Black poodle color, grooming brush

Question
QUESTION: Hi!  I have a 3 1/2 yr old black standard poodle that in the last year has had quite a lot of white/silver come into his coat.  The hair between his toes and his ears have remained completely black.  So what's with that?  My second question is this - I have limped along with grooming him on my own and done an okay job, it seems, but is there a certain type of brush that will work best on his curly hair?  Also, could you recommend your top-rated website or book on grooming these guys?  My husband prefers him really grown out, so I try to accommodate him every other clipping. What happens though is that it's so long between clips he doesn't do very well with them (when he was younger I tried to do it every 4-6 weeks).  He especially hates having his feet done.  Any tips?  I've never nicked or hurt him to my knowledge, but he just about freaks out when I start to work on his toes (I'm certain the neighbors think I'm torturing him).  Thanks for answering the questions of a really inexperienced groomer-wanna-be!!

ANSWER: Hello Leah,

Here are some sites that talk about Poodle grooming.  I find that a Slicker brush works best for combing a Poodles hair, and a comb that has both fine and course teeth.  Your best bet is to spray your dog down with a light mist of water and conditioner, then use the slicker brush and hold the patch of hair down and brush the hair down to the skin a little bit at a time.  Once the hair is straight, scissor to the prefered length.  

http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/6783_poodle-dog-grooming.htm

This one is a DVD that you can buy that will teach you some grooming styles and techniques.  It looks very informative.
http://poodlegroomingvideo.com/

http://www.poodlesavvy.com/poodle-care.html

As for doing toes, try getting him used to having them messed with.  Do the Dog Exam to help him get used to being handled.  
Start with him in your lap with his head up towards your stomach on his back.  
For the first times you will want to just pet and rub him until he relaxes.  Once he thinks that this isn't so bad and he comes to anticipates them, you can start the exam part.  
Check inside his mouth, ears, eyes, and look over his head.  Praise him.  Next go down his front legs.  When you get to his feet concentrate on his toes.  Play with them a bit, rub them, click your fingers on them and lightly pinch around the pads.  Make him stay there on his back.  If he gets really wiggly, stop and make him lay still, then start over.  Praise if he sits there and lets you toy around with his feet.  
Finish the exam by checking his belly and groin area, and then his back legs and feet.  If you have trouble reaching his rear area, have him lay on his side with his back against your legs. (you kneel behind him).  
Once he gets used to feet in the exam position, move to the table and make him hold still while you trim or scissor them.  

I hope this helps you some.  I would love to see your Poodle if you have pictures of him.  
If you have other questions or comments, please feel free to write.  
MsTopkdog@yahoo.com
Kim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response!  Am still wondering about his coloring.  I have worked with Slick always on handling all of parts, especially the toes/feet.  He lets me clip his nails without any difficulty - it seems to be the clipper that bothers him.  I have an Oster Golden A-5.  Is there perhaps a quieter or better clipper that I should invest in?  Thanks again for your help!  Slick & I both appreciate it!

Answer
Hello again Leah,
As to Slick's color, it could be that he has a white or light colored dog in his background.  Also, dogs fade from the time they are born, whether they are Black, Apricot, Brown, Red, or Silver.  

I prefer the Laube trimmers for clipping because they are very lightweight, quiet and come with options that the other trimmers don't offer.  
You can check them out at:  http://www.kimlaubecoshop.com/clipperkits.aspx
The Laube trimmers are quite pricy, but well worth it if you trim your dog frequently.  
I would suggest looking at the Laube site and picking the trimmers that will work best for you, then go to Ebay to purchase your trimmers, you will save money that way.

The next best pair of clippers that I would suggest would be Andis trimmers.  You can find them at:
http://www.andis.com/USA/products.asp?Div=SM%20Animal&Product=Clipper

I hope this helps you some.  Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim