Grooming poodles tail

Question
Hi,
I have toy poodle who is 1 year old now.
I never bring her to the groomer outside but groom her myself.
I want her to have a 'ball' on her tail like other poodles do, but her tail have never been docked so like few inches long. And her hair there is quite strict. So  how can I make a 'ball' on her tail? Thanks

Answer
Hello Tina,
Since your dogs tail is a bit longer than normal, leave as much hair as you feel comfortable with near the base of her tail (don't shave the tail up into the base of her rear).  Also, start the ball close to the tip of the tail.  If the hair is thinner on the tail, let it grow some before starting the ball.  When you are ready to trim the ball shape, twist the hair fairly tight at the tip of the tail and then cut it straight across.  The end closest to the base of the tail should be shorter, and try to leave the middle of the ball alone except to shape the ball.  
To help you some, at first leave more than you intend to leave, so that you can tweak and perfect it to your specification.  

Here is a wonderful website that shows you how to trim a Poodles tail.
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/115638_poodle-dog-grooming-trimming-tail.htm

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim