I had a poodle many years ago. Oh, they shed. It's just that it stays in the curly coat until it is brushed out. If it isn't brushed out you get a mat just like other dogs. I feel bad for many poodles and poodle mixes that get so neglected in the grooming end of things. I guess it's the same for any long coated dog. They require special care. Long haired breeds are very adorable as puppies but many people do not think of the long term care when they first obtain such a pup. It sounds like "firstpuppy" is getting the hang of things and should do well in the future with the proper tools to do the job. I guess I wouldn't suggest thinning scissors though. A good metal grooming comb and a pin brush should do the job.
I had never heard of Ivory being used as a deshedding shampoo! I did see that the maker of the Furminator deshedding tool has come out with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner for dogs. I'm planning on getting some for my son's Lab this spring. He usually sheds excessively for two months. Hopefully, this will help speed up the process somewhat. Using Ivory might be more cost effective for a guy his size. I guess my only concern would be if it was drying to the skin. |