An open letter to doodle owners

There is conversation going on in the world, the topic...doodles! We’re about labradoodles, golden doodles, sheeadoodles, bernadoodles, anything that has been mixed with a standard poodle or already existing doodle.

I am writing this to include these owners in the conversation that’s happening in the grooming salons all over the globe because it is a frustrating matter for many. This is because often we have to shave doodles due to matting, frustrating owners because they are unaware what they could be doing wrong. Since most people like their doodles fluffy, this can really hurt the rapport between a groomer and their clients, something we'd all like to avoid!

Unfortunately, doodle breeds are not low-maintenance. If you are getting a doodle, expect and prepare for daily home maintenance. This includes brushing and combing every day ( with a slicker brush and a metal comb). The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair. You always want to start with the slicker brush as this will help break up any knots, and finish with the comb. When you don’t use a comb, and go all the way from the root to the tip, the top coat may seem mat free while the root of the coat is completely matted.

 If you have questions, ask us! We are always happy to help!

Because doodles are not purebred, you may end up with a doodle that has a very thin and easily manageable coat, but you should always go into it expecting the alternative. With all that being said, this routine should not include baths at home. Though this may seem counter-intuitive, without the proper tools baths at home will only cause and expedite matting. Long coats need to be blow dried completely.  

If you want your doodle to have the well-known fluffy coat, they should visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks in addition to daily home maintenance. Bringing them to the groomer will ensure they are thoroughly brushed out and combed. You can get them full haircuts or just trim ups, the possibilities are many if the coat is well maintained. The cost of  grooming a doodle is not small. That’s the plain and simple truth of it. They are many things that are factored into the  price. The type of coat the dog has, the condition of the coat, his/her behavior during the grooming, and the time spent on the service. 

Some breeders say that doodles should not or don’t have to be groomed before they are a year old, however introducing grooming at an early age is imperative! This includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, a bath, & trimming around the face and potty area. You still need to bring them in every 4-6 weeks both to get them acclimated to the grooming process and to keep them in the best shape possible. Their coat changes around 6 months of age and transitions from light and fluffy puppy hair to their coats. Their adult coats can have a variety of thicknesses and textures, but this transition can often lead to matting which is another reason to establish a regular home grooming routine and to be in to see your groomer every 4-6 weeks.

The last thing a groomer wants to do is disappoint their client, we want you to love the work we do as much as we do! That is why it is crucial to be fully educated about the maintenance of the puppy you are getting, find a groomer who will work with you directly and take your pooch to see them often!

Many of them don’t look matted in the before pictures, but as you can see their coats come off in complete sheets. It is DIRE to add that when dogs are in that bad of shape, it is EXTREMELY painful for them. Quite often we find bruising, hematomas, skin infections and more underneath the matting. There is no option other than to shave them to the skin in those cases. Please note this is fully avoidable with proper and regular maintenance.

Note: This information is not isolated to doodles! Any dog with a longer coat needs regular maintenance. Dogs with shorter coats that shed need maintenance. All dogs need their nails clipped/filed. Every breed and every dog has its own requirements, and we would love to discuss your pet’s needs with you!