the stuff--any good?

[Ginny Nightingale]

My new pup--10 months old--is an Australian labradodle and has a thick coat of very soft fur. My other doodle has wiry hair and is easy to groom, but the new one, Lyric, is going to be a full time job. I took her to the groomer'last week thinking that she was all dematted and would get about an inch off the coat and she ended up with a 3/4 inch coat--they took off about 3 inches! They said that there were mats deep down and maybe her puppy coat coming out had caused it to be so bad.
I bought at slicker brush (LesPooches style, but cheaper) and something the groomer sold me called "T*H*E Stuff" Its a silicone spray that you put on mats to help them slide apart and come out with combing. Anyone out there use it? I haven't tried it yet since my doodle is practically bald! But boy is she happy to be free of all that hair! I hope i can keep her longer in the future, but i will have to learn about this coat. This advice from this group is very helpful.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Your pup is probably going thru the coat change. A shorter coat is easier on everyone at this time. When this stage is over, you can keep the coat longer. I use a conditioner after shampooing that you leave on for 5 minutes, followed by a spray leave in coat enhancer. This really helps keep the mattes at bay. Make sure you comb your doodle with a steel comb as part of your brushing routine.

[Patti and Pippi]

Debi, Did you end up trying out the Chris Christensen "Ice on Ice".? The marketers make it sound really good. I am wanting something that will condition, add shine, and prevent matting. My aussiedoodle is only 20 weeks, so I don't know what her adult coat will be. Any suggestions for a good whitening, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner?

[Ginny Nightingale]

Uh-oh--I think it is pet edge! So far it has not broken but I didn't know about the rounded pins! I will check that out!! I use several different steel combs with fine or very fine teeth--I try to work down to the very fine teeth after a combing with the bigger teeth.I will keep in touch as Lyric's hair grows back in--I sure hope she is easier to groom now that the puppy coat is going.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I will probably get the les pooch brush from doodle country--any advice about size,etc? My doodle is 18 " tall at the shoulders but only 40 pounds. I will check out their conditioners etc while I am at it.