Here are some suggestions for basic grooming equipment when trimming a poodle.

HAIRCARE

Bristle brush/same as a slicker brush

Comb – I found the double sided comb to work the best for me.

Optional: A soft bristle brush (similar to a hairbrush) to use when the dog is wet and you are blow drying them.

Matt comb (looks like a bunch of razor blades) to get the mats out.

Metro blow dryer – is the one that I started out with it wasn’t very expensive.  Mine is still working, going on 15 years. 4 years ago I bought a variable speed large blower as I groom every week. You can also use a regular hair dryer, just make sure you don’t use it on high heat. Try to use it on a cold or low setting to prevent hot spots. It will just take you longer to dry the dog using a hair dryer.

Curved scissors – rose line 7 1/2 inch or longer recommended. (Curved scissors give you a nicer look then straight) 

Clipper: I use the Andis proCLIP Excel Clipper for the body.  You can use a 10 blade with multiple combs to get different desired lengths.  Can also be used on face, feet and privates.  If you are going to only invest in one clippers I would recommend this one.

If you have the funds and have a puppy/dog that you are struggling to cut the face, I would also suggest buying the WAHL Arco 5-in-1 clippers for face, feet and privates.  It is lighter weight and vibrates less than the Andis corded clipper.  

 

NAIL CARE

Nail clippers – I use the guillotine style nail clipper with the metal stop to help reduce the risk of cutting off to much of the nail. 

 

Blood clot powder or liquid if you cut the toenail quick to close and it bleeds.

EARS

Pro era powder – sprinkle the powder on your fingers and pull the hair from the ears.

Ear cleaner. Put ear cleaner on a cotton ball and clean around the ear canal. Do not squeeze the cleaner into the ear canal.

Hemostat – to be used to remove hair deeper in the ear canal – Update: I no longer pull hair from my poodles ears.  I just trim the hair.  I have found that I get less ear infections by just trimming vs pulling the hair. 

Misc

Clipping cape – you can buy one from Sally beauty or from pet edge they’re usually about 25 dollars to keep the hair off of you.

Washing apron – I use it when giving baths to keep myself a little bit dryer. It’s a hard plastic type apron.

 

note: I have purchased many these items from Amazon and Petedge.  www.petedge.com

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