Matted Doodle

[A Knox]

I have a sweet 11 month old Aussie Doodle... Over the summer my hubby took him to be groomed after he'd had a cast removed from a broken ankle.  As you can imagine he was terribly matted around the injury site, so I figured he'd be shaved in that area.   I was totally SHOCKED when we picked Mo up and he'd been shaved completely bare... He looked like a greyhound!  The groomer stated it was for the best, and that we needed to do a better job grooming him at home.  Since then I have been completely terrified to take him back to be groomed.  We had been managing him pretty well until his most recent bath.  All of the sudden the tangles have become nearly impossible to get out.   Is there any way to save his coat without having to shave him bare again?

I know!  I am a bad momma... but please any advice on helping us start over would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

We all learn from our experiences so don't beat yourself up. Invest in a Les Poochs brush and get a steel comb and a pair of grooming scissors. Get some spray leave in conditioner.  I use Best Shot or Stazco. You can work the spray thru the matts and then brush and comb. Coat care needs to start from the skin out. Not from the top of the coat down. Part the coat in one place and use that as a starting spot. Work up the coat in small layers.

Your best thing might be to get the 2nd shave and work from a fresh start with the right tools.

[A Knox]

Thanks... very helpful

[Anthony Leong]

You just need to groom your dog at least every other day.  It's not very hard. =)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

If you search on you tube for "line brushing a doodle" you will fine some good videos that explains what Barb is talking about.  I agree with the Les Poochs purchase.  Also, did you brush him out "before" you shampooed him.  That is a huge plus.  The water will set the mats and then you have problems.

[Dianna Ruiz]

I also love the safari comb for getting out matts. When my Aussie doodle had matts I asked the groomer not to shave him & said that I was fine if he was uneven but did not want him shaved.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Not as bad momma at all!! These doodle coats can be challenging! I'll admit I was reduced to tears a time or two over Tara's when she was a puppy. Her puppy coat was horrible!  Having the right tools as Barb suggested can make a world of difference. In no time at all you'll have a system down and that will make it so much easier.  Here is a video showing how to brush including line brushing which Sherri mentioned. Good luck!!!

[Anthony Leong]

I read using a Les Poochs brush will make things easier. Expensive but worth it, I'm planning on buying one for my ALD.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, and there are many to choose from. If you contact Kemp Rader at the Doodle Country Store he can help you evaluate your doodle's coat type and determine which brush is most appropriate.

[Ginny Nightingale]

One more thing to add to this excellent advice--doodles go thru a coat change between the ages of 10 months and 14 months and mat much more than they will in the future as the puppy coat comes out and mats into the adult coat. This could be the worst of it for you--so the idea of shaving again and starting over is not a bad one--you can stay ahead of it that way. 

[A Knox]

Thank you all very much!  So much GREAT info... I think we are going to invest in more sophisticated grooming tools for here at home.  And (unfortunately) seriously consider a second shave. I just really hate it because weather is really starting to get cold. Not to mention... and yes I know this is petty... but we are about to take family Christmas pictures and I hate that he will be naked for them.  I may see if she can take him down very short all over and leave his fluffy face at least until we get our pics!  So thankful that his fur will grow back!  I definitely notice a new texture to his coat, so I am guessing this puppy-to adult coat change is what's causing all of the problems.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You also mentioned something about a bath.  Not brushing first, not triple rinsing, not using a moisturizing shampoo of some sort, also contribute to matting.  We try NEVER to wash Ned ourselves because he mats badly when WE wash him at home.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I agree, Nancy, you must brush first. I use a mild dog shampoo and always (even forgot once and took him straight back into the tub) use a dog conditioner. It requires extra rinsing but it's so so so worth it!