Grooming - Trim the dog's muzzle, or face

Trim the dog's muzzle, or face. This starts with the lower eyelids, moving on down past the front of the nose and right before the poodle's throat. For best results, keep only a small beard around the dog's face. The lower portion of a poodle's muzzle has to be trimmed in a straight line.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Grooming - Clip your poodle

Clip your poodle. The process starts with the dog's head. A No. 10 head can be used on the clippers or, alternatively, a pair of sheered scissors. The dog's top portion should not extend over the eyes. On the sides, hair can be full over the ears.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Grooming - Bathe your poodle in room-temperature water

Bathe your poodle in room-temperature water in either a bathtub or large plastic tub. To prevent slipping, a rubber mat can be used. Use dog shampoo, which can be purchased at pet stores. Once the poodle has been thoroughly cleaned, dry him off with a towel and hair dryer. Simultaneously brush the poodle's coat and comb the hair.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Grooming - Unlike most dog breeds, poodles do not shed

Unlike most dog breeds, poodles do not shed. While that means there will not be fur coating the living room couch, it also means routine grooming is important to a poodle's well-being. Unkempt hair will become knotted, matted and uncomfortable for your pet.

Many owners decide to send their poodles to professional groomers because of the skill and time involved. Other owners, however, attempt to do the task themselves. There are a plethora of poodle styles out there. Some owners intend to enter their poodle as a show dog in competitions, while others keep them as regular pets.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Feeding tip - Do not allow your poodle to eat table scraps

Do not allow your poodle to eat table scraps. Many types of human food are bad for dogs.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Feeding tip - Clean your poodle’s dish after every meal

Clean your poodle’s dish after every meal. Feeding your poodle will be much easier in a clean, sanitary dish.

Poodle - Dog Lover

Feeding tip - Check your poodle’s food dish to see if there is any food left

Check your poodle’s food dish to see if there is any food left. If there is anything leftover, you can feed a little less next time. If he ate it all quickly, you might need to feed a little more.

Poodle - Dog Lover