Puppy cut poodle 15 weeks old

Question
 Hi

 I would like to know how I can get my 15 week old poodle used to grooming with a clipper without scaring her. And when should I start grooming her. I plan on grooming her my self. I would like to know if a No. 10 clipper blade would be OK for the face and rear and then using a 3F blade for the body and legs.

                          Thank you
                          Bob

Answer
It's great that you are starting this early, as the earlier you reinforce behavior, the easier it will be when she gets older, and a poodle is one of the most difficult breeds to keep groomed.

First take her favorite tasty treat and hold it in front of her, to help her focus on it...then put it tightly in your fingers and let her lick it and then turn on the clippers nearby at the same time and put them closer and closer (not necessarily aiming them to actually clip hair). When I'm at work, I can't use treats, so positive praise works really well, also. I'll turn the clipper on its side and rub it all over the puppy's body with lots of pets and praise and good girls until the puppy realizes that they aren't going to hurt her. The point is to associate the noise of the clippers with something positive. You won't always have to use treats, but it helps to get such a young dog focused on you since puppies are so easily distracted. ALWAYS end on a positive note, to reinforce positive behavior. If, after one session she lets you go near her rear but not near her head, then focus on the rear and give treats, inching to the breaking point.. then backing off at that "limit"...shoot for further next time.. eventually, if there is any fear, it will subside.

The #10 is a nice safe blade to use on the face and rear. The teeth are close together which minimizes the chance of nicking your puppy, which would put a damper on training! The #3F is a good blade for the body, but I'd be very careful using it on the legs, as the fine, sinewy tendons on the upper front legs and back of the hock on the rear legs can be deceptively thin and allow a blade to slice into it. A light touch is key on the legs. You may want to try a snap on comb that goes over the top of the #10 blade for the legs. Visually, I find a slightly longer length on the legs than the body looks more balanced. Clipping the rear: just make sure the blade doesn't touch the anus as it can create severe irritation, aim for just the edges, again, light touch.

I can't stress how important it is to end on a good note.. so if something spooks her.. don't quit or she'll feel that her negative reaction is reinforced... go back to something that she really liked, even if it is a small thing..and end only when the dog is relaxed and calm. Eventually it will be rewarding for both of you! Good luck!