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Standard Poodle tools, resources, and tips for spoo parents who self-groom at home
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items Are you a standard poodle parent, guardian or owner? Just thinking about what you *might* need if you do decide to bring a spoo into your life? Either way, I've curated a list of my best and most often used tools and resources I've used in the 6 years since Rogue, first spoo, came into our lives! They're been a tremendous help to me and I hope they do the same for you!
The best comb for standard poodles - lost one and had to replace it. There's no going back. Yes, it's more expensive than many but worth it.
Buttercomb by Chris Christensen
If you are interested in grooming your standard poodle and don't know where to start, this book is a great reference. If you plan to have your groomer do all the "fancy clips", it still a good idea to know the lingo and get a feel for what you like,...
Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference
Hands down the best I've ever owned! I swear by this slicker brush. My spoo has tender skin and would get irritation from other brushes, but never this one. Really easy to work out the snarls
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush
You know long toenails are uncomfortable. Now, imagine how your dog feels! Get a pair that is comfortable for you to hold and can be cleaned easily. I like this style, not the guillotine style, because our boys have thick poodle nails. We wipe the blades with alcohol for easy clean up. Replace when dull. affiliate link
Nail Clippers
A quick how-to on trimming your pup's nails, with info for dark nails, dew claws and what to do if you do accidentally nick the wick. And, it happens, trust me. Have some corn starch on stand by (covered ub the video, too!)
ASPCA Grooming 101 - Trimming Nails for Dogs
This can be a nice tools for pets who don't like pressure on their paws, are wiggly during clips or people who are very worries about clipping the wick. We've had dogs that love and hate these, in about even amounts. We do like to use them to round off the clipped nails, if they let us! affiliate link
Nail Grinder
Great for in-between visits and full home based grooming - whatever works for you! Our boys don't like grooming, and going to a groomer stresses them out! We've learned to groom at home and love these trimmers. Variable speed is nice! affiliate link
Clippers
Free, quick reads from the pros at Andis that cover a variety of grooming situations.
Education Materials by Andis
The clip guards will help you get the perfect length for you spoo! We found the plastic guards just didn't hold up to the thick, curly poodle coat. Switching to this metal set has been a big help! affiliate link
Andis Wide Blade 8-Piece Dog, Cat & Small Pet Grooming ...
Peace of mind for lost pets! plus, the collars and leashes they sell are great. I've had 2 for Rogue in 6 years - The attached collar has your pet's name, the AKC Reunite name with phone number AND the unique pet ID number.
AKC Reunite
Another excellent free resource from Andis - Andis Education Series Videos cover a wide range of topics. More than just poodles, and dogs for that matter! If you've had kids in 4H - you already know about grooming cattle and horses!
Video Grooming Guides - Andis
Just get your pets 'chipped! Our local humane society offers reduced cost microchipping - check with your local shelter or your vet if your animal is not already chipped
Microchipping
Ultra concentrated and very affordable, the Lavender Coconut shampoo and conditioner smell amazing without being overly strong in scent. We dilute both down somewhere between 1:12 and 1:16 for easy use. affiliate link
Lillian Ruff
Whether you do it at home or have a professional groomer, your poodle needs routine grooming. This quick read covers the basics.
The Ultimate Grooming Checklist for Poodle Owners - PDGA
Much easier option that bathing at home. We wash and dry there and clip and style at home. They supply towels, shampoo, treats and raised wash tubs (so nice!)
Self-Serve Pet Wash
Nice quality towels and enough to use a new one each time. Especially nice in Indiana springs. Well, fall too. Lets face it… winter as well.
Microfiber bath towels
Tons of photos submitted by groomers that provide so many new ideas for you to try or talk over with your groomer! Let's be honest, part of the fun of having a poodle is playing with different styles!
Fresh Grooming Styles
Available in several colors and comes with 2 attachments and extra filters. We've had this for about 6 years now. Has variable speed/force (nice for face and feet!) and heat (on/off). Came with extra filters and several attachments. affiliate link
Forced air dryer