Seniors

CHARLIE MUSCAT | Senior Poodle

Little Charlie Muscat—what a joy this little fellow is! At the time of filming, Charlie was our most geriatric dog at nearly 20 years of age. Yes, you read that right!

Extra care is always necessary with geriatric dogs, but Charlie's unique needs add another layer of complexity. Along with his age, he faces several health issues and is missing a leg.

This video is a must-watch. Tay knows Charlie inside and out, understanding his every need. Pay close attention to the techniques demonstrated—handling, scissoring, and clipping—all tailored for a dog like Charlie.

With dogs like this, it’s essential never to push them beyond their comfort zone. Always use slow, gentle hands and work at the dog’s pace.

Tay split the process into three sessions: bath and dry (off-camera), basics and maintenance, and a final scissor and clip.

Remember to communicate clearly with the owner, explaining that you can only do what the dog is comfortable with on the day.

EQUIPMENT USED Clippers, attachment comb, straight scissors, steel comb, slicker, 5 in 1 trimmer with attachment comb if available / appropriate

PART 1 Tay introduces Charlie, a nearly 20-year-old three-legged poodle, and walks us through his various health challenges. The video demonstrates how to approach grooming senior dogs, focusing on hygiene areas like the bum, groin, and pads. Techniques emphasize minimizing stress and ensuring comfort by using gentle handling and short grooming sessions. Tay explains how to prioritize hygiene tasks in case the session needs to be paused or split into multiple appointments.

PART 2 This video focuses on carefully grooming Charlie’s face, feet, and legs while respecting his limitations. Taylan demonstrates scissoring techniques for dogs who dislike clippers and offers tips for supporting the dog's body to avoid strain. The video highlights the importance of working with the dog’s comfort level, ensuring safety, and adapting the grooming routine to the needs of senior or compromised dogs.

PART 3 The final video covers body clipping and completing the groom. Tay uses quiet, low-speed tools and works around sensitive areas like Charlie’s spine and lumps. The goal is to ensure Charlie is clean, functional, and comfortable without pushing him too far. This video emphasizes the importance of tailoring the process to the individual dog’s needs and keeping sessions stress-free.