poodle grooming

Question
We have two small poodles and the grooming bills were hurting us. I bought a Comair clippers from Petsmart but it will not touch the little males coat. It just bogs down no matter what I do. Can I buy different cutter blades and head for the clipper? Where would I look? Any help would be appreciated. Roger

Answer
I feel bad for you wasting your money like this. So many of these products are crappy and you get what you pay for. You need to do more research.
Poodle hair is usually pretty curly and if it gets matted these low end machines don't have the power to cut through it. You need to get a video or book and learn how to use the equipment.
Oster has been the leader in clippers- human and animal- for a reason, because they work. Unfortunately some models are being made in China now and the motors burn out much sooner than they use to. The A-5 is the work horse in most shops. It has blades that are interchangeable with the other brands. Comair is most likely made in China as well and I don't think compatible with Other brands.  Andis and Laube are also much better  and I just told this to a questioner before you, you get what you pay for.
I think its great that you want to do this yourself- regardless of the circumstance but I am afraid that you may put fear into the dog where there does not have to be or should be. Be careful. FInd some videos. They sell them all over the internet but frankly Oster has a great little booklet - use to come with the box  but you may be able to write away for it.
Make sure whatever you do start out by going with the grain and if you hit a snag it's usually because of knots which means either you do more prep brushing or you shave down to the skin below the matt. A 7 skip tooth blade is the best for that.
All the big box stores sell the same cheap stuff that breaks or doesn't perform the way it should or for very long. See if you can return it and go for the real deal.