FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Over the years I've found some of the best items to use on poodles and also what NOT to use on poodles (topical flea medications).  One of the main things I learned caring for poodle coats is to NEVER brush or comb dry hair.  Use a grooming mist/detangler.  If you are showing you must have a stand dryer to line brush your poodle.  Nothing works as well.  Now on to the rest - some websites, equipment etc.  Companies that I use and trust besides Amazon!   Compare prices apples to apples before you buy big items.

Keep a copy of your Rabies shot on your phone in contacts.  I keep all my pets info in my contacts.  Each dog has their Name, registered name, pedigree number, microchip number and company name, DOB, date of last shots and their parents Registered names and AKC registration numbers.  This helps when you are filling out any paperwork for health testing, showing, doing AKC sports, etc.  I keep a photo of the rabies certificate and their puppy shots on my phone as well.  The microchip eliminates the need for dangling tags of any kind because when they call you, you have all the necessary information at your fingertips.   

Caution:  Do not use Tea Tree Oil; burn essential oils or have the essential oil plug in room deodorizers.  Many dogs have reactions to these items and they will get very ill.  

FOOD: Do NOT use grain free foods.  It is causing heart conditions in dogs.  Do not use foods that have Pea Protein in the first 3 ingredients.  Use a premium kibble if you want to feed kibble.  Fromm, Orijen, Acana, Instinct, Canidae, Halo Puppy, or Natural Balance dry food.  Most are available on Amazon and you can set up a subscription for delivery.  Amazon also has the canned, condensed goat milk but so does WalMart and our Publix supermarket.  For 6 months stick to large puppy food and continue to use Myerberg canned, condensed goat milk to top food or as a night time treat.  If for a treat you can add water since it is condensed.  Any pre-made frozen raw foods are usually good but I feed raw products on disposable small paper plates - eliminates cross contamination in the dishwasher and Clorox wipes on any surface that raw food touches; I cook for my dogs so I use human grade ground meats or grind my own meat; I add Sojos Veggie/Fruit topping and I add to ANY food a probiotic - Forti Flora available on Amazon.  Use a daily vitamin to fill in any nutritional gaps.  I get freeze dried training treats on Amazon - Vital Essentials raw freeze dried … they love rabbit, beef and chicken.  I do not recommend Blue Buffalo at all.  I like the twisted turkey tendons for chews (all digestible) or the Lamb esophagus braids and sticks or twisted beef tendon sticks.  All dogs, even if they are eating kibble, should get organ meat at least weekly - I use chicken hearts, beef heart or beef liver (you can find sliced, skinned, deveined beef liver in the frozen food case).  I always keep organic canned pumpkin on hand for upset stomachs or Amazon has dehydrated pumpkin that you can add water to for a paste or just sprinkle on top of the food.  Easier to store and no wasted product.  Always use stainless steel bowls - no plastic or ceramic.  Both look solid but both can harbor bacteria.  

Midwestpetproducts.com.  This is my go-to for x-pens, crates and crate pads. Their wire x-pens can be joined end to end to make a large enclosure and fold to the size of one panel to store or travel.  I get the tallest x-pen for standard poodles.  I do buy extra snap clips at Lowes or Home Depot.  I use the two door crates so you can have access front or side.  I also use the Snap-e cup crate bowls for food and water.  You just pull the bowl out of the bracket without having to completely unscrew the set-up.  I put the bowls with water closest to the door because it is the one you will be pulling out to clean more often. 

Lenny Pads: Is the best waterproof pad.  It is material sewn onto a waterproof backing.  You can machine wash but do not dry and never use any fabric softeners or dryer sheets with dog laundry/towels.   

AMAZON.com  The best coat dryer for home use is the Flying Pig High Velocity Dog Pet Grooming Dryer w/heater (Model: Flying One) and get the optional Rolling Dryer stand with Rigid Arm (stand dryer tool) to have both dryers in one package. 

Etsy:  Rolled leather dog collars with a slide on ID tag (nothing to dangle and get caught) and you can get leashes to match.  I don’t put flat collars on poodles - it rubs their hair and breaks it.  Only rolled products - leather is best.  Don’t leave dangling tags on your dogs at any time.   

cherrybrook.com  for styptic powder (nail trims that may bleed even with a Dremel); The Skin Works cream for clipper burns, abrasions and other surface injuries.  I don’t like the chop type nail cutters - I use a Dremel grinder for their nails.  Wireless or wired will work.  

www.bestbullysticks.com.  I get the long, spiral chews but they have all kinds available.  I also get a 6 inch rolled bully stick.  They are all fully digestible and your best friend when you want some quiet time or they are teething!  

Cherrybrook.com.  Just about anything you want.  I especially like getting my "Skin Works" there for clipper burn/irritation.  Chris Christensen products like the coral pin brush, his spray bottle and several shampoos and conditioners are available.  There is a brushing spray that is very nice “Just Divine” brushing spray.  There is also Hydra brushing spray/detangler that is available on Amazon.  I use the Wahl Bravura clippers because you can use them cordless or corded.  They are a work horse.  

ArteroUSA.com      Shampoos (especially baby), conditioners, detangler, anti-static spray and a nice de-matting spray.

IsleofDogs.com.      My fave shampoos, conditioners, specialty sprays and two oil food additives - #91 and #92 for dogs that are showing.  Fabulous products. 

Amazon:  BEST white dog shampoo without bleach or peroxide is Crazy Liberty (CL) Ultra-White.  It is a concentrate.  

Amazon:  I use Baby shampoo by Artero and Blueberry Facial, which is a tear-free face/body shampoo that I also like to use.  

Chewy.com.     I use their large water reservoir for my dogs and buy a LOT of toys there!  They also carry many helpful items.  Amazon also carries these water and food reservoirs.

GroomersEdge.com.    Tools - brushes, combs, slickers, clippers, scissors, shampoos, conditioners, even dye. 

lainee.com for banding and wrapping show dogs hair.

PetEdge.com.   Also - about anything you want or need. 

https://pantsfordogs.com.  For girls in season, boys who piddle, people who want protection of the neck hair from collars, leggings and snoods - good items - decent pricing - nice variety.

VetsBest.com    I swear by their Vet's Best Ear Wash (not the ear dry).  Non-alcohol and leaves a clove scent. Also on other sites like Amazon and cherrybrook.com .  

TheQuiltedHound.com  and https://pantsfordogs.com have neck saver collar protectors, leggings, snoods, etc.  

LesPooches.com       I love their double sided brushes.  I have them in the double head and single head.  The BEST for brushing!  

Amazon:  I use Nature’s Miracle Laundry boost for dog towels and kennel or pee pads.  I also use the “My Dog Peed” spray on my rugs for accidents and Nature’s Miracle spray cleaner for floors and crates.  

AMAZON has some great puppy puzzles to keep their brains working, as well as agility equipment, training equipment - just about anything you want

There are many other sites that I go to - but if you are ever looking for something and want a recommendation - just give me a call.