How to Groom a Goldendoodle

A Goldendoodle is a fairly easy dog to groom but they do need regular upkeep. Because Goldendoodles are mixed breed dogs you can't always predict what kind of coat they will have. Whether it's more like a Poodle or more like a Golden Retriever will determine what approach you take to groom your Doodle. Because it is not a pure breed there is no standard to grooming and clipping, so you have a lot of choices in grooming styles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Unpointed grooming scissors
• Slicker brush
• Undercoat rake or comb
• Electric clippers
• Toenail clippers
• Mild moisturizing dog shampoo

How to Groom a Goldendoodle

1. Even if you plan on having a groomer take care of your Goldendoodle's coat and toenails, he will still need to be brushed regularly because he can get tangles and knots in his coat. Get him used to being handled and brushed as a puppy. This will make everyone's job easier and he will come to enjoy being brushed. Do a few minutes of brushing every day.

2. Your Goldendoodle may need to be bathed about once a month, or perhaps only when she gets muddy or rolls in something smelly. Overbathing can strip a dog's coat of natural oils and regular brushing will help distribute these oils through her coat for a healthy, natural shine. When bathing a dog, use only a good quality moisturizing shampoo formulated for dogs.

3. If your Goldendoodle has a curly coat similar to a Poodle, you can give him a "puppy cut," which keeps his hair reasonably short (never shave your Goldendoodle) and easy to maintain. This usually needs to be done about once a month. Use an electric clipper and trim the hair on his torso to about one inch, while leaving the legs and face longer. Use grooming scissors to trim the feathering on his legs and above his eyes.

4. No matter what type of coat your Doodle has, you need to trim the hair over her eyes and around his "sanitary areas" so she stays clean. Use the unpointed scissors and blend these areas to the rest of the coat length. Keep her bangs trimmed to just above her eyes so she can see properly and to keep hair from getting into and irritating her eyes.

5. Daily brushing with a slicker brush will keep tangles from forming. If your Goldendoodle has a double coat with undercoat more typical of a Golden Retriever, he may shed quite a bit and you need to use an undercoat rake or comb to brush out the loose hair. If you do this every day for a few minutes you will see much less dog hair on your floors and furniture. Brush him out at least three times a week. During shedding season in spring and fall you may have to brush him more frequently.

6. If your Goldendoodle has a curly, plush coat more like a Poodle, she won't shed much but will still need regular brushing especially if you leave her coat fairly long. Curly Poodle-type coats are prone to tangling and mats. Regular brushing prevents them from forming.

7. Unless your Doodle is running about five miles a day on hard surfaces, he will also need his toenails trimmed about once a month. Again, get him used to having his feet handled and his toenails cut when he is a puppy so it will be easier for the rest of his life. Search this site for full instructions on how to cut a dog's toenails.

8. Clean her ears regularly with a clean washcloth wrapped around your finger and plain water. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar, or one of the commercial ear cleaning solutions. If your Doodle has a lot of hair growing on the insides of her ears, that should be trimmed to help her ears stay clean and dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can have him professionally groomed and do some of the upkeep yourself in between visits. Ask your groomer for suggestions.
• Never use cotton swabs or anything else to clean your Doodle's ears because you can easily hurt and injure him.