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How Often Groom Doodle: Complete Schedule

Posted on by Marine Ponchaut
11
Jan

How often should you groom your doodle? Generally, doodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks and daily brushing at home. However, the exact schedule depends on your dog’s coat type, lifestyle, and the length you prefer to keep their fur.

Indeed, this is one of the most common questions we hear from doodle owners. The answer matters more than you might think. Additionally, getting the timing right can save you money on dematting fees and keep your pup comfortable all year round.

How Often to Professionally Groom Your Doodle

First, let’s talk about professional grooming appointments. Generally speaking, most doodles need a full groom every 6-8 weeks. However, some factors can change this timeline.

Essentially, doodles with curlier coats often need more frequent visits. Furthermore, if you keep your doodle’s coat longer, you’ll likely need appointments every 4-6 weeks. Conversely, shorter clips can stretch to 8-10 weeks between grooms.

How Often to Groom Doodle by Coat Type

Curly Coats (Poodle-like):

  • Professional groom: Every 4-6 weeks
  • These coats mat quickly without regular maintenance
  • Book your next appointment before you leave the salon

Wavy Coats (Most common):

  • Professional groom: Every 6-8 weeks
  • The classic doodle look requires consistent care
  • Watch the ears and armpits for early matting

Straight/Flat Coats:

  • Professional groom: Every 8-10 weeks
  • Lower maintenance than curly coats
  • Still needs regular brushing between visits

How Often to Brush Your Doodle at Home

Certainly, brushing is just as important as professional grooming. In fact, what you do between appointments determines how comfortable your dog stays.

Curly coats: Daily brushing is essential. Use a slicker brush and work through the coat in sections. Additionally, always finish with a metal comb to check for hidden tangles.

Wavy coats: Brush every 2-3 days at minimum. Furthermore, increase to daily during shedding season or after swimming.

Straight coats: Brush 2-3 times per week. However, always brush before and after water activities.

Notably, skipping brushing for even a week can lead to matting. Once mats form, they pull on the skin and cause discomfort. Eventually, severe matting may require a complete shave-down.

How Often to Bathe Your Doodle

Generally, doodles shouldn’t be bathed too frequently at home between grooms. Typically, every 4-6 weeks is sufficient unless your dog gets particularly dirty.

Important note: Never bathe a matted doodle. Importantly, water tightens mats and makes them impossible to brush out. Always brush thoroughly before any bath.

After swimming, rinse your doodle with fresh water. Then, dry them completely and brush through their coat. This simple routine prevents many grooming problems.

Factors That Affect How Often to Groom Your Doodle

Lifestyle Considerations

Naturally, active doodles need more frequent grooming attention. If your dog enjoys:

  • Swimming: Brush and dry after every swim
  • Bush walks: Check for debris and tangles daily
  • Dog parks: Extra brushing to remove dirt and dander
  • Playing in sand: Rinse and brush to prevent skin irritation

Seasonal Changes

Interestingly, doodles often need different care schedules throughout the year.

Summer: More frequent brushing due to outdoor activities. Additionally, many owners opt for shorter clips.

Winter: Coats grow faster and may need more frequent trims. Furthermore, mud and rain increase matting risk.

Spring/Autumn: Watch for increased shedding. Generally, this is when undercoat issues become apparent.

Age Factors

Puppies (under 12 months): Start grooming early with short, positive visits every 4-6 weeks. Essentially, this builds good habits for life.

Adult doodles (1-7 years): Follow the standard schedules above based on coat type.

Senior doodles (7+ years): May need gentler, more frequent sessions. Typically, shorter appointments every 4-6 weeks work best.

Warning Signs You’re Not Grooming Often Enough

Certainly, your doodle will tell you if the grooming schedule isn’t working. Watch for these signs:

  • Visible mats or tangles
  • Scratching or skin irritation
  • Fur blocking vision (eye furnishings too long)
  • Difficulty walking (paw pad hair overgrown)
  • Ear infections or odour
  • Coat looks dull or feels greasy

Indeed, if you notice any of these, book a professional groom sooner rather than later. Additionally, increase your at-home brushing routine.

Creating Your Doodle Grooming Schedule

Ultimately, the best schedule is one you can actually maintain. Here’s a practical approach:

Weekly:

  • Brush 3-7 times depending on coat type
  • Check ears for debris or odour
  • Wipe around eyes if needed

Monthly:

  • Trim around eyes if blocking vision
  • Check nail length
  • Clean ears with vet-approved solution

Every 6-8 weeks:

  • Professional full groom
  • Book next appointment before leaving
  • Discuss any skin or coat concerns

Professional Tips from Our Groomers

Firstly, consistency matters more than perfection. A quick daily brush beats a marathon session once a week.

Secondly, invest in quality tools. A good slicker brush and metal comb make home grooming faster and more effective. For recommendations, check our grooming services page.

Finally, don’t wait until mats are severe. If you’re struggling with brushing, book an in-between maintenance appointment. It’s easier on your dog and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I groom my doodle puppy?
Initially, every 4-6 weeks for short, positive sessions. Gradually, these become full grooms as your puppy matures.

Can I groom my doodle too often?
Generally, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is the minimum for most doodles. However, over-bathing can dry out the skin.

What if my doodle hates brushing?
Certainly, many doodles resist at first. Start with short sessions and lots of treats. If anxiety continues, contact us about desensitisation tips.

How often do groomers see doodle mats?
Honestly, almost daily. It’s extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about. We’d rather you bring a matted dog than delay the appointment.

The Bottom Line

Remember, there’s no single answer to how often to groom your doodle. Coat type, lifestyle, and the length you maintain all play a role.

As a general guide: brush daily or every few days, and book professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Adjust based on your specific dog and circumstances.

Not sure what schedule works best for your doodle? Book a consultation and our groomers can assess your dog’s coat and recommend a personalised plan.

For more information on dog grooming and care, visit the RSPCA Australia or the Australian Veterinary Association.

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.

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