Grooming Tools and Products

[Erin & Stella]

I would like to hear from the members about their favorite grooming tools and products. Please be specific as to brand names, etc. If possible where you purchased them too. I want to purchase the best products I can get to keep Stella's coat in top shape. 

[Carolyn Shusterman]

 I found the greatest comb ever for getting the matts out that aren't matted right next to the skin (those have to be cut out).  It's the Safari dematting comb for less then $9 at the following company.  http://gobstock.com/3242.html   This comb will cut your grooming time in half.  Another that is favored is the 'Les Poochs slicker brush'. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Erin, the Les Pooche seems to be the most popular here, but do a search within the grooming group for "tools" and you will see almost 200 discussions on grooming tools.  If you can't find the search function let me know and I can help you. 

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I tried a couple of different shampoos and conditioners.  My favorite is Tropiclean Shampoo and Conditioner.  Both have oatmeal, are naturally green products and have a blend of organic ingredients.   I purchase them at:

https://abcdogtrainingstore.biz/index.php?page=shop.product_details...

But their web site is: www.tropiclean.net

[Stephanie]

I agree with the Les Poochs brushes..i'm a dog groomer and would be lost without mine.  I also love the Mars Coat King, it helps for getting out tough mats and then for general combing I just use a poodle comb from petsmart.

http://groomersmall.com/coat_kings.htm - coat king

http://www.lespoochs.com/brushes.asp 

[Eric & Rufus]

As far as brushing and combing, I can't say how much of a difference it was after I took the advice in this article: http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/grooming-goldendoodle.html

Some swear by the slicker brush, but when I stopped using it altogether (i.e., I threw it away!) and started using the CC 16mm pin brush and the wooden handled poodle comb, Rufus actually started enjoying his brushing sessions and I started having less mats to deal with. The CC brush is pretty stiff and acts a lot like a comb, I line brush with that first and then use the poodle comb. I couldn't find the PSI Poodle Comb recommended on that site (at least not in stock anywhere), so I ended up ordering this one by Master Grooming Tools: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F247IO/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Before switching to these products I had to chase Rufus around and it was clear he was not enjoying the process. I was using a slicker, one of those pin brushes with the pins tipped in a little ball, and a narrower spaced comb. He didn't like any of them! Now he will actually lie there and go to sleep while I'm brushing and combing him.

I rarely have to deal with mats now, and if I do, this is the tool I've settled on: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NTGW3O/  It use to go by the name "Mat Buster" or "Mat Breaker". It's identical to what my groomer was using, except handle color. FWIW, she stated she thought it was only available to groomers and was discontinued.

I think the Master Grooming Tools line is one of the best values (cost vs. quality). If you are going to continue using a slicker, I've seen a lot of good reviews on their line. Les Pooches might be incrementally better but are waaaay more than incrementally more expensive. Disclaimer: That is just my opinion based on research and using other Master Grooming Tools products, I've never forked out the money for Les Pooches. Someone who has actually used both would be better qualified to speak on it.

[Amy M. and Molly]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this information!  Molly also hated brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb, so I went on Amazon and ordered the CC 16 mm pin brush and the wooden handle poodle comb, and they are GREAT!  What a difference it makes in the brushing sessions!

[Eric & Rufus]

Happy I could pass along good advice I got from someone else!

[Susan & Randy's Kate]

I am looking for a product the redoodles the fur after brushing.  I did buy a waterless deOdorizing spray from FURminator for between baths.  The odor is very strong.  What I need is the canine equivalent to CURLZ.  My granddaughter has long red curly hair.  They recommend washing the hair and putting CURLZ on it then at night putting it in a messy bun on top of her head.  I need something to put the wave back after brushing her hair.  Plain water may work....

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

You're right Susan, plain water should do the trick.