Doodle breeds have unique grooming needs. Learn how to keep your doodle looking and feeling their best with our comprehensive grooming guide.
Doodle breeds are known for their beautiful, often curly coats, but these coats require regular maintenance to stay healthy and mat-free. Whether you have a Mini Poodle, Goldendoodle, or Bernedoodle, proper grooming is essential.
**Why Grooming Matters**
Regular grooming:
- Prevents painful matting
- Keeps your dog's skin healthy
- Reduces shedding (for low-shedding coats)
- Allows you to check for skin issues, parasites, or injuries
- Keeps your dog comfortable and happy
**Brushing Basics**
**Frequency:**
- Daily brushing is ideal for most doodles
- At minimum, brush 2-3 times per week
- Increase frequency during seasonal coat changes
**Tools You'll Need:**
- Slicker brush (for detangling)
- Comb (for finishing and checking for mats)
- Pin brush (for daily maintenance)
- Scissors (for trimming around eyes and paws)
**Brushing Technique:**
1. Start with a slicker brush to work through tangles
2. Brush in the direction of hair growth
3. Work in sections, starting from the skin
4. Use a comb to check for any remaining mats
5. Be gentle around sensitive areas (ears, belly, legs)
**Bathing Your Doodle**
**How Often:**
- Every 4-6 weeks for most doodles
- More frequently if they get dirty or smelly
- Less frequently in winter (unless needed)
**Bathing Steps:**
1. Brush thoroughly before bathing (wet mats are harder to remove)
2. Use lukewarm water
3. Use a dog-specific shampoo (human shampoo can dry their skin)
4. Rinse thoroughly (soap residue can cause irritation)
5. Towel dry, then use a blow dryer on low heat
6. Brush again while drying to prevent matting
**Professional Grooming**
Even with regular home grooming, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended. Professional groomers can:
- Give your dog a complete trim
- Remove mats safely
- Clean ears and trim nails
- Provide expert styling
At Top Notch Paws Grooming, we offer professional grooming services to keep your doodle looking their best!
**Common Grooming Challenges**
**Matting:**
- Prevention is key: regular brushing prevents mats
- If you find a mat, try to gently work it out with a comb
- Never cut mats with scissors (you could cut the skin)
- For severe matting, consult a professional groomer
**Ear Care:**
- Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge
- Clean with a dog-specific ear cleaner as needed
- Keep ear hair trimmed to allow air circulation
**Nail Trimming:**
- Trim nails every 2-4 weeks
- Use dog-specific nail clippers
- Be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail)
- If you're unsure, have a professional do it
**Seasonal Considerations**
**Summer:**
- Consider a shorter trim for comfort
- Ensure your dog has access to shade and water
- Don't shave too short (coat provides sun protection)
**Winter:**
- Longer coat provides insulation
- Dry thoroughly after wet walks
- Check paws for ice and salt
**Grooming Tips for Puppies**
Start grooming early:
- Make it a positive experience with treats and praise
- Start with short sessions
- Gradually increase handling
- Get them used to the sound of clippers and dryers
Early positive experiences with grooming will make grooming easier throughout your dog's life.
Regular grooming is an essential part of caring for your doodle. Not only does it keep them looking great, but it also keeps them healthy and comfortable. If you have questions about grooming your doodle, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
**Why Grooming Matters**
Regular grooming:
- Prevents painful matting
- Keeps your dog's skin healthy
- Reduces shedding (for low-shedding coats)
- Allows you to check for skin issues, parasites, or injuries
- Keeps your dog comfortable and happy
**Brushing Basics**
**Frequency:**
- Daily brushing is ideal for most doodles
- At minimum, brush 2-3 times per week
- Increase frequency during seasonal coat changes
**Tools You'll Need:**
- Slicker brush (for detangling)
- Comb (for finishing and checking for mats)
- Pin brush (for daily maintenance)
- Scissors (for trimming around eyes and paws)
**Brushing Technique:**
1. Start with a slicker brush to work through tangles
2. Brush in the direction of hair growth
3. Work in sections, starting from the skin
4. Use a comb to check for any remaining mats
5. Be gentle around sensitive areas (ears, belly, legs)
**Bathing Your Doodle**
**How Often:**
- Every 4-6 weeks for most doodles
- More frequently if they get dirty or smelly
- Less frequently in winter (unless needed)
**Bathing Steps:**
1. Brush thoroughly before bathing (wet mats are harder to remove)
2. Use lukewarm water
3. Use a dog-specific shampoo (human shampoo can dry their skin)
4. Rinse thoroughly (soap residue can cause irritation)
5. Towel dry, then use a blow dryer on low heat
6. Brush again while drying to prevent matting
**Professional Grooming**
Even with regular home grooming, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended. Professional groomers can:
- Give your dog a complete trim
- Remove mats safely
- Clean ears and trim nails
- Provide expert styling
At Top Notch Paws Grooming, we offer professional grooming services to keep your doodle looking their best!
**Common Grooming Challenges**
**Matting:**
- Prevention is key: regular brushing prevents mats
- If you find a mat, try to gently work it out with a comb
- Never cut mats with scissors (you could cut the skin)
- For severe matting, consult a professional groomer
**Ear Care:**
- Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge
- Clean with a dog-specific ear cleaner as needed
- Keep ear hair trimmed to allow air circulation
**Nail Trimming:**
- Trim nails every 2-4 weeks
- Use dog-specific nail clippers
- Be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail)
- If you're unsure, have a professional do it
**Seasonal Considerations**
**Summer:**
- Consider a shorter trim for comfort
- Ensure your dog has access to shade and water
- Don't shave too short (coat provides sun protection)
**Winter:**
- Longer coat provides insulation
- Dry thoroughly after wet walks
- Check paws for ice and salt
**Grooming Tips for Puppies**
Start grooming early:
- Make it a positive experience with treats and praise
- Start with short sessions
- Gradually increase handling
- Get them used to the sound of clippers and dryers
Early positive experiences with grooming will make grooming easier throughout your dog's life.
Regular grooming is an essential part of caring for your doodle. Not only does it keep them looking great, but it also keeps them healthy and comfortable. If you have questions about grooming your doodle, don't hesitate to reach out to us!