Help for Matting under Arms

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I searched around for this specific question, but was unable to find.
Does anyone have tips for successful brushing/combing of the arm area (especially UNDER the arms)? Peri is over 9 months and is starting that matting stage. I brush her DAILY, but noticed yesterday some pretty fierce matts under the arms. They are so incredibly hard to get out and Peri whimpers when I gently brush them....even with DH holding her. All-in-all, she doesn't mind grooming - I think she thinks it's a game and she gets treats.
But how do I tackle the arms? She does NOT like it one bit and this is the main place she matts right now. I use a Les Poochs brush that works quite well all around.
Help! I am trying to be diligent with brushing every day so as to avoid shaving.....

[Tammy & Gracie]

If I were a groomer, this would probably be a no-no. I trim the hair with scissors almost at the skin right under Gracie's arms if any matting occurs. I've never been able to see it (unless she is on her back for belly rubs). That skin seems really sensitive and I just trim quickly instead of try to pull it out..I do use a Les Pooches product, Detangling spray, on other parts that need to be untangled.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I was thinking about doing that. I have some really good grooming scissors that I use on the eye/face area and could just cut the bad ones out around the arms.

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

I keep the hair under Abby's arms (armpits) really short, too. Seems to be the easiest. I don't want Abby to run when I pull out the combs and brushes...

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Do you comb Peri after you brush her? We were having a hard time with Timbow getting matts behind his ears. I started combing back there after brushing and we haven't had one since. (knock on wood..)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

No maybe I should go ahead and comb also. I will try to keep the hair by the arms shorter though. Hadn't thought of that. Some of the matts are showing up in the front though -where you can see if I can the hair too short. We will figure it out! This matting thing is coming on fast....so strange. I am just glad I have the correct tools and knew it was coming. Thank goodness for Doodle Kisses!!!

Thx to all....

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I too keep the hair in the armpit areas cut shorter for this very reason. I also use the Les poochs brush, but on their tummies and armpits I will bring out a softer brush. If I've got matts I'll try and hit it with the Les Poochs, but if they object I then show them I'm switching to the other brush and use it and sort of switch back and forth. I also do the armpit and belly area with
them on their back (legs up in air) on the sofa. I find it too hard to get underneath if I have them standing on the table. Sometimes if DH is home he will help hold and rub the tummy and treat while I brush that area and sort of distract them.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

It is common to keep the areas of
armpits,
behind the ears,
belly,
under the ear flaps
under the chin where the jaw meets the neck
SHAVED.
This not specific to doodles, but common a procedure for all breed grooming. The hair in these areas is usually of a finer and poorer quality and matts to the skin easily because these areas rub while the dog is moving.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We are just cutting the hair shorter under the armpits and so far, you cannot tell a difference. I am doing the best I possibly can with grooming her, but I feel like I need a professional job soon!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I do also, particularly in areas like under the "arms", where it gets matted easily and doesn't show.

[Ivy Bates]

It's a very sensitive area. I usually just shave the under arm. You can't see it at all

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

My Gracie Doodle got mats in the same place. That area is very tender and you will get lots of whimpers if you try to pull. I try to hold the hair in my fingers tight and then brush the hair. That way you are somewhat preventing any pulling. Pretty much, you end up just having to use the scissors and cut them out being very careful to not cut Peri. That area doesn't show much so you can get away with cutting. That's about all you can do!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

That's my decision then....I will just cut them out! It's not like she is a show dog anyway :)

Thanks y'all!