Caring for Your Labradoodle’s Fur at Home

Graphic from headtotailpetspa.com — *Graphic from* *headtotailpetspa.com*

TIPS FOR BRUSHING

It’s very important to understand how often your dog’s fur should be brushed so when you do go to the groomer you don’t come back with the dreaded shave.

I’m pretty impatient when it comes to brushing. Doodle Mom tried to desensitize me as a puppy, but I cried a lot and never got used to it. This would be her first recommendation for any new dog owners - do not skip this part of training. It’ll be worth it in the long run.

There are three zones per se that you’ll want to follow when brushing.

The head, neck, and chest. Don’t miss behind the ears, under the ears, and around the neck where your doodle’s collar rubs and/or where a harness sits. Doodle Mom always starts with my ears because this is one spot I tolerate.
Front legs, belly, back legs, and butt. If you’re an active pup, your paws take a beating and need a constant inspection to make sure they stay clean and safe. Watch out for knots around the elbows, knees, and toes.
Back and tail. These are usually the least knotted/matted, at least for me. Since I’m very impatient, Doodle Mom saves these areas for last or works them in throughout as a break for when I get frustrated with the other areas she’s brushing.

A nice brushing technique to use is line brushing. This allows you to see the base of the fur and ensure no matting exists below the surface. Mats can be painful for your pup. This technique (and my fav detangling spray) helps narrow in on mats and gently work them out. It’s important to address mats as soon as their discovered, otherwise, new hair can grow under the mat and knot it even further.

When brushing, it’s recommended to use a slicker brush first and then finish with a steel comb.

TIPS FOR TRIMMING

Each breed has it’s own standard guidelines for grooming. I prefer a puppy cut when I visit the groomer with 1/2-3/4in. length all around, but to not leave my muzzle as long around my mouth and let my lashes and ears grow (Doodle Mom likes my Cocker Spaniel ears).

Between grooming appointments, Doodle Mom has to trim my face to help keep my line of sight clean and my muzzle/chin from looking scruffy in pictures. She saves this for last after I’ve gotten a full brush (and usually a break from the table).

ESSENTIAL GROOMING TOOLS

There’s a lot of different tools and products out there for grooming your doodle.

Doodle Mom has tried several over the years of dog ownership and these are some of her favorites for maintaining my fluff. Click the products below or visit my grooming list on Amazon. You can also consult with your grooming if you’re looking for more professional-grade tools. The tools below are for at-home care and I am not sponsored by any of these products.