champtionship at 10 months old (most of her breeder's Poodles finish as puppies). I never dreamed I'd have the good fortune to have a Standard Poodle of her quality, and felt very flattered that her breeder let me have this little girl because she felt Lucia would have a good life with me.

More difficult to show, how? The hair? I have to take care of it, yes, but her handler does the grooming (except for FFT, which I do at home), and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is (I was worried about growing hair and maintaining it). Lucia is so cooperative, I really, really, enjoy brushing and combing and wraping and banding. You should just do it! lol

Wow, That is awesome!!! She is incredibly beautiful! Unfortunately my boy is not from very good breeding lines (I keep picking him apart for his confirmation, trying see where maybe he meets the standard...) Sure, I could do the wraping and banding, I already do the brushing and combing! Just tell me what to do!

Harder to show...... I was guessing that a majority of poodles are shown by professional handlers?? I finished both of my belgian girls, owner handled to their championships. Is the poodle ring newbie friendly? I have seen some breed rings that don't like new people coming into their breed. They get nasty towards new people.

poodleholic · 08-13-2009, 04:15 AM

Thank you! I think she's beautiful, too! lol Here's a website I found that does show and tell you how to band. Just scroll down, and you'll see pictures eventually.

http://arpeggiopoodles.tripod.com/po...atbanding.html

I get my wraps and bands from lainee ltd.

http://www.laineeltd.com/cgi-bin/laineeltd/index2.html

You really won't need any wraps for awhile, just the bands. I use a little EQyss Survivor prior to brushing and banding. It's a great product (the light scent smells devine), and I wouldn't be without it during coat change! (Makes easy work of getting rid of any mats.) Lots of people use knitting needles to part and section the hair, but I bought the rattail comb at lainee ltd (pink, of course! heehee). It's very important to section the hair, so strays don't get pulled in, and break. The Survivor kept Lucia's hair from any damage, especially breakage right in the front above the eyes. I think her breeder and handler were pleasantly surprised at what a good job I did for a rank amateur! lol The band scissor lainee sells works well, too, although I used one of those cheapie letter opener things.

I'm sure there must be owner/handlers with Standard Poodles, but, you know how it goes with AKC!

Here's Lucia's breeder's website (I put it on the page showing her dam and sire - Promise and Ben). Lucia looks (and acts) just like her mama! To see her grand dam, click on "Honey" under Our Poodles. I've been in love with Beth's Poodles for years! They are so gorgeous, AND, have fabulous temperaments. Lucia is the sweetest little thing, and everyone falls in love with her - other dogs, humans, even cats! lol

http://www.arispoodles.com/pastpuppies.htm

Black Poodle faces are hard to see in pics, but here's Lucia with our vet, Javier, who is just bonkers over this little girl in a Poodle suit! LOL He kept saying over and over what fabulous conformation she has, and how beautiful, and did I know this and that! Oh yes, I knew! LOL He says he's rarely ever seen a Standard Poodle even close to breed standard, so it was a thrill for him. ANyway, here she is with him:

Great Big Puppy · 08-13-2009, 09:43 AM

Wow, thanks for all the info! I'm impressed that you have a vet who knows good conformatin when they see it! We have 3 year old Great Pyr x Anatolian shepard cross who, because he is a cross breed and because he has horrible confirmation should NEVER be bred (Yes he is neutered!). But, my vet at the time that he was a puppy said these very words to me "He is so cute, you've got to breed him when he gets older". After I picked myself up off the floor, I changed vets! I'm going to try feet this weekend,I'll try to post some pics if they turn out well.

Graco22 - I'm sure I could use some more pics as time goes by! Any suggestions for the best blade to use on feet?

Thanks again!!!

Graco22 · 08-18-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Big Puppy

Graco22 - I'm sure I could use some more pics as time goes by! Any suggestions for the best blade to use on feet?

Thanks again!!!

I use #30 blades on most of my poodle feet and faces. Some pets can't tolerate that short at first, so I will start with a 15, then go to a 30 the next time. My show dogs are always a #30 or 40. I like Wahl Competition #30 blades for poodle feet. I know everyone loves their Arco's, Bravuras, and Chromado clippers..but I HATE my Bravura, and always nick a foot when I try to use it..LOL Thats all I see in the ring though. Everything with grooming is preference, and you will learn by trying things, what works best for you.

Let us know when you need some more pics.

And of course, keep yours coming.

Great Big Puppy · 08-18-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graco22

I use #30 blades on most of my poodle feet and faces. Some pets can't tolerate that short at first, so I will start with a 15, then go to a 30 the next time. My show dogs are always a #30 or 40. I like Wahl Competition #30 blades for poodle feet. I know everyone loves their Arco's, Bravuras, and Chromado clippers..but I HATE my Bravura, and always nick a foot when I try to use it..LOL Thats all I see in the ring though. Everything with grooming is preference, and you will learn by trying things, what works best for you.

Let us know when you need some more pics.

And of course, keep yours coming.

Thank you so much for the note!!!! I clipped Cash's feet on Sunday, just haven't had a chance to get a good picture. These black puppies are really hard to get a good picture of. Anyway, I used a 30 blade and he wiggled a little at first, but then settled down. I have to admit I was sitting on the floor with him when I did them. (My grooming arm won't stay tight to the table for some reason...ugg) Anyway, I think they turned out pretty good. I'l try to get a picture tomorrow.

Any idea how around what age his top knot should be long enough to pull up in a band? I just want to get it out of his eyes (so I can see his eyes), but when I tried to pull it up on Sunday, it just all fell out right away.

I have a pair of Wahl KM2 clippers. I've been pretty satisified with them, except for one thing. Some of the blades I have don't work on them, now I know that probably 4-5 years ago Wahl made some blades that were defective and they were returning them all. I think that I may have some of those blades. After that, they marked the new ones with some special marking, but I don't remember what it was. (I worked for Country Supply - horse supplies - and became good friends with our Wahl distributor....Boy I miss that job..lol)
Oh, and if I wanted to grow out a show puppy coat, not saying I do, but if, what length would I keep his legs and the rest of his body?

Thanks so much again!

Graco22 · 08-18-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Big Puppy

Thank you so much for the note!!!! I clipped Cash's feet on Sunday, just haven't had a chance to get a good picture. These black puppies are really hard to get a good picture of. Anyway, I used a 30 blade and he wiggled a little at first, but then settled down. I have to admit I was sitting on the floor with him when I did them. (My grooming arm won't stay tight to the table for some reason...ugg) Anyway, I think they turned out pretty good. I'l try to get a picture tomorrow.

Any idea how around what age his top knot should be long enough to pull up in a band? I just want to get it out of his eyes (so I can see his eyes), but when I tried to pull it up on Sunday, it just all fell out right away.

I have a pair of Wahl KM2 clippers. I've been pretty satisified with them, except for one thing. Some of the blades I have don't work on them, now I know that probably 4-5 years ago Wahl made some blades that were defective and they were returning them all. I think that I may have some of those blades. After that, they marked the new ones with some special marking, but I don't remember what it was. (I worked for Country Supply - horse supplies - and became good friends with our Wahl distributor....Boy I miss that job..lol)
Oh, and if I wanted to grow out a show puppy coat, not saying I do, but if, what length would I keep his legs and the rest of his body?

Thanks so much again!

Aww! MY standard boy's name is Cash too!! Too funny. My Cash's topknot was long enough to start banding when he was about 7 months old. Small band is all. I use kids barrettes before that..the ones that just bend open and closed..It helped to get him used to having something in his hair and leaving it alone.

In a show puppy, his leg length will depend on his overall body and structure, but you are looking at probably 2-4 inches long I am guessing...The longest though is going to the body coat...that neck and topline hair on a show puppy is REALLY long...cause it basically growing out for the continental..

I know its hard to get a decent pic of blacks..Putting his foot on a white paper/white background will help reflect the light and help get a better pic. Can't wait to see some more of him..Every time I see a standard pup, I want another one..then I remember I am the groomer...LOL

Great Big Puppy · 08-18-2009, 11:00 PM

Oh, yeah, and on another note - Cash will SIT, DOWN, STAND and SHAKE now! As well as do a pretty good heal! Sorry, just had to mention because I just LOVE to work with him, he is SO much easier than our last puppy (now 3 years old - and finally out of the puppy stages) was!

Great Big Puppy · 08-19-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graco22

Aww! MY standard boy's name is Cash too!! Too funny. My Cash's topknot was long enough to start banding when he was about 7 months old. Small band is all. I use kids barrettes before that..the ones that just bend open and closed..It helped to get him used to having something in his hair and leaving it alone.

In a show puppy, his leg length will depend on his overall body and structure, but you are looking at probably 2-4 inches long I am guessing...The longest though is going to the body coat...that neck and topline hair on a show puppy is REALLY long...cause it basically growing out for the continental..

I know its hard to get a decent pic of blacks..Putting his foot on a white paper/white background will help reflect the light and help get a better pic. Can't wait to see some more of him..Every time I see a standard pup, I want another one..then I remember I am the groomer...LOL

I love the name Cash, It just popped into my head two days after we got him. I had to come up with some options to suggest to my 9 year old daughter (he is her dog, for the most part, but she let's Mom play with him lots!) or you never know what his name could be! lol

I'll try to take a picture tonight!

Graco22 · 08-19-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Big Puppy

I love the name Cash, It just popped into my head two days after we got him. I had to come up with some options to suggest to my 9 year old daughter (he is her dog, for the most part, but she let's Mom play with him lots!) or you never know what his name could be! lol

I'll try to take a picture tonight!

Aww...my boy learned his commands fast too. Standards are SO smart, and SO just wanting to please you. I love them and would have way too many if I could..LOL My Cash is really my daughter's dog too..he lives for her...I just get to groom him, feed him, pay for everything...lol and she gets to have all the fun.

Can't wait to see some more pics.

Great Big Puppy · 08-19-2009, 10:34 PM

Here's a picture of Cash tonight. This is after he has been outside playing with the kids. I took a quick shot of one of his paws, can't see too much, Mostly, I'm not sure if I clipped high enough up his paw. I clipped just up to the top of back of his pad and made it even around the whole paw.

poodleholic · 08-20-2009, 01:50 AM

Looks good! There's just something so sweet about Poodle feet! lol Lucia is so inky black I can't see what I'm doing, so, I sit on the couch with her on my lap - or between my legs - the back of her head against my chest, and do her front feet. Then, I have her lay with her head away from me, her butt between my legs, to do her back feet. Gee. That sounds really weird!

But, it works for me (and she goes to sleep)!

I've tried, but just can't use my Andis UltraEdge with a #40 (or #30) to do face or feet. Tail? Sure. I guess I'm so used to the lightweight (and cordless) Wahl Arco SE that anything else is too heavy and awkward.

I started banding Lucia's topknot at 15 wks., making a little "horn" above each eye. By the time she was 6 mo., it was really long, and took 3 bands on each "horn." She didn't get a haircut at all until then - although I had done a little rear angulation scissoring, and beveled leg hair above her feet. You'll have fun!