Poodles are really smart and affectionate dogs. They are eager and athletic. They are also very easy to train, which makes them a great family dog. But they do require a lot of grooming.
THE TRUTH ABOUT GROOMING A POODLE
The poodle needs the right grooming to keep its coat healthy, shiny, and fluffy. But a poodle’s grooming needs are often overlooked by the family that is so focused on the cuteness of a fluffy puppy. Many poodle owners believe that because this breed is mostly low shedding, it is also low maintenance. But this could not be further from the truth.
The truth is that poodles do require daily grooming. This includes brushing and combing everyday or at least 3 times a week. Creating a grooming routine with your poodle is vital to keeping their fluffy coat mat-free! Matting is the number one grooming problem that poodle owners encounter.
Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is very painful for poodles. If not removed, it can also cause other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites. And severe matting usually leads to a shavedown, right to the skin. Shaving a fluffy poodle is actually very frustrating for an owner because they may not know what they are doing wrong. So as a poodle owner you need to learn how to properly care for your dog’s coat.
TOP 3 BRUSHES EVERY POODLE OWNER SHOULD HAVE
Before brushing and combing your precious poodle, you need the right grooming tools. These are the top three tools that will make grooming so much easier.
1. A High Quality Slicker Brush
The slicker brush is the number one dog brush recommended by grooming professionals for poodles. It is actually the type of brush you want to start with when grooming your dog because it will help break up any knots and prevent matting.
The slicker brush is perfect for poodle coat maintenance at home. However, there are different types of slicker brushes, and not all slicker brushes work the same. After testing a variety of slicker brushes, we came to the conclusion that the Freshly Bailey long pin curved slicker brush is the best brush for poodle owners.
This long pin slicker brush is great at working through dense and thick coats because of its larger than standard pins. It smoothly works its way through your poodle's coat making coat maintenance much easier. It removes tangles and mats, and it's the perfect brush for achieving that fluffy look effortlessly. But most importantly, it is loved by dogs!
The Freshly Bailey slicker brush is extremely lightweight, the long wood handle is ergonomic, and it is very comfortable and effective. The extra long pins and curved design make brushing a gentle and positive experience. Plus, it is reasonably priced compared to the Chris Christensen slicker brush.
2. A Dematting Tool
A double-sided dematting tool is perfect for grooming your poodle when matting is the problem as it is specifically designed to remove mats. The dematting tool can come in very handy before having to take your pup to the groomer for a shavedown. This tool has a 9-rounded-teeth side specifically designed for dematting purposes.
We love recommending the Freshly Bailey dematting brush because it has proven to be effective at removing mats while creating a positive grooming experience. The brush is terrific for getting deep into the dog's coat and for working through the stubborn tangles.
3. A Metal Comb
A metal comb should be used after you have brushed your poodle thoroughly with the slicker brush. The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair.
We like the Dual-length Dog Metal Comb. It is the perfect comb to add the finishing touch to your poodle’s coat. It has long and short stainless steel teeth to quickly and painlessly remove any remaining tangles or knots. Its rounded head pins keep your doodle’s skin from getting scratched. And the anti-slip handle protects your dog from any slippery accidents.
Other Must-Have Poodle Grooming Tool
One grooming tool we highly recommend to make each brushing routine much easier and smooth is a detangling spray. The detangling spray will help loosen all the tangles and give your dog a fresh smell between baths.
**Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Sensitive Skin
The self cleaning slicker brush is another brush loved by poodle owners because it is super gentle and easy to clean. The pins are short yet coated for an added layer of protection. This is the perfect brush for any poodle with sensitive skin.
HOW TO PROPERLY BRUSH A POODLE AND PREVENT MATTING
1. HAIR + WATER = MATS: ALWAYS brush a completely dry coat. If you bathe your dog, make sure you brush your dog's hair before the actual bath and use a high quality shampoo and conditioner. We love the 5-in-1 Pet Shampoo, it is great for poodle hair.
If you bathe your dog's matted hair without detangling it, it will just get worse! Wait for the fur to dry after the bath, and then brush it again. Do not brush a wet coat.
2. LINE BRUSH YOUR DOG: Grab your slicker brush to brush your dog’s hair. Do not just brush the top of the coat as this does not really do anything to prevent matting. Start at the bottom of the coat, grab a handful of hair, and brush a line of fur away. You should be able to see the skin. As you go, brush the hair down making sure that with each line you get right to the skin. Do not drag the brush across the dog’s skin, but do a pull-away type of stroke. Move up as you go along, and make sure you brush your dog’s entire coat. Don’t forget about the tail and armpits.
Use a detangler spray to make brushing easier.
3. FINISH WITH A METAL COMB: After brushing with the slicker brush, take your metal comb, and comb your dog’s coat thoroughly until the comb moves easily through the hair. If the comb gets stuck in any particular section, go back and brush out the tangle with the slicker brush.
4. EXTRA STEP: If there are more tangles and matting after brushing and combing, you may want to use the dematting tool. Use the 9-rounded-teeth side. Hold the matted fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. Always do small strokes when combing through a mat.
5. CONSISTENCY: Create a positive grooming routine and make sure you brush and comb your poodle at least 3 times per week.
13 comments
Thank you for the information. I have a toy poodle, I am going to start grooming her at home. All your information is very helpful.
Thank you
That is same dog we have. What brush the buse for getting hair straight
Good information but still not answer my question.
Did not show examples n each cutting. Especially, a poodle head that fluff up hairdo spreader out to stand up as well as the ears. Explain. Thanks
helpful…but what if he has sensitive skin??