Dreaded coat change...

Katelyn2244 · Mar 13, 2012

I am getting a standard poodle puppy in a month and I have recently been researching quite a lot about the care of poodles. I came across a thing called a coat change, where the poodles coat goes from puppy to adult. I can't believe that I didn't know about this before I decided to get a poodle! Not that it has changed my mind or anything, but I am shocked at how much info I seem to be missing about this dog!

Okay, so here are a few questions that I have:

The coat change, when a poodle has its adult coat is it still nice to pet? Like when you cuddle with your poodle would the coat be scratchy and something that you have to grow accustomed to or does it still feel good to the touch (in a comforting way sorta)

Clipping, as I cannot really afford regular trips to a groomer I plan on maintaining the coat myself, I have only really had dogs in the past that needed brushing, not coat clipping. Is it hard if you only want to do a simple short clip with a shaved face and bracelets and maybe a TK? Any tips? And what sized blades would I need in my arsenal for grooming a poodle?

That is all I really have as for questions right now, but it would be great if someone could give me some tips on poodle raising, maybe things I might not know, or just anything really, The more the better!

Quossum · Mar 13, 2012

Welcome to the world of poodles!

Yes, there is the famous coat change, but no worries, this is a change that all breeds of dogs go through. I remember my corgis going from that soft, fluffy coat to their much more flat adult coat.

With poodles, their coat is still nice and cuddly after the change. It probably won't be as silky-soft as a puppy coat, but more dense and firm, standing out more, and still a pleasure to bury your face into! People only dread the coat change because during that time it is very challenging to keep your poodle mat-free, and many opt to shave them down at that point and then start the adult coat growing in anew.

Learning to clip your own poodle is very do-able; many of us here do it. At minimum you'll need

a set of clippers (everyone has their own preference for brand) with some clip-on combs so that you can achieve various length
a pair of shears for shaping the topknot (vary tremendously in price and quality)
a good brush or two; I like having both a pin brush and a slicker
a comb, the type commonly called a "greyhound comb."

Having a forced air drier, while not necessarily must, is at item that most of us quickly find we can't live without. I also have a grooming table with a grooming arm on it that I find invaluable.

A great all-around reference book for learning to groom your own poodle is the famous: Kalstone book.

Hope this helps. You can get a lot of good advice on this board!

--Q

Theo'sMom · Mar 13, 2012

My standard is going through coat change and the groomer just shaved him because he developed matts despite our best efforts.

My spoo's fur is still very soft. It may become courser by the end of the coat change.
I'm thinking of learning how to groom his coat myself, especially since I may be getting another puppy in two months.

It's really nice to brush their hair, at least as a puppy, I haven't experienced his adult coat yet. I have enjoyed it, even though Theo might not love being brushed.

faerie · Mar 13, 2012

i shaved temperance down at 7 months and corded her topknot and tail. i avoided the dreaded coat change ... LOL

now seelie is starting and he's got a bit more hair. his armpits are matting and behind his ears. i sat on the floor last night and brushed him (i brush his tk and ears e/o day). i have a fantasy about a 7 blade.

happybooker1 · Mar 13, 2012

Lots of YouTube vid's out there

On combing-bathing-clipping poodles. They've helped me immensely.

That being said, I live close enough to Remi's breeder that she's done the 2 clips he's had. He's a little over 5 months now (don't know why my ticker isn't updating -- oh well) and I *believe* he's getting the curly coat where she clipped him shorter on his body. She only charges me $20 because she's not an 'experienced' groomer (doesn't do all the fancy cuts and shapings) but that's fine with me.

Poodles -- ahh, so different from other dogs I've had. Either incredibly 'on' or sleeping. No inbetween. Have to be with you every minute when you're home. Forget going to the bathroom by yourself--LOL!! And I think Remi would join me IN the shower if I left the door open!!

Remi is very athletic and nimble. Unlike most puppies, when I got him he was already trying to climb UP the couch to the back of it. You will LOVE having a poodle!!

Dreaded coat change...

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