Plucking a toy poodle puppies ears

Question
Hi Kim,
I have watched a dvd re grooming a toy poodle and the man doing the demonstration just plucked with a special ear plucker. The dog showed no reaction whatsoever. I have had a reasonably successful attempt with my first clipping but there is no way my little Billy will let me near his ears, which look to be full of hair.
I have some special powder and have tried with my fingers but without success. Billy is a lovely happy and well socialized puppy but showed me his teeth and growled when I tried. I do not want to change his happy pleasant behaviour but nor do I want him to get ear infections.
Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted.
Many thanks
Mavis

Answer
Hello Mavis,
Ear plucking is a vital part of grooming your Poodle.  It helps keep the ears clean and free of debris and cuts down on ear problems that tend to be a common occurance in Poodles.  You didn't say how old Billy is, but you will still need to get him used to having his ears cleaned and worked with.  

You can try to de-sensitize him to having his ears messed with by working with him a little bit at a time.  
Start by running your fingers around the outside of his ear.  Slowly try to lift the earflap.  Praise if he lets you.  Next, rub the inside of the ear, but don't touch the ear canal yet.  Slowly move toward the ear canal once he is comfortable with you messing with the inside flap of his ear.  Once you are inside the ear canal, pull one or two hairs at a time praising him if he doesn't react.  If he does raise his lips or growl, tell him NO! in a firm voice and give his muzzle a shake.  Go back to where you left off.  Just do a little bit at a time and give him a break when he does good.  
If he really doesn't like it, you may have to use a soft muzzle so that he can't bite you.  
If you really don't want to mess with doing his ears, your Groomer or Vet can do it for you for a fee.  
It IS alot better than having to treat an ear that has infection or mites in it, and its just good to get your dog used to having it done.  

Good Luck and if you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim