Poodle Grooming & Exercise Guide: Tips for Toy, Miniature & Standard Poodles

Poodles are known for their intelligence, elegance and iconic hairstyles, but there’s much more to these pups than their fabulous curls. Whether you’ve got a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, understanding their grooming and exercise needs is essential to keeping them in tip-top shape. At Petdirect, we get Poodles. From coat care to keeping them mentally and physically enriched, here’s everything you need to know to give your Poodle a happy, healthy life in Aotearoa.

Why Poodles Have Unique Grooming Needs

Unlike most dog breeds, Poodles have hair instead of fur. That means they don’t shed seasonally, but their curly coats keep growing—and tangling—if not cared for properly. Left unattended, their lush locks can mat, causing discomfort or even skin issues.

To keep your Poodle looking and feeling great, routine at-home grooming is key. Brush several times a week using dog brushes and combs designed for curly coats. Regular grooming can help prevent mats and lets you spot any skin issues early.

Poodles also need regular baths with a quality shampoo suited to their skin. Consider trying a gentle formula from our great value grooming range or one specially made for dog shampoos and conditioners.

Professional Grooming: A Must For Maintenance

While at-home care goes a long way, professional grooming is essential for most Poodles. Routine trims every 4–6 weeks will stop the coat from matting and help maintain your chosen style, whether that's a stylish continental cut or a simple comfort clip. Bonus: groomers will also take care of paw trimming, nail clipping, and sanitary hygiene.

Grooming sessions can sometimes be stressful, especially for young or newly adopted poodles. Help them stay calm with calming essentials designed to ease anxiety.

Exercise Tips For Energetic Poodles

Poodles are more than just pretty faces—they’re highly intelligent and energetic dogs that need regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

• Daily Walks: Aim for at least one long walk per day. Standard Poodles may appreciate more vigorous activities like hiking or jogging, while Toy and Miniature Poodles do well with shorter bursts.
• Enrichment Games: Poodles thrive on mental challenges. Keep that clever brain busy with interactive dog toys or puzzle feeders during mealtime.
• Fetch & Play: These pups love to play! Invest in a good range of fetch toys to burn off energy and bond with your dog.

Just like us, Poodles can get bored with the same routine. Switch up your walking route, rotate toys regularly and sprinkle in some trick training or agility games to keep them engaged.

Nutrition For Coat And Energy Support

Feeding your Poodle a balanced, high-quality diet helps support their gorgeous coat, joint health and daily energy needs. Look for foods high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids—great for skin and coat health—and with complete protein sources to fuel their active lifestyle. You'll find top-notch choices in our curated dog food range. Royal Canin offers a breed-specific range tailored to Poodles

To go the extra mile, enhance your Poodle’s diet with targeted skin and coat health supplements or full-spectrum pet health supplements. These can help reduce dryness, shedding and keep their fur glossy and soft.

Get To Know Your Poodle's Personality And Needs

No two Poodles are exactly alike, which is part of what makes them so lovable. Whether you’ve got a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, they’ll all need love, structure, and plenty of stimulation.

To learn more about your pup’s quirks, traits and specific care tips, don't miss our detailed Poodle breed guide. It covers everything from temperament to training advice, helping you better understand your fur friend.

Poodle Parenting Made Easier

Poodles are clever, playful pups that deserve care as unique as they are. With the right grooming habits, daily exercise, and nutritional support, your Poodle will not only look amazing—those curls!—but live their happiest, healthiest life possible. And of course, we’re with you every step of the way. At Petdirect, we get Poodles, and we’re here to support you with expert advice, curated products, and handy convenience perks like Autodeliver. Ready to pamper your Poodle?

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