Summarize:

There are many different styles and cuts that poodle owners can choose from. Some common cuts are the Puppy Clip, the Continental Clip, and the Bikini Clip. While there are other grooming options, these are the most common.  Consult a professional groomer on which cuts would be best for your dog. Remember, if you’re doing most of your dog’s grooming at home, you’ll need to commit to a certain amount of time and effort. Some cuts are easier to style and maintain than others. All of the common styles involve trimming or shaving the poodle’s face, feet, and the base of the tail.  The style of the poodle’s body fur changes significantly based on the chosen clip. Though it may seem tempting to buy a cheaper pair of clippers or scissors, getting a higher-quality product will be better for your dog.  Better clippers are less likely to scrape your dog’s skin or pull his fur while cutting. A cordless clipper will make the grooming much easier for you!  High-quality clippers such as Laube, Andis, or Oster cost around $125-$175.  They should last much longer than their less expensive counterparts. Note that many groomers seem to prefer Andis or Laube over Oster, as Oster clipper blades can heat during trimming.  If you do use Oster, you may want to have extra blades of the same size so that you can switch them out if they become heated.  Good scissors made for grooming may cost around $50.  These scissors should be sharp and comfortable for you to cut with.  You may want to try out different models before purchasing them. Clippers have interchangeable blades that are numbered to indicate the length that they will leave the fur after trimming, with higher numbers indicating shorter fur. You will likely need a variety of clipper blades: start with a 5, 7, 10, 15, and 30.  If you cannot afford to get many different blades or you’re just starting out, begin with at 10 or 15. Be aware that use of 30 and 40 blades can be quite difficult and should usually be left to experienced or professional groomers.  Improper use of these (very short) blades can scrape or burn your poodle’s skin. Trimming takes some time, and if your pup is well-rested, he may not sit still long enough for you to finish.  Taking him to the park or on a long walk for exercise before you begin may lead to a more cooperative subject. Before you begin clipping, turn the clippers on around your dog.  This is especially important for a puppy or a poodle who has not been regularly groomed.  Over time, your dog should become more and more comfortable being around the clippers. You may want to have a professional groomer clip your poodle the first few times so that you do not have to worry about both introducing your dog to the clippers and learning to clip the fur.
Choose a cut for your poodle. Invest in good quality clippers and scissors. Use the right blades. Allow your dog to exercise prior to trimming. Introduce your dog to the clippers.