Hi everyone! Meet Archie

[Allison and Archie]

Hi guys! Meet my first pup-- a toy goldendoodle named Archie! He's 9.5 weeks and pretty mellow (except for when he's NOT! haha).  He's multigeneration... both his parents are F2B. Quick question as I try to navigate the forums.... when am I supposed to start brushing him? I've done a lot of searches (on this site and also reddit) and can't seem to find a solid answer. Anyone have links to good YouTube videos that can show me what to do? I know I need to introduce him to as many experiences as possible while he's in this critical socialization period... plus I want to prevent any matting. Any tips would be appreciated!  

[Kris and Angus]

Hi Allison, I'm new to Doodle kisses as well and have a 10 week old medium goldendoodle. Archie is adorable! and what a cute name.

I don't have any advice but I'd be interested in hearing what others have to say about early grooming as well.

[Allison and Archie]

Hi!!! Congratulations! What an exciting time for both of us! Angus seems like a great addition for your family!! Look forward to navigating this crazy puppy period together. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a cutie!  We have a separate group called "Doodle Grooming" that has a wealth of information about grooming at all ages.  Just go to the top of the page, click on Groups, and you will see it in the header.  I can tell you that I started brushing them from the day I brought them home, and my Breeder has also worked to get my ALD used to being handled and brushed...that made it so much easier for us.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

First of all - Archie is one adorable little guy!

The trainer we took our first puppy to taught us that it's important for puppies to get used to being "handled" right from the very beginning. Touch their feet, check their nails, look in their ears, look in their mouths, etc. daily. If you can, let them feel the buzz of a hair clipper or beard trimmer (even if you're not really trimming anything) and hear/feel a hair dryer. The more used to these sights, sounds, and sensations your puppy becomes, the easier trips to the groomer or vet will be.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Exactly the same advice I would give--keep all experiences gentle and positive--also, use a puppy brush for now--soft one and get a steel comb or you will not get the knots out. GENTLY go thru the coat while he is relaxing on your lap. At four months, when fully vaccinated, take him to a groomer to introduce him to that situation, but just have the groomer do the minimum--a little trim here and there, with you there, so that he is more accustomed to that.

Socializing should be done but carry him to avoid germs from other dogs, until vaccs are complete.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

He is adorable!  Exactly what the others said.  Begin brushing now; handle feet, legs face, ears.....

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Archie is so cute!  Deanna gave you some great advice.  In addition to that, go to the groups section on the main page and join as many as you like.  Many new puppy owners join the grooming group, Puppy Madness, & food group.  There is also a very active photography group.  I do not know of there is a mini goldendoodle group, if not, you could start one.  Have fun with this little guy.

[DonMarie and Picco]

Congrats!  Archie is adorable!  Grooming and bathing is a good time for bonding.  Just be gentle, touch him all over to get use to it.  Nothing new to add....