Grooming

Doodles can have different types of coats. Some are curly, and some are wavy or straight. Some mat easily and will need more frequent brushing/ combing. Your doodle will need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, but you will need to do some grooming at home in-between salon visits.

For a puppy coat, these are the tools and products I recommend. I love the Earthbath products for puppies. They smell good too! These can typically be found at Petsmart/ Petco also:

For an adult coat, you need some more serious products 🙂 Brush your doodle every day if possible, 3 times a week minimum. Start with a slicker brush. If it’s double-sided, start with the wider spaced bristles. Then, use a stainless steel comb to ensure there are no mats. If you find a mat, don’t cut it with scissors. It’s very easy to get too close and cut into the skin. If it won’t brush out with a detangling spray, the best way to deal with it is to shave it with clippers. Mats are painful for dogs, so preventive brushing is key! I love Chris Christensen products. They’re a bit pricey, but wow, they’re amazing tools! If your dog tends to mat easily, a conditioner and detangling spray will help a lot! I also really love this scissor set. It comes with a nice comb, and the scissors come in handy for touch-ups between grooms.

For puppy nails, you can use human nail clippers. But once those claws get thick, you’ll need some good nail trimmers. Some dogs are OK with nail grinders too, but they can be scary. Use with caution. Always have cornstarch or styptic powder available to stop bleeding in case you cut the nails past the quick.

For ears, you can purchase an ear cleaning solution, or make your own. I use a condiment bottle filled with half distilled vinegar and half isopropyl alcohol. It doesn’t smell as good as the store-bought brands, but it works! Clean ears weekly. Doodles have floppy ears, prone to infections and yeasty issues.

Oral care is extremely important! Get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed daily. A water additive like this one will help keep their breath fresh.