Combing a Wet Doodle

[Donna K & Quincy]

When I give Quincy a bath I usually wait until he is dry to brush and comb him. Is it better to do this while he is wet? I like the curly look he has when he is dry before he is brushed, but once brushed of course he back to his usual fluffy self. I did a search but couldn't find anything on this.

[Kathy & Bella]

As a new doodle owner I would love to know the answer to this question as well. Thanks for putting this question forward Donna.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I was taught by my groomer friend to dry first, in order to avoid damage to the coat, I believe. The wet hair is somehow weaker and it's better to have it dry. On the other hand, I am sure the grooming group could fill you in on sprays that they use after drying and brushing the coat that allow the hair to curl up again. I can't tell you the names of the products myself, but they are out there. By the way, it is definitely best to get mats and knots out before washing. Then you are just brushing it out afterwards, but the knots, etc are already gone for the most part.

[HeatherA]

I know human hair is weaker when it's wet -- so you spray with a detangler/leave in conditioner and comb gently. The hair will stretch and snap easier when it's wet. I would imagine it's the same with dogs? Definitely ask the grooming group. I know a lot of people do a pre-wash brush out, bath, then brush once more.. if they want the "natural dry" look and curls they spritz with water again at the end, to encourage the curls and less fluffy.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I would think that you should avoid it, because hair is easier to damage when wet. At least, that is how it is for human hair... they can't be that different. So brushing or combing when wet could break the hair.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Definitely try to brush and comb out entirely before bathing, or the matts, and knots will tighten up and get harder to remove.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

You can comb or brush when dry and just mist him down with a spray bottle to get the curls back and more defined. I found this answer on the grooming group once, but it;s been over a year I'm sure.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

I agree. I had Mitzi in the process of grooming, almost finished. She was looking quite soft and fluffy when she needed out. Once again she jumped into the pool. This time I had to shampoo her again to get the
chemicals from the pool off of her. I did not have time to fully dry her with the dryer and she now looks like
"Curly-locks"! : )

[Donna K & Quincy]

Thanks everyone, I guess Quincy is going to stay fluffy as I will wait till he is dry to brush him. He takes so long to dry there is no way I am wetting him down again. :>)

[Frannie & Callie]

Um, I do the same thing for Callie that I do for myself...I use a wide toothed plastic comb on her while she's wet. I