Grooming Tips

Doodles have high maintenance coats-especially those curly/low shedding dogs. You may not think so when you snuggle your new puppy, but somewhere between 6-12 months their coats change. That change not only is a dangerous time for matting, but once they are through that phase their coats are much more susceptible to tangles and matting. Here are some tips to keeping your doodle’s coat gorgeous and comfy!

• • Tips for Brushing

If you have a wavy or smooth coat, you can get away with brushing much less frequently, but keep up with their ears and tail!

• Brush your curly doodle 2-3 times a week. It helps to brush during a favorite tv show so you don’t forget! If you don’t have the time to do a thorough brushing, just make sure you get the tail, ears and hips/any trouble spots that matt easily. One of my doodles mostly sleeps on one side so one of hips is a trouble spot and the other isn’t.

• Brushing should be an enjoyable bonding experience for you and your dog, but honestly a lot of dogs don’t love it. Remember to take breaks if you and your dog get frustrated. Also give treats during and after the brushing. As time goes on your dog should learn to accept it more. It also helps to brush early and often when they are pups.

• Around the collar is usually a trouble area, so try to scissor cut that area and keep it short. Rolled leather collars also help. (Click the picture for the link!)

• It helps to brush or comb first , then use de-matting comb. I use the de-matting comb on the tail, ears, and any little matts or tough tangles; a greyhound comb on the rest, and then a slicker brush all over.

Equipment

Good equipment makes all the difference! Here are some of our favorites (or just some products with great reviews on Amazon!) Click the pictures to see them on Amazon

• Ice on Ice leave in conditioner

• Cowboy Magic shampoo, conditioner and detangler.

• Safari de-matting comb

• Safari self-cleaning slicker brush

• Greyhound comb

Going to the Groomer

Going to the groomer can be a nerve racking experience for you and your pup! Here are some tips to help.

• Although your puppy might not need a groom, it’s still a good idea to get them groomed before 6 months so they can get used to going.

• Communicate with your groomer and take pictures of what you want. There are so many ways to groom a doodle. Don’t say “a doodle cut” or “a puppy cut” because that may mean something different to you and your groomer. We have here a couple of doggie models to help! (But a google search can help too!)

• Don’t be alarmed if your shaggy doodle comes back a fluffy poodle😂. That’s a result of the blow drying and combing process. It will go away in a couple of days. If you miss that shag too much, a quick spritz and scrunch with some water will curl their fur back up.

• Most groomers recommend that you come in every 6-8 weeks, but we have found that with REALLY consistent brushing we can stretch it out to every 3-4 months.

• Here are some groomers we and our clients use. If you live in a different area and love your groomer-let us know! (Click the pictures to visit the website)