matting behind ears

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I brush Timbow almost every day to keep tangles out and those nasty matts away. However, I am noticing that he is matting right behind his ears. I don't know how I am missing this spot, I guess it's just in an awkward place. Do you guys spend extra time behind the ears or should I use a special brush or comb? Maybe once a week check and make sure no matts are forming? Any advice?

[Deanna Marsh]

Honestly I think I help with the matting behind the ears on Mango. When I pet her, I tend to scrunch behind her ears, so the matts form quicker. I use the Les Poochs brush and they come right out (Doodle Country Store). I make sure to brush these out at least once a week so they don't get too solid.

Merry Christmas

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's a place where Guinness also tends to matt....there and also his stomach. The last time he was groomed there were a couple of matts there that had to be cut out. I'm trying to pay special attention to this area because I know that's where they are most likely to form.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I just cut the hair behind Spud's ears this week. Actually, I cut the hair behind his ears last month and the month before that. He has so much hair you can't tell I ever cut there.

I can tell when it is time because he holds his ears lopsided. It has to be uncomfortable.

I do use the Les Pooche brush behind the ears but it seems to make no difference and the mats are back the next day.

[Marianne K]

Our groomer advised us to use a wide comb to brush out the area instead of a brush. Our doodle is a straight hair , but still needs combed at least twice a day, every day. Didnt know if you were using a brush or comb. Hope this helps

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I almost always shave right behind the ears. This hair is usually of a finer and not as good quality as the rest of the coat. If you have a regular groomer, ask how they would like you to handle it between groomings. If you are doing your own grooming, you can just remove the mattes. It is easy to cut the dog's skin when cutting out mattes. Place your comb under the matte and cut above the comb. This method avoids accidents. It works well for the armpits and bellies too.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Your Doodle's collar will cause mats, especially if you use the web type. The best collar is the rolled leather but I have a flat leather and Gracie is fine with that. When I put her web collar on she mats up!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

This discussion has appeared before sometime in the last year. I think it is further back in the archives of Grooming and also in the Ring Around the Collar group!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We both brush and comb Ned - first brush an area then comb it. Ned's first mats were on and behind the ears when he was 6 months old. His worst mats move section by section around his body as his coat matures. Right now I find the worst mats on his feet, and where his front legs bend at the shoulder. He does mat around the collar area but it does brush out. A rolled leather collar is the least mat producing.

[Staci & Simon]

We recently bit the bullet & purchased 2 Les Poochs brushes from Kemp on doodlecountry.com. The wide green one & the regular sized red matt zapper. They both are life-savers! I use the green one daily & it honestly has worked miracles! No more matts...not even behind the ears! And if a matt does pop up ...never fear! The matt zapper will take care of it with just a few strokes! Seriously.

[Laura & Chewie]

I have been wanting to purchase some quality brushes (Les Pooch seems to be the popular choice) for Chewie, but had no idea which ones. Your post will hopefully guide me in the right direction, and I'm sure Kemp could advise also. Chewie is 7-1/2 months, doesn't shed at all. He has not started matting YET, but I'm sure, based on everything I read, it's coming eventually. I want to be prepared.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I know a lot of people on DK use Les Pooch and Chris Christianson brushes. I need to get a better quality brush too. I have started combing Timbow more than usual and that's helped a lot! :-)

[Donna, Tony, Oliver,Henry & Joey]

I love Doodlekisses!! No matter what issue we're having, I search and y'all have the answers! Oliver has started matting behind his ears... judging by the posts below, I think it's time to invest in some good brushes. So far, I've only had to use a wide tooth comb, fluffy puppy shampoo and a good spray conditioner to keep him tangle-free. But that seems to be changing. He's a year old now. Good luck with Timbow and thanks for the post and replies.