When introducing the Poodle puppy to the clippers, it is a good idea to turn the machine on and hold it near the puppies head for a few minutes. This lets the puppy get familiar with the sound of the clippers. Second, very gently, touch the side of the puppy's head and and also against the puppy's body. This allows the puppy to get use to the vibrations of the clippers. You may want to do this a couple of times during the week before actually starting to clip the puppy's hair, depending on how the puppy reacts to the clippers. Some puppies adjust to the clippers quickly while others take more time.

When you begin to clip the Poodle, handle him with firmly but gently. Let the puppy know this is not playtime. This is a serious business, and puppy needs to understand that. If puppy objects by crying or snapping, be firm but gentle let puppy know this is not acceptable behavior and patiently continue to groom puppy.

Remember: This first clipping is really a behavior lesson. If the puppy is allowed to get away with disobedience (growling, snapping, etc...,) this time, it will be harder to teach him that it is not acceptable behavior the next time you attempt to clip him.

The puppy/dog should be placed on a table or any other flat surface, which is approximately waist high. Never clip him on the floor, and never on anything that is not solid and strong. The puppy/dog should never feel unsafe because of a poor grooming table. The table should have a matting of corrugated rubber or another material, which will give your puppy/dog secure footing. If the Poodle becomes frightened because of a slippery or shaky table it will be nearly impossible to work with.

Good lighting and no distractions are both essential for good grooming. The light should be even and as free from shadows as possible. Neon light is by far the best type for Poodle grooming. There should be no distractions in the room, such as other animals or persons with whom the dog is unfamiliar. I recommend The Complete POODLE CLIPPING & GROOMING BOOK by Shirlee Kalstone. You can buy this at Amazom.com

Nail Clipping

Using a nail clipper can be a tricky for the novice. The quick, which is the spongy part of the nail, will bleed if clipped. If this happens use Kwik Stop or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. There are other product sold on the pet market just for this situation. It is painful for them if you cut into the quick and should be avoided.

Using a guillotine type nail clipper place the tip of the nail into the circle . A quick movement of the blade clips the nail; but first, push down lightly and if the nail has a spongy feel, don't press any further. The quick shows as a dark area in light-colored nails. Overgrown nails usually develop a hook, which should be removed.

Ear Cleaning

Flap-eared dogs like the Poodle may have trouble with ear infections due to the accumulation of dead hair, wax and other matter. Long-handled, round-ended hemostats available in most dog stores should be used to remove the hair inside the ears. Do not be in a hurry, as you are working in a very sensitive area. Grasp the hair firmly and with a quick, twisting motion!

The ears should then be swabbed out with Q-tips dipped in alcohol or peroxide. Clean carefully, but do not probe deeper than you can see. Should the ears seen painful or foul- smelling consult your veterinarian. There are a number of dog ear cleaners and remedies available at your pet shop for troublesome ears.

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