How to Groom a Goldendoodle at Home

By Pat & Sonny Heino, Bittersweet Goldendoodles, Newport NH

Grooming is the biggest ongoing job of owning a Goldendoodle, and doing a bit of it at home keeps your dog comfortable and your grooming bills down. Here is the routine we recommend to our families.

Brushing the right way

Brush several times a week, using a slicker brush followed by a steel comb. Work in small sections, brushing all the way down to the skin. If the comb snags, you have found a tangle, so go back and work on it gently.

Pay attention to the places where mats form: behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar and on the tail. A few minutes every day beats an hour once a week.

Bathing your doodle

Bathe every four to six weeks, or when your dog gets dirty. Brush out all tangles first, since water makes mats tighter. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Dry the coat completely with a towel and a blow dryer on a cool setting. A damp coat can mat and cause skin problems.

Ear care

Because Goldendoodles have floppy ears and hair inside the canal, they can be prone to infections. Check the ears weekly, looking for redness, odor or dirt.

Clean the ears with a vet-approved cleaner and a cotton ball. Never push anything deep into the canal. Ask your groomer or vet whether the hair inside should be removed.

Nails, teeth and paws

Trim nails every few weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, they are too long. Start handling your puppy’s paws early so trims are calm.

Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week with dog toothpaste, and trim the hair between the paw pads to keep them comfortable and prevent slips.

Choosing a cut

The teddy bear cut keeps the face and body at an even, fluffy length. A shorter cut is easier to maintain, especially in summer or if your dog likes to swim. A longer coat takes more brushing.

Talk to your groomer about what suits your dog and your lifestyle. Bring a photo of the style you like.

When to see a professional groomer

Plan a professional groom every six to eight weeks. A good groomer can handle trimming, de-matting and styling much faster than most owners can.

Start with a short puppy visit around four months so your dog gets used to the dryer, the table and the sounds. Calm early visits create a dog that loves the salon.

Making grooming a good experience

Pair grooming with treats and praise. Keep sessions short and stop before your dog gets frustrated. Praise calm behavior, and give breaks when needed.

The earlier you start, the easier it is. If you need help with grooming, call us at 603-543-7012.

Tools worth buying

A good slicker brush, a steel comb with wide and narrow teeth, nail clippers and a pair of blunt-tip scissors cover most home grooming. Add a detangling spray to make brushing easier on a long coat.

Cheap tools wear out and can hurt your dog, so spend a little more on quality. Ask your groomer which brands they trust.

Handling mats

Small mats can be worked out gently with your fingers, a comb and a little detangling spray. Start at the edge and work toward the skin. Never pull hard or cut mats close to the skin with scissors, since a dog’s skin is thin and easy to nick.

If mats are large or tight to the skin, take your dog to a groomer. Sometimes a short cut is kinder than hours of tugging.

Seasonal care

In summer, keep a shorter cut and check for ticks after time outside. In winter, snow can ball up on the legs and belly, so brush after walks and dry your dog well.

Whatever the season, keep up regular brushing. A little each day keeps a doodle comfortable year round.

Grooming a puppy versus an adult

Puppy coats are soft and easy, but that is the best time to build habits. Brush gently every day, even if there are no tangles, and practice touching feet, ears and tail. Adult coats grow thicker and need more care.

Between six and twelve months many doodles go through a coat change, and mats can form quickly. Brush more often during this stage and book a professional groom to help you through it.

Signs your dog needs a groom

If brushing gets harder, the coat looks dull or you find mats, it is time. A dog that scratches, shakes its head or smells musty may also need a check for skin or ear problems. Do not wait until the coat is a tangle, because shorter, kinder cuts happen when you keep up with the schedule.

A simple weekly grooming routine

Pick a regular time, such as Sunday afternoon. Brush the whole coat, check ears, trim any hair around the eyes with blunt scissors and look over the paws and nails. Once a month add a bath and a nail trim.

Keeping it short and regular beats a marathon session. Most dogs come to enjoy the attention, and you will spot lumps, ticks or skin problems early because you are touching every part of your dog each week.

Ready to meet a puppy?

See our available mini Goldendoodle puppies, read the 100 most common Goldendoodle questions, or visit our contact page for directions to the farm. The quickest way to reach us is to call 603-543-7012.