Step 1. Kong Step. 2 Stuff with natural peanut butter. Step 3. Put in freezer. Let freeze. Step 4. Give to puppy when you need a break.
I got one, and it’s very helpful for avoiding tangles. Disclaimer: my dog is three-quarter standard poodle, one-quarter golden retriever, but has a coat much closer to a standard. Anyway, he’s got a white coat, so shows mud quickly. This dryer makes it easier to bathe him between groomer visits (especially in the cold months). I just dry him about 50-60% dry, and it’s enough to eliminate tangles. I put some peanut butter on one hand, and dry with the other, and he licks off the peanut butter while I dry.
I got this one, and I like it: SHELANDY 3.2HP Stepless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLQPJ58?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DX3ZU2O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have this one and it is great. I am 5'4" and it is a good height for me. It folds up flat so it is easy to store. I do have a different arm for it. The strap did break eventually so a better strap is something to look for. It is a very sturdy table. I keep it set up in my laundry room, 2 of my 3 spoos like to jump up on the table and wait for pets while I am doing laundry and it has no trouble holding both of them about 110 lbs combined. It has a textured surface so they don't slip while on it. They do so much better while being groomed when they are up on a table, they know it's not play time if they are on the table.
i dont haveone and im brand new to having a SPOO but keep seeing references to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/SHELANDY-Stepless-Adjustable-Grooming-Blower/dp/B06WLQPJ58/ref=sxin_9?ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.8691ae6c-40c8-419a-b63d-ee738518666c.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&creativeASIN=B06WLQPJ58&crid=2T5DABAMLVAIW&cv_ct_cx=dog+dryer&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.8691ae6c-40c8-419a-b63d-ee738518666c.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_we=asin&cv_ct_wn=osp-single-source-gl-ranking&dchild=1&keywords=dog+dryer&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B06WLQPJ58&pd_rd_r=efa82505-05fe-4dfe-ac6b-fe0a79e49840&pd_rd_w=WfBgy&pd_rd_wg=l3xWM&pf_rd_p=a731ca96-f731-4b16-b32d-9bb548e9542b&pf_rd_r=YJ04N0KEZJ8JNC1QH8X5&qid=1605719371&sprefix=fitness+reality%2Caps%2C160&sr=1-1-d9dc7690-f7e1-44eb-ad06-aebbef559a37&tag=42987st350sr-20
We have the Hol-ee Roller ball, which is super versatile and tough. I roll treats up in dish cloths or fleece strips and thread them through the holes, and she loves figuring out how to pull it all apart to get the treats.
JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Chew... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009W2DJK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Uh yeah, get one. My pups 30 weeks old, about yours age, and her TK and body has been growing out (never been cut). The longer it grows, the longer it takes to dry. I have a 275 sqft apt and no table either. I just lock her in the cage and feed her treats while drying her. Using the treats to manipulate her to turn a certain way that's wet. She looks like a little lamb because I only do her FFT & ears because I love the cuddle factor.
​
We have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083XF8SVY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Been using every week since 8 weekls, works great. Takes 45 minutes to dry. User friendly.
My girl had no real interest in messing with her stitches. It also healed very quickly, quicker than I expected.
We never used the cone at all. And I can't remember which size, but this is the surgical suit we bought:
She can go #1 and #2 without having to take it off which was great. But we actually only had it on her at night when we couldn't keep an eye on her once we realized she didn't pay any attention to her incision.
I recommend taking into account how much hair she has when choosing the size! Also, give her a bath, blow dry, nail trim and any extra stuff you do like clean feet/face the day before her surgery. Then you don't have to stress about any grooming for at least a week after.
Best wishes for your girl!
You can get decent ones for under $100. It helps to blow the hair out and untangle it. let me find a link to the one i see a lot of people use.
The link: SHELANDY 3.2HP Stepless Adjustable Speed Pet Hair Force Dryer Dog Grooming Blower with Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLQPJ58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VGYNFbJZCK56H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Yeah "I was at the vet and they didn't mention anything," is never a proper rule-out of an issue if you didn't specifically ask them to investigate. No knock on you, but they aren't as thorough as we'd like them to be all the time. And ear infections can develop quickly
​
We clean our Poodle's ears with Micellar Solution (vet perscribed, not OTC) weekly after recommendation from an allergist. We used to use Vetoquinol for a long time and it did an excellet job getting his ear infections down from about 1x/month to 2x/year. We only switched since he developed some long-term paw irritation consisting with allergies and our allergist said the new solution would be easier on a dog with skin issues. That said, I'd recommend starting with the Vetoquinol, we initially began using it at the recommendation of a vet.
I use Mane n Tail’s Spray n’ White you can get it here on chewy
For now since you are starting with a puppy I'd start out with the cheapest S or XS wire crate and use a divider if it's too much space.
When your female Standard Poodle is fully grown, the 42 inch is much larger than necessary. The crate you'll want is this Elite Field in Med/Large (36-in L x 24-in W x 28-in H) https://www.chewy.com/elitefield-3-door-collapsible-soft/dp/212275
I'd go with a small crate for when your dog is a puppy and then using the collapsible soft side crate when she grows out of it. The Elite Field brand is absolutely perfect for Poodles because the height is taller than other crates and Poodles tend to be taller than most dog breeds for their length. I also love it because it folds up easily to take with you on any trips for use in a hotel room or rental house. I originally bought the 42 inch crate and later bought the 36 inch to replace it. The 42 inch was way too big for my female SPoo and didn't fit in my car trunk while folded. The 36 inch is plenty of space for her.
My 47lb spoo has a crate for nighttime that's 42 length 28 width and 30 height.
It fits her fine when she's laying down, but it's slightly not tall enough if she's standing or sitting.
This is the one I got: https://www.chewy.com/frisco-fold-carry-double-door/dp/281944. But I got it for a way lower price... I guess all prices have increased.
Have you tried a homeopath: Cocculus Indicus 30C? It has worked for me with dogs and puppies that get carsick. You don't touch the pellets, spin the the tube with the cap on upside down and put the pellets in the dogs mouth by the cap 15 minute to 30 minutes prior to getting in the car. Link on Amazon but you can get it from Whole Foods or a COOP near you if there is one. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078W9SMPP/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
you need a slicker brush and a comb.
Something like this: https://www.chewy.com/frisco-metal-dog-cat-comb/dp/233482
Slickers have 1001 options and you can spend up to $100 on one, but ive been fine with a $10 or $15 andis brush for a year +.
You might regret the early reliance on puppy pads down the line. At 8 weeks puppy is prime for early training and exposure. If you reinforce all or most bathroom breaks with pads you will likely have a harder time later training how to hold it in and wait for walks. With my standard we never used pads for training ( though did line the crate with them for nighttime insurance) and had him on a two hour go outside schedule ( including nights which was tough) that gradually increased as his bladder grew. Never had an accident that wasn’t related to illness! I would recommend preparing for early training with this book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Puppy-Days-Start-Right/dp/0964151871/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=ecb06a45-60dc-49dc-b925-ff4d34a803ae especially if you want a dog that has a secure attachment and is flexible for coping with new stimulation and environments. One things I would recommend specifically for your drive is a backseat car hammock. It’s added protection to keep him safe from falling and hurting himself on sudden stops and it keeps your car interior protected as an added bonus! Would recommend measuring your bench before purchasing to get a good fit.
I take him in the shower and use this Aquapaw. i think it has made showers a lot easier.
I then use two towels because he hates the hairdryer. I usually keep him short so he doesn’t take too long to air dry the rest.
I bought a Walmart table and a grooming arm that clamps to the table for grooming. I wish i had done it sooner. It saved my back. Grooming ourselves saves us $80+ every six weeks.
I've been using this comb from Furminator and it's solid as hell. I love the rotating teeth (they spin in their socket) because it definitley pulls less when you hit a knot. Easier on my hands and on my pup.
I bought this Furminator one for my new pup. I like it better than the other one I had w/my last girl because the handle is sturdier. I don't quite understand why this seems to pull on knots and tangles so much less, but there is a definite difference.
My spoo is almost 25 weeks old now and I only used inexpensive, washable beds from Walmart until recently because I wanted to ensure he was solidly housetrained enough not to have an accident on them (he tended to pee on cushy surfaces more than hard ones), plus I could size up without breaking the bank.
A few weeks ago bought a bed from Amazon that is awesome. I got the Jumbo with L-shaped bolsters which is perfect for his size now with a little space left to grow. It’s a bit cumbersome because it’s so large, but I move it to different rooms depending on where I am and he loves to chill on it with a chew. He still uses the Walmart ones in his crate and pen.
Here are the links.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vibrant-Life-Soft-Crate-Mat-Pet-Bed-Large-Gray-36/174188447?athbdg=L1100
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0773N5Q9Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's not expensive at all, honestly. A bottle of pills lasts a while, and while I can't remember the exact cost, I also know it's not enough to make me cringe when I have to refill. We also use melatonin for him. We buy these and they work well. He likes them, too. Takes them like treats. We use them sparingly, of course, but it's an alternative.
We do our own grooming, and like these tiny clippers for detail work around sensitive areas.
TURN RAISE Pet Grooming Clipper,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HPBXBW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You still have to be careful, but they are quiet and low powered, with a quite small cutting head angled so that it’s fairly difficult to cut towards the skin.
Just don’t hold them upside down, with the cutting edge angled towards the skin, and always beware of webbing and loose skin.
I find this safer than my scissors skills, and much more forgiving than our body clippers.
I got a slicker brush that had um.. little ball thingies on the ends because I didn't want to scratch her tender baby skin. You know, you see them on hairbrushes? Like plastic dipped tips. I later bought a pin brush and never looked back (I tried my Denman brush on her and she liked it a lot, so). I'd try one of each that wasn't incredibly expensive, tbh. Like I said, I used one of my pin style brushes to see if she liked that, and you can get slicker brushes anywhere.
Chris Christensen's stuff is all high quality and Ivy's brush is legit making me want one for my hair.
Now, the comb thing - I'll never go back to a regular schmegular dog comb since I found the ones w/the rotating pins. The one I got is this one. The individual teeth rotate in the handle, and it's MUCH nicer to work through knots without pulling too hard. It's really sturdy and I suspect the rubber or whatever the grip material is will give out before the actual comb. It's really comfy to hold, though, if that's an issue for you.
I am really excited for you and your future pup. I remember crawling out of my skin waiting for Ivy - it was just this summer. And your pup will be SUCH a help for you and part of your life.
I got this exact brush, but there are several sizes and shapes. I got longer pins because I plan on keeping her head long and in a ponytail, but I feel like they have a little more give and may be easier on her because of it. The pins are really smooth and rounded so they don't scratch. 14/10, do recommend. I am honestly considering getting the smaller brush for ME - it feels like one of those wire head massager thingies.
I use a pin brush - the slicker brushes are WAY too pointy for me. I got this brush and I love it. Does a great job, is flexible and has rounded tips, and seems super sturdy so far.
for getting a dryer you could check out this one on amazon its a really good price has heat/variable speed shelandy as for clipper if you find ones you like wahl Km series is good check around on facebook/ kijiji/ Craigslist sometimes you can find them for a great price on there barely used
Optic powder, like so. It makes the hair brittle so it snaps off at the skin rather than actually pulling out the root. So the ear canal itself doesn't have a lot of nerves, and it makes like a bend in dogs so you won't hurt his eardrum. The um.. outside part of her ear opening has lots of nerves and if she's hurt there, then she's not going to be good for you. Poof some powder, like 1/4 a teaspoon or so, right at the opening but not in it, give her a good ear rub to smooth it around, and give it 5-10 minutes. You should be able to grab little bits and just remove them with your fingers painlessly. Then poof half that much powder into her ear canal, smooth, wait, and use hemostats. A nice clean with a damp rag or cleaning solution and you're done.
Since she dislikes it, I'd go for the little and often method. Use a tiny bit of powder, pluck just one or two pinches, wipe clean. Do it again tomorrow. Not counting the wait time for it to work, should take you 120 seconds or less. She won't like it, but quit before she totally flips out. Gradually she'll be better.
I'm getting my puppy used to ear grooming (all grooming tbh) doing little and often.
My poodle is still young and hasn't liked the more traditional type shoe with the rubber soles with Velcro closure. She would keep them on for a little bit, but as soon as the walk started, she'd manage to kick them off, or they would rotate, or something would go wrong.
Now I've been trying out these coated socks. So far so good. She tolerates them enough to go for a full walk with them. They are water resistant, but not waterproof. They keep her feet dry when the ground and grass are wet, but they don't keep her feet dry if she walks through or splashes in puddles.
RC Pet Products Sport Pawks Dog Socks, Paw Protection https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HRVUO56/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_97QC6D42JVB0PZYKQTZP. My spoo puppy is 7 months old, 40 lbs, and wears an XL
I'm hoping that with these socks, she becomes comfortable enough with the feel of having something on her paws that I can transition her to rubber soles shoes.
Use a mix of dry and wet food (make sure it's puppy-food, and often they'll like it more if there's a high meat content in it). It's very important your pup gets the right nutrients now. You can use a little bit of something tasty too, like liverwurst, but make sure it's not all he ends up eating.
Another tip is to use the food in treat toys. With wet food that could be kongs, lickimats, and the penguin toy.
For dry food I recommend sniffing mats, and a regular blanket or towel wrapped with the food.
Give the toy, play with your dog and motivate. If it's not eaten within 5 minutes, take it away and wait an hour or two before introducing again. I know it seems harsh when you just long for him to eat, but often we end up creating drama around the eating situation and making it worse.
Dogs are often more inclined to eat when they've worked for their food, and they often eat more at night.
I'm a positive trainer and behavior consultant btw.
Zignature has single protein kibble. My spoo tolerates the Pork and Salmon varieties.
https://www.chewy.com/zignature-pork-limited-ingredient/dp/141399
My spoo is very allergic to chicken, beef, lamb, dairy, peanuts. We have to be very careful. A lot of kibble uses those proteins as filler, even if the top line protein says something like salmon or duck. And I can't always stop other dog owners from treating my dog. (Grrr.)
To get him stable, we first tried hydrolyzed goop from Royal Canin, and then rabbit from Rayne Nutrition (terrific, and expensive). Once stable, I made his food, trying one new protein roughly monthly. (So much work.) Once I identified salmon and pork as safe, I found matching single protein kibbles.
Price seems fair. Quick check shows Purina Pro ~$1.80/lb, Zignature ~$2.10/lb, Origen ~$4.50/lb.
Good luck.
i was using this as well and had same recommendation.
My dog was dealing still with really loose stools and a lot of itching.
Changed to Natures Balance LID and have had good results:
https://www.chewy.com/natural-balance-lid-limited/dp/308755
Over the price you're looking for, but I went with this since I was worried about the stability of cheaper tables: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WTFMMYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Very comfy to groom on and iron sturdy, the height is perfect for me at 5'6. My boy is still growing but on track to be 24 inches and 50 pounds, 44 x 24 seems like it'll be optimal for him, could manage slightly smaller maybe but not by much.
I think the Flying Pig is a good option on Amazon. I bought this and put on a cheap table from Walmart for $30. I wouldn’t recommend it unless, your dog is very calm and still.
Have you bought clippers yet?
I tried cheap ones but it would not cut my standards hair very well. I bought good Andis ones and it cut my time in half, if not more. It’s a big but important purchase from my perspective!
This is the one I purchased from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JH54MVC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’m 5’3”, but I think it would be plenty tall enough for you. It’s really sturdy and easy to fold out and fold up when you’re done. The little rack underneath is perfect for my flying pig dryer and the table top surface is not slick at all. Also easy to vacuum off.
We use the EasyWalk harness and, while not perfect, I think it gives the most flexibility as far as sizing down the various straps and creating tension on the front clip to reduce pulling. You can also flip it around and use the clip over the back. Here is the link of helpful on Amazon.
The other thing to consider is using a Gentle Leader while pup is learning not to pull. My guy hated it so much I just have to show it to him now and he stops pulling, even with just a flat collar 🤣
I just searched puzzle toys on Amazon, this is his absolute favorite- https://www.amazon.com/Trixie-Mad-Scientist-Dogs-Level/dp/B003TOKTEG/ref=sr_1_37?dchild=1&keywords=dog+puzzle+toy&qid=1632438422&sr=8-37
We have some others that have him unlock little treat drawers and pull them he likes too. When he's high energy this helps calm him just like a run in the yard would.
We use these harnesses for both our spoos. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness, No Pull Dog Harness – Perfect for Leash & Harness Training – Stops Pets from Pulling and Choking on Walks – Works with Small, Medium and Large Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009ZBKG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_44D5ZN1Q7Q5CJ63WZAMR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Flying Pig Large Size Super Durable Heavy Duty Dog Pet Foldable Grooming Table (44" x 24") https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B016X0LKXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_qHV-FbCACCN6V
I’m really happy with this table.
black Rhino dog leash heavy duty on Amazon I also recently ordered an all pink one from chewy that is the Max and neo brand. I love the second handle - seriously so convenient.
Have you tried a de matting comb? Like this?
Mine doesn’t care for it either but you can get them to tolerate it with high rewarding.
Edit: hit send too early. I use this to feed my standard 2 of his meals seems to keep his mind busy
I bought this in medium and it adjusted out until she needed her big-girl sized harness:
​
I use this with some warm water and his soap. Works good! However, i have a concrete sunroom so it is easy to do there before going in the house.
Side note: i have heard the reason they are bad about being on their front legs is because we shave the whole groin area. I have let that grow in the past and noticed it didn’t happen very much. I think I’m still more in favor of shaving it though. The legs are easier to clean.
I came to this sub to ask specifically about xc skiing with a poodle so thanks for the info! My 9 month old has done great on a bike leash so I'm hoping she'll have similar success xc skiing with me. I xc ski on some rolling hills and light trails at a park and want to bring her with me.
Care to elaborate on your winter gear hoard? I'd also be really interested to hear anything else you have to offer about xc skiing with a poodle.
I'm going to take your recommendations on booties, but 300, 500, or 1000D? Also going to get those leggings you mentioned. Thinking this coat but open to other suggestions as well!
Definitely reintroduce the crate. Do you have a bathroom or laundry room you can use in the meantime? Any small room you can close them in (that doesn't have anything chewable/destroyable) could work while you reintroduce the crate.
I love using a tether for when they're being watched. It is not for leaving your dog unattended, BUT it teaches your dog to settle and be calm.
There are combs where the teeth spin in their socket, like so. They work wonders on curly hair. Slicker then comb is the way to go.
It's Trixie brand, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009WPTW9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8gHKFbAS5JB19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
She has all the puzzles figured out on it, just 1-2 take her a while. That being said I can't leave her with it unattended or else she would probably flip it over & chew it to bits.
We had something almost exactly like https://www.amazon.com/oneisall-Grooming-Clippers-Cordless-Rump-Black/dp/B07XGR3VX7. Works great.
So if your organization will pay for grooming, by all means find a well reviewed groomer and take pup there at least the first few times. It'll teach your dog the ropes, so to speak, at the hands of someone experienced. Then if you take over grooming you have a dog who is a lot more patient with your attempts. Groom every couple of months or more is fine depending on your dog, the weather, what mud hole he decides to roll in...