Cockapoo grooming includes bathing, hair or coat trimming, nail clipping, tooth brushing, and even dog massage. Cockapoo are a hybrid breed, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. If you opt to use the services of a professional groomer, look for a groomer with a clean work area who works quickly but carefully. Your Cockapoo should not seem overly traumatized by a visit to the dog groomer. Dog groomers may belong to groups such as the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Cockapoos may have coats that resemble the Poodle side of their cross, or
coats more like a Cocker Spaniel. Poodles have wiry medium to long coats and
require a good bit of regular
grooming. Regular bathing, along with professional clipping every six
weeks is in order for Poodles. Cocker Spaniels may have medium or long coats,
which require daily
brushing and regular trimming. Most Cockapoos will require regular
weekly grooming. A good quality dog
brush is an essential grooming tool for your Cockapoo. Cocker Spaniel hair
can be fine and pull easily; if your 
Cockapoos' coat tends toward the
Cocker Spaniel side, be gentle while brushing. Regular brushing removes dead
hair, stimulates the dog's skin, and redistributes natural oils. If your
Cockapoo is prone to tangles, a comb may be needed in addition to a brush.
Clippers can be used to trim your Cockapoo. Be sure to introduce the clippers to the dog slowly and gradually, as many dogs are frightened by them at first. Let the dog sniff them and get used to the clippers being used near her body before you ever turn them on. Your dog should also be placed on a slip-free surface and held well while being clipped, to ease her anxiety.
The frequency with which your Cockapoo will need to be bathed depends somewhat on the dog's lifestyle. Cockapoos kept as pets, who stay predominantly indoors, can often go longer between baths than those that frequently romp around outside.
Nail clippers should always be designed specifically for use on dogs. As with other grooming supplies, allow your Cockapoo time to sniff the clippers and become accustomed to them. Most dogs respond better to having their paws lifted up and toward their backs for nail clipping, rather than pulling the paws forward. If you are inexperienced at handling canine nail clippers or your Cockapoo is very anxious and likely to pull away, you may want to have a styptic pencil on hand. This can be used to stop the bleeding if you inadvertently cut too close to the "quick" of the nail.
