The Goldendoodle may be a relatively new dog breed. Yet, according to Rover.com, it is already the 10th most popular dog breed in the nation. Golden Retrievers (where Goldendoodles get their "golden" from) consistently rank #1.
If you own a doodle, you know just how fun these dogs can be. You may also love your pup because doodle fur is hypoallergenic. Plus, doodles don't have an undercoat, and dogs without undercoats don't shed as much.
But don't let your doodle's lack of an undercoat make you think he doesn't need professional grooming. Doodle grooming is essential for keeping your pup happy and well-cared for.
Are you the proud parent of a Goldendoodle who needs a bath and some extra TLC? Then check out this guide on grooming tips for doodles for a stress-free bath time experience.
How to Give Your Doodle a Bath
It's always a great idea to give your pup a bath before you start grooming. But before you get started, you need to check out your dog's coat. If you have a matted doodle, you need to remove those tangles first.
Why? Think about what happens to your hair when it's tangled and then you get it wet. If you are like most people, your tangles get much worse when exposed to water.
To avoid this problem, run a wide-toothed comb through your Goldendoodle's coat. The goal is to remove all or most of the tangles. You can also use a slicker brush if you have one.
The next step after removing tangles is to get your pup wet. You can do this in the bathtub or the shower. If you don't want to dirty up your own shower, head to your local Bubbly Paws self-service dog bath.
If you are giving your dog a bath at home in the tub, add a no-slip mat. The mat will ensure your dog doesn't slip and slide around. A thick bath towel will also do in a pinch.
Next, apply a good amount of dog shampoo to your doodle's coat. Many dogs hate getting their face, ears, and snouts wet. If that sounds like your doodle, start with his legs and torso before addressing the head region.
Make sure to give your doodle a thorough rinse after shampooing. It's easy to miss suds in a Golden's thick and curly coat. But don't skip this step — shampoo can damage your pup's curls and even irritate his skin.
The last step before the grooming begins is to towel dry your dog. Use a patting motion in the direction the hair grows. Going against the hair follicle can result in tangles.
DIY Doodle Grooming
Now that your doodle is squeaky clean, it's time to start grooming! The tools you'll need include:
- A blow dryer
- A doodle comb or brush
- A pair of scissors or clippers
- One of these types of nail clippers
Don't have these items at home? At Bubbly Paws, we have all the tools you need to bathe and groom your doodle yourself. You can also add on grooming services to get a little help from our professionals.
Now, here's how to start grooming your Goldendoodle yourself.
A Good Brushing
Your doodle's coat needs to dry completely before brushing. Wet hair can increase the risk of irritation from brushing. If towel-drying isn't enough, give your doodle a thorough blow-drying.
Completely drying your dog's hair is also important for preventing tangles. As mentioned, wet hair tangles far more easily than a fully dry coat.
Unlike the quick brushing you gave your dog before his bath, this one should be more thorough. Address problem areas like between your dog's paw pads, behind his legs, and beneath his neck.
The more detangled and brushed-through your doodle's coat, the easier it will be to give him a trim.
Hair Trimming
One of the biggest mistakes new doodle owners make is letting their dog's hair grow long. Long-haired Goldendoodles may be beautiful. But their hair is highly prone to tangles and mats.
Instead, make sure you trim your pup's hair at least once every one to two months. You can use electric clippers or grooming scissors. Keep in mind that some dogs may feel uncomfortable with electric clipper noise.
Areas that need the most attention include your doodle's back, belly, scruff, chest, and upper hind legs. You should also consider trimming your dog's face, ears, groin, and paws.
Some doodles feel uncomfortable with their owners touching these areas, though. If that's the case for your Goldendoodle, switch to scissors or avoid these problem areas until your dog gets more comfortable with grooming.
Nail Trimming
After the bath is the best time to trim a dog's nails. Warm water softens the nails, making it easier to remove them.
There are a few different types of nail clippers available for dogs. The most common ones include plier-like clippers, guillotine-style clippers, and dog nail grinders.
Guillotine clippers are best for smaller dogs and mid-sized breeds, including doodles. Plier-like clippers also work well for most pups. However, both of these options make a loud clipping sound when in operation.
If your dog gets skittish around loud noises, consider using a nail grinder. These automatic tools file down nails instead of clipping them off.
Bubbly Paws Is the Best Place to Groom Your Doodle
Doodle grooming is different than caring for other dogs. You have to keep your pup brushed and clean if you want to prevent unsightly matting. We hope this guide helps you do just that!
Are you looking for grooming options in the greater Milwaukee or Meridian area? Bubbly Paws offers self-service, full-service, and dog grooming services for doodle owners like you. Find a location closest to you today!