Bathing a Doodle's Coat: What is the Proper Way?

[Sher Holmen]

Can someone tell me the correct way to bathe a doodles coat. Lovie gets groomed cuz I gave up. His coat is wavy and thick and matts up after washing. I don't like going to the groomer, it stresses us both out!

[Adina P]

Hi Sher, there might be some helpful instruction within our Doodle Grooming group here on DK (We have a ton of groups on different topics, do check them out!). My doods don't mat so it doesn't much matter how I bathe them, but from what I remember reading the key is to brush and comb them out thoroughly PRIOR to the bath. THEN, when wetting and sudsing them up it is important to not rub in all directions...instead, only apply suds, water in one direction so as to not add tangles. Hope that helps...that is the best I can do from memory. Do check out the grooming group, you'll find lots of great tips!

[F, Calla & Luca]

And spray on conditioner before you try to brush them out. People also highly praise Cowboy Magic to help with the mats. I just finally got some myself.A

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

JOIN THE GROOMING GROUP!!!!! My labradoodle mats a lot also. I try not to bathe him myself because I just can't do a good job = especially with rinsing. We brush and comb him a lot - like every other day or up to 3 days if he is shorter. We found a really nice groomer who doesn't charge that much, so we take Ned every 3 to 5 weeks. We always brush him before we take him to the groomer so she can concentrate on the "big stuff." At home products are a flexible slicker brush with bent tines, a steel comb, Cowboy Magic Detangler, Original Mane and Tail Detangler and a spray on finishing spray. We often spray Ned before brushing with the detangler and after brushing with the finishing spray or even water and then "scrunch" his fur back into its spiral curls. This helps him not to mat. Ned doesn't really care to be groomed although he has resigned himself to it and "sleeps" through much of his "torture." My husband holds Ned and cuddles him while I brush and comb.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Mine mat badly also. I shave them in June for summer swim season and then keep them to about 2-3 inches the rest of the year. I bathe them myself and have no trouble when they are short. For keeping them long I take them to a wonderful groomer who lets all the dogs run around all day (supervised) they have indoor and outdoor play areas and rooms for the rambunctious ones (like mine). They love to go, so look around for another groomer. It took me three tries to find one we all like.