I think if there is one question I get in every conversation with new or soon to be Labradoodle families is, “How often do you groom your Labradoodle?”

Grooming is a key component, yet often overlooked aspect in taking care of your Doodle. Keeping a well-groomed dog is essential to maintaining their health, happiness, quality of life. This guide will instruct you on grooming as young as 8 weeks into adulthood. In order for this to be the best experience for you and your Doodle, the most important thing to remember is: Be patient! Since we’re not all experienced with grooming, patience is necessary while doing each of these steps with your dog.

If it is frustrating for you at any time throughout the grooming process, take a break and come back later. We always want our Doodles to relate grooming with positivity!

Well, short answer, I groom my dogs every 8 – 10 weeks. There are so many variables to the grooming question that I hate to boil it down to one sentence. First, we should ask ourselves a few questions:

1.      How long do I like my doodle’s coat, and how often will I brush my labradoodle?

2.      How much time does he spend outdoors with the potential to get dirty?

3.      What sort of coat does your dog have?

Different Coat Types Require Different Labradoodle Grooming Schedules

I have dogs with different coat types, and they have different grooming schedules. My two older dogs both have a wool type coat. It is very curly, a little wiry, and not the easiest to brush. It is most like a poodle coat. These two get the most regular grooming appointments, and I keep them pretty short.  Sometimes called the ‘Field Cut,’ they are trimmed all over at the same length to about 1/2”.  With this type of cut and frequency I do not need to brush them out at all between grooms.

Indoor Labradoodles Require Less Grooming than Outdoor Labradoodles

A couple of my dogs, like Sadie pictured here, have a silky, loose coat which brushes easily and can be longer. I usually wait more time between grooms on this coat. I love the fluffy look when it grows out.

Often the ears and collar area need regular brushing to prevent matting. If your doodle does not go out and get dirty, then cleaning is not an issue, and you could keep a longer coat with or without regular visits to the groomer.

Keep an eye out for mats, and make sure you brush to the skin. If a mat develops next to their skin it is painful for the dog, and you will need to have your Labradoodle shaved down to eliminate. This young lady got a little matted down to her skin and is now sporting the ‘shaved’ look.

Artistic Grooming Techniques

And of course, there are all sorts of artistic grooming techniques. I often see the ears and tail left longer than the rest of the body. And the Teddy Bear- is always cute!

I am certainly no groomer; I’ve tried it plenty and am a failure when it comes to the clippers. If you are like me, find a good groomer and keep a regular schedule with them based on your dog’s needs. Very important that they clear the ear hair from your dog’s ears. Clearing the ear hair will help prevent ear infections as well as ear odor. If your groomer does not pluck ear hair, consider this task on your own or stop by your vet a few times a year to have them take care of the problem.

Occasionally, a nice bath helps in between grooms too!

Labradoodle Grooming for Puppies (8-14 weeks)

1. BATHING

Tools you’ll need:

-         Mild soap

-         Towel

-         Washcloth

 What to know: Avoid over-bathing or bathing too often for a puppy this young. It can be very irritating to the skin and can cause dry, red, or itchy skin.

Instructions: Use mild soap on a washcloth. Make sure never to leave the soap in their coat. If you need to bathe them, we recommend warm - never hot water and using some very gentle soaps. Rinse well.

2. DRYING

What to know: After bathing, it’s important to not leave your puppy wet. Leaving them wet can cause low body temperatures, so it’s important to dry them completely. While drying them, avoid using high heat or a setting that is too cold. Always use the medium setting along with a low speed on whatever dryer you are using on your puppy.  

Instructions: towel dry, then lightly dry your puppy with low speed and low heat. I advise not using the nozzle on your force dryer or instead of using a hairdryer.

3. BRUSHING

Tools you’ll need:

 -         Gentle brush

-         Puppy safe treats or lick mat

 What to know: When a puppy is this young, it’s not so much about brushing out knots, because puppy hair does not require as much maintenance as an adult Doodle. Brushing a puppy is more about getting them used to and comfortable with the sensations themselves.

Instructions:

 When brushing your puppy, use the gentle brush. Make sure you are brushing all areas of your puppy’s coat.

Give lots of love and treats throughout the process.