Problem solving approaches to matts -when to give up?

[Leslie C.]

So, I guess I have a few questions:

~How do you know which matts you can get out as (a beginner - with a variety of basic tools)?

~What is really considered a dense matt?  

LiliBear's coat is now about 2+ inches long - I love the look, but she has played with several dogs lately and I have been recovering from surgery - the front of her I am finding to be a matted mess.  One of her playmates really likes chomping down on her coat around her neck, chest and shoulders and I think I am finally realizing this has been one of the factors contributing to her matts.  

I guess I'm trying to figure out if I have lost this battle of the matts and she needs to go to the professional for a shave (which I dislike doing) ?

I believe that I have read that some people use Show Sheen as a detangler on dogs - correct?  I think it also works to prevent tangles -correct?  I have some Show Sheen - what is the best way to use it on doodles?

Are there any cute shaved looks?

~Leslie and LiliBear

[Helen]

I am new to long haired doodles, but know you can buy a matt splitter which may help. Also I have learnt that puppies when they lose their puppy coats, will matt really quickly. I have found a wonderful groomer, who is walking me through this process, she seems to think things will settle down and we can avoid any matts forming.

I did however witness the before and after of a labradoodle that had to be shaved, as his coat although looking lovely was so badly matted underneath, the groomer had to take the clippers to him. She kept the ear matt to show the owners, it looked like a perfect copy of the dog's ear. She said that she felt like she was shaving a sheep, the dog looked so proud of his new do later that afternoon, but I for sure did not recognise him.

At least the hair grows back...

[Leslie C.]

Thanks for reminding me that it does grow back . . . It looks as if she has a few matts that need to be shaved. ~Leslie & LiliBear

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

TIPS AND HINTS
Matts that look like felt fabric need to be cut out
Matts where you can still see the individual hairs can be combed and brushed out IF you and your dog are patient
Matts that are right next to the skin need to be shaved to avoid hurting the dog
Matts that are a bit away from the skin and do not look like felt can be dealt with.

Matt splitters will ruin the coat by cutting it to pieces. Use a steel comb, slicker brush, Les Poochs brush, scissors and dematting spray

To get out tough matts, cut matte in half in the direction of coat growth..comb and brush with dematting spray like The Stuff.

See the discussion entitled "How to Save a Wool coat"

Tougher matt....cut matt in half across the grain of the coat and comb and brush with dematting spray.
Never pull too hard. Your dog will learn to hate grooming. It is not "get the matt out at any cost". My dogs sleep during dematting because I will not go beyond a certain amount of pull so they can relax. Different dogs have different tolerances and also different areas of the dog are more sensitive. Feet, face, belly, underarms, butt to name a few.

[Leslie C.]

Thank you Barb for the Tips and Hints. As I feel her matts, I believe that I am understanding what is meant by felt fabric feel. The guidelines are also very clear. I will also look at your other recommended discussion.

Thanks again! ~Leslie & LiliBear

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Barb, I have a question. When I recently ordered some grooming supplies I was talking to the salesperson who
suggested wetting the brush before using it to eliminate "static". I remembered reading about dampening the
coat but did not understand that was the reason to do it. Could static shock, even minor static, be the reason
my dog hates being brushed. Since I have been wetting the brush, she seems to relax more when being brushed.
I have always tried to be very gentle and usually stop when she shows signs of having had "enough".

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I will occasionally use an anti static conditioning spray if there is too much static. I'm sure it must be uncomfortable for the dog. Most dogs object to grooming because of discomfort.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Thank you, I had never considered the "static" situation. Also have not heard of anti-static
conditioning spray, any brand name you could mention? Have not seen conditioning spray with
anti-static on it.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Great hints...thanks so much!

[Leslie C.]

Thanks again . . . it seems as if I lost this battle and she will need to be shaved down. I feel badly but hope I can do a better job next time.
It's almost as if there is a magic length where her coat can help getting tangled up.

~Leslie

[Jill Mooney]

Great Matting tips! I'm a new doodle owner and just noticed matts behind the ears. Abbey is 5 1/2 mos old and already getting a few matts. I guess I didn't think this would happen till she's older. She does play w/cousins very hard, tho and I'm sure that's where it starts! Thanks!