Your Matted Doodle: What Your Groomer Wants You To Know

There’s no word of a lie to say that a lot of groomers have a distaste for doodles, primarily because of how much matting they have to deal with when it comes to doodles.

Further reading: related guidance from Rebarkable · AKC dog-grooming guidance

The Challenge of Grooming Matted Doodles

The curly, dense coats of doodles make them prone to matting if not properly maintained between professional grooming appointments. Severe matting pulls on the skin, which can lead to irritation, sores, and infections if left unattended. Removing extensive matting is a delicate, tedious, and time-consuming process for groomers. It’s important to never shave a dog’s coat down to the skin to remove mats, as that damages the hair follicles and coat texture.

Patiently hand-stripping or carefully using clippers under the mats is required, which can take hours for a heavily matted doodle. Groomers do not enjoy having to de-mat dogs, as it is stressful for the dog and groomer alike. Preventing mats from forming in the first place with regular grooming and daily brushing at home is key to keeping your doodle comfortable and allowing your groomer to properly maintain their coat. Working as a team with your groomer and committing to appointments every 4-8 weeks will keep your dog mat-free and looking gorgeous.

Welfare

Remember, your groomer’s job isn’t just to cut your doodle’s coat into pretty shapes – it’s to maintain the wellbeing of their coat – and sometimes this can mean your groomer has to go against your wishes. Normally a groomer will contact you.

How To Have A Really Positive Relationship With Your Doodle’s Groomer

1 – Scheduling Regular Grooming Appointments

Doodles require frequent grooming to keep their coats clean and free of mats. Most doodles need professional grooming appointments every 4-8 weeks. The exact schedule depends on factors like your doodle’s coat type, lifestyle, and your ability to brush thoroughly between visits.

Scheduling regular professional grooming appointments provides several benefits:

• It helps prevent matting by keeping the coat trimmed short. Long coat hair is more prone to tangling and matting.
• Your groomer can bathe and fully brush out the coat to remove any small mats. At home it’s difficult to brush as thoroughly.
• Regular grooming keeps shedding under control. Without frequent trims, doodle coats can get unruly.
• Your doodle stays clean and tidy in between appointments. A clean coat prevents skin irritation and odor.

Signs it’s time to make another grooming appointment include:

• Mats beginning to form, especially behind the ears, armpits and along the legs
• Coat feeling rough or tangled in some areas when brushing
• Noticeably shaggy appearance as the coat grows out
• Increased shedding around the house
• Dirt buildup in the coat making it look dingy

Scheduling grooming every 4-8 weeks prevents extensive matting from occurring and keeps your doodle looking their best. Partner with your groomer to determine the ideal schedule.

2 – Brushing at Home Between Grooms

Regular brushing at home between professional grooming appointments is crucial for preventing mats and keeping your Doodle’s coat healthy. Investing 5-10 minutes per day brushing can make a dramatic difference.

You’ll want to have the right brush for your Doodle’s coat type. Slicker brushes with thin, wire pins work well for getting through the thick curly coat and removing dead hairs. Use a wide-toothed comb for detangling larger mats and working through knots. Pin brushes help smooth out the top coat and distribute oils. Always brush all the way down to the skin, using a comb around mats, but avoid actually pulling on any tight mats.

When brushing, it’s important to section out the coat and focus on one area at a time. Work in the direction the hair grows and brush against the lay of the coat to reach the undercoat. Pay extra attention to trouble spots prone to matting like behind the ears, under the arms, and along the legs and belly. Gently working out mats when they first form makes them easier to manage.

With daily brushing sessions, you’ll stay ahead of mats, reduce shedding around your home, and keep your Doodle’s coat detangled and healthy between professional grooming appointments. Your groomer will be able to do their best work on a coat that’s been regularly brushed at home.

3 – Bathing Your Doodle

One of the best things you can do at home between professional grooming appointments is give your Doodle a bath. Bathing helps keep their coat clean, reduces matting, and makes them smell fresh.

How Often to Bathe

For most Doodles, bathing every 2-4 weeks is sufficient. Puppies and adolescent Doodles may need baths more frequently as their coats are changing. Only bathe your Doodle when they are visibly dirty or smelly. Overbathing can dry out their skin.

Choosing a Dog Shampoo

It’s important to use a high quality dog shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Human shampoos are too harsh for a dog’s skin. Look for a moisturizing shampoo to avoid drying out your Doodle’s skin and coat. Some shampoos are also designed to help reduce matting and make brushing easier between grooms.

Bathing Tips

• Brush your Doodle thoroughly before bathing to remove loose hair and dirt. This will make the bath more effective.
• Use lukewarm water, not hot. Check that the water feels comfortable on your wrist.
• Wet their coat completely, then lather the shampoo all over their body. Avoid getting water in their ears.
• Let the shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This gives it time to penetrate the coat.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo residue.
• Dry with a towel, removing excess water. Then use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to fully dry the coat.

Regular bathing at home will keep your Doodle’s coat cleaner between professional grooms. Be sure to use a high quality dog shampoo and follow these bathing tips. A clean coat will be easier for your groomer to brush out and style.

4 – Preparing for a Grooming Appointment

Preparation is key for a smooth grooming visit for both you and your groomer. Here are some tips:

• Book ahead of time. Most groomers book up quickly, so call to make an appointment 1-2 weeks in advance. Trying to get a last minute spot may mean waiting weeks for an opening.
• Have records from your last visit available. This helps your groomer know what was done last time and if your Doodle has any sensitivities or challenges. Providing notes on how your Doodle behaved and any trouble spots will help things go smoothly.
• Arrive with a clean dog. Give your Doodle a bath 1-2 days before their grooming appointment. This allows the groomer to get right to work on the haircut rather than spending extra prep time bathing a dirty dog first. A clean coat also makes it easier to spot any problems like rashes, cuts or mats.
• Set expectations on services. When booking your appointment, discuss what type of cut you want your Doodle to receive. Also mention if you want any extras like nail grinding, teeth brushing, ear cleaning or gland expression. This allows the groomer to plan the right amount of time and avoid surprises.

Being prepared sets you and your groomer up for success and a great grooming experience for your beloved Doodle! Let your groomer know if you have any other questions on how to get ready.

5 – Expect The Shave

Removing mats from your Doodle’s coat takes time, care, and patience. Mats form when loose hairs become knotted or tangled in the coat. As mats tighten, they can pull and bind the skin underneath, which is uncomfortable and even painful for your dog.

Sometimes the kindest thing can be to shave, because whilst

Patience, trust, and clear communication with your groomer is key to keeping de-matting safe and low-stress. With regular brushing and grooming, you can prevent mats from forming and save your Doodle discomfort during the grooming process.

6 – Train Your Doodle

Choosing the Right Clip for Your Doodle

Doodles can look great in a variety of clips, but picking the right style involves some key considerations. The three main clips for doodles are the puppy cut, the teddy bear cut, and the utility or kennel cut.

The puppy cut leaves the body hair slightly longer but trims the face, feet, base of tail, and private areas short. This gives a cute, youthful look. The puppy cut requires more frequent grooming but looks great on both curly and wavy coats.

The teddy bear cut uses scissors to shape the body coat into a rounded, fluffy look. The legs are trimmed but full, and the head is rounded. This style aims to maintain the doodle’s soft, huggable appearance.Teddy bear cuts last a bit longer between grooms but don’t work as well on very curly coats.

Utility or kennel cuts trim the entire coat short all over for maximum practicality. This is the lowest maintenance option but loses the signature doodle shagginess. It’s best for dogs who swim or get dirty often. The uniform length also looks tidy as the coat grows out.

When deciding on a clip, consider your doodle’s coat type, activity level, and your grooming commitment. Also, chat with your groomer about which cuts work best for your dog’s coat and personality. With good communication and realistic expectations, you can find the perfect style for your matted doodle.

Caring for Your Doodle After Grooming

After a grooming appointment, your doodle’s coat and skin need a little time to rest before the next bath or brushing session. Here are some tips for caring for your doodle post-groom:

• Let your doodle’s coat rest for 24-48 hours before bathing them again. Their skin and coat need time to recover from the stress of bathing, blow drying, brushing, and clipping. Bathing too soon can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Apply a light moisturizing conditioner or grooming spray if your doodle seems dry or itchy after grooming. Look for moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal, shea butter, or coconut oil. This can provide relief and prevent flaking or breakage.
• Keep up with regular brushing to prevent mats from returning quickly. Use a slicker brush all over your doodle’s body, along with a metal comb to detangle curly areas like ears and tails. Brush every 1-2 days for 5-10 minutes at a time.
• Schedule the next grooming appointment 4-8 weeks out. Most doodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Book in advance so you can maintain a regular schedule. Let your groomer know if you noticed any skin or coat issues they should address next time.

Caring for your doodle’s coat properly after grooming will ensure their skin stays healthy and their hair looks great until the next appointment. Be gentle, keep up with brushing, and see your groomer regularly. Your doodle will be happy and handsome!

Being Patient and Positive with Your Groomer

Grooming a doodle, especially one with matting, takes a lot of time, patience, and care on the part of your groomer. They want what’s best for your dog too – a comfortable, healthy, good looking coat. However, severely matted dogs can sometimes pose challenges during the grooming process no matter how skilled your groomer is. Trying to shave or de-mat an anxious, matted dog risks nicks and cuts if they wiggle around too much. This is why sedating a dog is sometimes necessary for their own safety and comfort.

As a doodle guardian, the best thing you can do is stay calm and understanding if matting causes complications like longer appointments, sedation, or shaving the coat. Your groomer is doing their best and wants what’s best for your dog too. A positive attitude and words of thanks go a long way, even on difficult grooms. Show your groomer appreciation for their hard work, skill, and care. A little patience and positivity helps create a good relationship between you, your groomer, and your dog for a lifetime of great grooming experiences.

Keeping Your Doodle Looking Great

Keeping your doodle looking their best requires consistency and care at home between professional grooming appointments. Here are a few key steps owners can take:

• Brush thoroughly. Make brushing a part of your daily routine. Use a slicker brush and comb to keep your doodle’s coat free of mats and tangles. Pay extra attention to areas that matt easily like behind the ears, under the arms, and around the hindquarters.
• Bathe regularly. Bathe your doodle every 2-4 weeks with a moisturizing dog shampoo. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all shampoo residue. Bathing loosens dirt and debris trapped in the coat so it’s easier to brush out.
• Trim paws and sanitary areas. Use blunt tip scissors to neatly trim the hair between the paw pads and around the sanitary areas. This keeps these zones clean and helps prevent matting. Ask your groomer to demonstrate proper technique.
• Schedule regular professional grooms. Aim for professional grooming every 4-8 weeks depending on your doodle’s coat type. Consistent professional grooming prevents severe matting and keeps your doodle’s skin and coat healthy.
• Use grooming spray. Apply a conditioning spray after brushing to keep the coat moisturized and manageable between baths. Look for sprays formulated for curly coats.

When owners dedicate time for frequent home grooming care, it sets the doodle up for success at their professional appointments. Matted, neglected coats take much longer to de-tangle and groom properly. A doodle who receives consistent grooming will have an easier, shorter appointment. Their skin and coat will be healthy, and they’ll leave looking fantastic. By staying on top of grooming care at home, owners can keep their doodle looking their absolute best.