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Your doodle’s coat is beautiful, isn’t it? Many doodle owners love their dog’s fluffy and luxurious coat. However, the only way to keep that coat so fluffy and luxurious is to take good care of it.

Good grooming is good for your dog, and it can be good for your relationship with your dog, too. Grooming at home can be great bonding time! Here’s what you need to know about grooming your doodle.

What to Know About Doodle Coat Types

Doodle coat types can vary depending on the parentage of the dog. Your dog’s coat type will impact how often your dog needs to be groomed, so it’s important to determine into which category your dog fits. If you’re not sure, consult with a professional groomer. In general, the three primary coat types include:

  • Straight. Straight coat types are fluffy and have a light wave to them. They’re the lowest maintenance of all the coat types, requiring semi-regular brushing.
  • Wavy. Wavy coats have some wave to them, but not too much. These coats need regular brushing.
  • Curly. Curly coats are the highest maintenance of the doodle coat types. Dogs with this type of coat require regular bathing and grooming. Any hair that falls out can get trapped in the coat, which can contribute to matting.

Why Grooming Is Important

Grooming is crucial for every doodle. Those with a curly coat require more grooming than straight coat doodles, but all doodles need to be brushed because of the potential for matting.

Matting occurs when the coat becomes slightly tangled, and then new growth occurs and joins the tangle. If the coat becomes too matted, it’s almost impossible to fully brush the coat down to the skin. Mats are a problem because tangled hair can start to tug on the skin, causing painful sores over time. If your dog’s coat becomes matted, a professional groomer may need to shave the coat.

Grooming Your Doodle

Grooming your doodle at home can help keep your doodle’s coat luxurious and beautiful. While grooming at home isn’t hard, it’s important to establish a routine and stick to it, so you can avoid mats while keeping your dog’s coat healthy.

Train Your Dog Early to Tolerate Grooming

Not all doodles are happy to be groomed at first: They must learn to like grooming. This can be a healthy, happy experience for your dog. Some tips:

  • Be consistent with your grooming habits.
  • Let your dog inspect the brush and any other tools you’ll be using. You may want to do this every time until your dog seems fully comfortable with the grooming process.
  • Say comforting, soothing words to your dog as you’re grooming.Don’t push or pull harder than necessary. It’s important to groom your dog down to the skin, but don’t push so hard that it causes pain or injury.

Brush Down to the Skin

Brushing down to the skin can help prevent matting. You should be able to tell if you’re grooming down to the skin because the coat will part, and you’ll see the skin through the part.

Pay Attention to “Problem” Areas

Dogs who wear harnesses will typically have more matting where the harness intersects the fur.

Some parts of your dog’s coat are especially vulnerable to matting. For example:

  • Thigh and buttocks area (haunches)
  • Tail
  • Armpit, chest and tummy
  • Collar area and the area around and behind the ears

Know When to Take Your Dog to a Groomer

Even if you’re doing a good job of grooming your doodle at home, your dog should still see a professional groomer on a regular basis. How often you take your dog to the groomer will depend on the length of your dog’s coat.

If the coat is shorter than an inch, take your dog to the professional groomer every six to eight weeks. Brush your dog at home two or three times per week. If your dog’s coat is longer than an inch, take your dog to the groomer every two to four weeks and give your dog a daily brushing.

Make It Fun

Time spent grooming your doodle should be fun for both of you. Say loving words to do your dog! Praise your dog for doing a good job when the work is done. You may even consider rewarding your dog with a treat. Following these tips, your doodle can enjoy a luxurious coat, free of tangles and mats.

 

AUTHOR BIO: Jamel Hamka is the owner/CEO of Recherche Kennels – Bernese, a professional breeding and training facility. Hamka has over 10 years of experience breeding with top parent bloodlines and training puppies to be the perfect family pet.

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