How do I teach my poodle puppy good clipping behaviour?

Question

How do I teach my poodle puppy good clipping behaviour?

My poodle puppy is 14 weeks old and I am having great difficulty getting him used to being clipped and the clippers.

I spend a considerable amount of time familiarizing him with the clippers and have him on a rubber mat on a firm table but the moment I need to get to work he starts dancing around. How do groomers start a young puppy off.

I also need to pluck his ears & have bought the ear powder but can't get near them to do anything other than a couple of wisps. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I have bought good clippers and really would like to be able to do him myself as being retired a groomer would be very costly.

Thanks in anticipation

Answer 1

Yes I know what you mean. I have a schnauzer. Ask around if any groomer can do the head only. I found a groomer who was happy to do head only for $10. The main part is easier for clipping. I do 10 minutes clipping at one go and it seems working for my puppy right now (for whole body takes a week to finish). I also noticed that groomers use a lot of treats. And for ears have you tried tweezers?  

Answer 2

I wouldn't tie him up just yet.  Maybe start off easy, like showing him the clippers and brushes.  Let him smell them and become comfortable with them in his presence while praising him and giving him affection.  After a few days try to brush him and praise.  Once he's used to the brushing and is doing well, you can try doing a little clipping (I'd just turn it on for the first few sessions so he gets used to the sound, and again praise).  Go for short bursts.  If you give him positive reinforcement when the brushes and clippers are around him then he will start to associate them with affection.