We had the loveliest miniature cream poodle who was just over the miniature size limit and could not be shown or bred. So the the show-breeder, who knew my sister well and deigned to let me buy one of her dogs sold the lovely big boy to me. He was glorious looking and gorgeous and had mounds of coat which grew faster than grass in the spring. Out of defense of my bank balance, I soon came to the conclusion that I had to teach myself poodle grooming and buy all the equipment, etc., which was still cheaper than weekly or bimonthly groomer visits not to mention the worry that goes with it. My poor Sundance went through some raggy looks but before long, I got pretty good and could scissor a coat with some credibility and shave, etc., pretty darn cleanly with no burns. It took a total of many hours monthly but that dog looked so darn beautiful after, it was always worth it. So you can do it if you really get into it, study, get great tools and work at it.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |