Poodles are famed for their non-allergenic coat that never sheds. But these features so prized by their owners and enthusiasts also mean that poodles, more than many breeds of dogs, require regular extensive grooming by either their owner or a professional. Fortunately, when it’s done right, they actually like nothing better than a gentle session of grooming, followed by a fashionable add-on of a bow, a charm, a summer or winter dog coat or even a jaunty hat.

Grooming your toy poodle or other poodle variety is a long-standing commitment, but one of the nicest byproducts is your new assortment of fashionable accessories to keep your poodle looking fabulous. It’s important to ensure that you’re grooming your toy dog adequately with shampoo, combing, clipping and an assortment of dog coats and accessories, because keeping your poodle well-groomed ensures a healthy, happy, and beautifully-kept dog that can give you lifelong companionship and pleasure.

Poodles generally look unkempt rather quickly when their grooming is neglected, so you’ll need to embark on a strict schedule as soon as you acquire your new little buddy from the pet store, breeder or shelter. You can develop your own grooming program including washing, combing and clipping, but sometimes it’s preferable to find the money and let a grooming professional handle your poodle grooming and bathing on a regular basis. Then all you need to do is pick out your favorite small dog accessories, let your groomer do the rest, and say hello to your sweet smelling, well-groomed dog.

But if your budget is tight, you can consult one of the extensive do-it-yourself poodle grooming instructions available on the web. Still, do yourself a favor and have a poodle grooming professional come to your home for at least one session, so that they can teach you the main grooming requirements and how to adequately conduct them.

A poodle is a very impressionable dog, and the first few grooming sessions can establish how they respond to grooming for their entire adult life. It’s important that your first experiences grooming your toy poodle are enjoyable and pleasant for both you. Your local grooming professional will be able to demonstrate how to keep the process simple, pleasurable and most of all, relaxed for your pooch.

Grooming toy poodles is actually a straightforward process, though one that requires practice. It involves shampooing, washing and drying, cutting and trimming the coat in one of several conventional poodle styles, clipping the nails, and finally, a session of coat brushing. Sometimes your groomer will apply an attractive, dog-safe scent to your poodle, a step you can also take at home, being careful not to irritate the eyes or ears. Most poodles have their first cut and trim at around three to six months of age, but shampooing and washing should occur on a regular basis. Ask your local grooming professional for tips on how to get started.