Author Topic: Any tips for trimming a poodle (Read 2467 times)

Bionic · « **on:** June 09, 2016, 02:49:21 pm »

My poodle is always groomed by a professional but having it done every 7 weeks is quite expensive so I am thinking of giving it a go myself.

I did try once before and he looked like the dog from the specs saver ad.

I have some electric clippers and a smaller pair especially for the face and toes. The face in particular I am nervous about, getting close to the eyes.

Any tips to make the whole thing less of a problem?

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2016, 03:17:37 pm »

I trim my beardie around the eyes and use sharp hairdressers scissors, get someone to hold the head so they don't move and gently snip. I would think the electric clippers are fine but they will need trimming up a bit and the trimming up can be done with hairdressers scissors. Try and have a pattern to go off..... to make them rounded instead of square sticky out looking try rounding the ends a bit to blend in. Also Youtube may have some useful vids too. All the best and do let us know how you get on

Fleecewife · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2016, 06:18:43 pm »

Yes, pics please once you've done it Bionic

in the hills · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2016, 07:56:25 pm »

Don't know anything about poodles specifically but wondering if you can use thinning scissors to get a softer look without steps or ridges. That is how you trim Flatties ears???

nutterly_uts · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2016, 08:41:52 pm »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_AWV1pVPqo - Face trimming

And one version of a clip - there are loads more on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anx022zAEAg

nutterly_uts · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2016, 08:44:10 pm »

My top tip is to clip the same direction the whole time - If you go left and right, you end up with a patchy look - if you always go left (or right!) the clippers stay flat to the dog and create a nice even length.

I'd also recommend a second pair of hands or a table with a grooming neck attachment - it is much easier to clip a dog stood still than one who is death rolling and moving - your poodle is used to being groomed so it should be a bit easier

devonlady · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2016, 10:27:00 am »

I don't "do" coats, I prefer the wipe clean variety but, with my inherited Yorkie I use a pair of surgical scissors to trim up face and paws. they stay sharp forever and are, I find, more maneagble than long, pointy scissors.