I just want to start this blog with “I AM NOT A GROOMER”. 🙂 Now that we have that out of the way, I can give you an idea how to keep your pet poodle hair from looking shabby. I took this video in my bathroom instead of out in the garage on the grooming table. It is cold outside and the lighting is really not great for video. I decided on a top down view, hoping it would let you see what I was seeing.
If you must have the exact same pin brush as I have you can go to greyhoundcomb.com There are lots of brushes out there and for a pet, just picking up something at the local pet supply store is probably fine. I sprung for the high cost brush when I was growing coat on Mocha. I needed something that fit my hand well so it wouldn’t cramp (carpal tunnel!). I picked it up at a show after talking to a few venders and other Poodle show people about my options. It has lasted a long while, and the dogs seem to like it (doesn’t scratch their skin). If you are grooming an older dog, go with a pin brush, because their skin and hair are both thinning. You do not want to scratch them and make them bleed or get an infection.
If you can only buy one brush and you do not shave your dog bald, go with a slicker brush. It is the best all around pet brush, because it separates the hair quickly. You must be gentle or your dog will start to HATE brushing time. It also creates a ton of static, so keep some conditioning spray nearby. You can use a human product, don’t get all worked up about needing to use dog versions of everything. Most of the time I use Pantene Mist Detangler on both Kenzie and the dogs. Lina I use Ice on Ice (dog product), but there is no reason to go out and buy a special product for your pet Poodle. When looking for a good slicker brush, do not get the softest. You can go to your local pet supply store and just start feeling of how they are made. Different brands are harder and softer, just feel them and see which you think might work best for your dog. Pull back the wires and see how flexible they are. If they are really soft, you will be frustrated with the brushes ability to make it though the hair. Also, bigger is NOT better. Get something you can handle, if the slicker’s head is much bigger than the palm of your hand, it is likely a larger brushing surface than you will be able to use.
The metal comb can be bought at almost any local pet supply store. It is nice to help check for mats in the coat, as well as pick them out. It isn’t a must have if you simply plan to keep the dog brushed out between professional grooming trips. If you are doing your own grooming, it is extremely handy to have for parting hair, insuring you have all the mats out of the hair, and pushing the hair over for shaping.
You can spend a ton of money on specialty products for these dogs. There are fancy slicker brushes that run $60-$100 a brush. I do not have any and likely never will. 🙂 I’ll spring for a decent pin brush for $35, and I will drop some money on good sheers because they keep my carpal tunnel from making my hands go numb. I just cannot justify some of these other products for pet trims.
I hope this helps a little!
~Becky