Mat Zapper, Puppy/Adult Coat and what to do?

[Km]

I try to read most of the posts about grooming but still remain a bit confused!  There was a thread that went around about posting pics of their groomed doodle to give people more ideas.  That would be fantastic.  

However, my questions at this point are about my 10month old dood, Ridley.  We have definitely been through the coat change for awhile now.  How long does this last?  When do I consider the coat change "done?"  I have no idea what type of coat he is.. and it's not because I haven't read up!  I will post pictures later this weekend to get opinions... or is it still too soon to tell?  His coat has definitely changed quite a bit since puppyhood.  Right now we are mat-ville.  I've cut a few out, I brush frequently which worked as a puppy, as we never had any mats.  It doesn't seem to be enough as he's gotten older now.  We bath him frequently because he's dirty/smelly all the time from his outdoor festivities with the kids.  I have had some success with shampooing then leaving conditioner in for 20 minutes while I work through the mats before rinsing.  He's a super good sport with this.  Leaving the conditioner in that long, I have also seen a big diff in less tangling in general of the next 2 weeks. HOwever, we are still getting crazy mats mainly on legs (right up to skin) and in armpit areas.  I was going to purchase the mat zapper to help me with these mats b/c otherwise he's gonna look like has mange if I have to keep cutting the bad ones out.  

Second question, I have learned on this forum that you can't really tell what type of coat the dog has until after a year.  I want to also purchase the proper Les Pooch brush but know that I have to first know what type of coat Ridley has, right?  So, during this time of coat change or matting, I could surely use a LP brush!  But, when can I safely purchase one that is appropriate for his coat.  He is kept very long at this point.  We'd like to keep it that way but are willing to do what we need to do,as we are still learning about him.  I'd really like to post pictures of diff parts of his body just so you all can point out to me "fleecy" vs "wool" etc.  I think he has combo coat.  Front end is nice and soft, back end is less  "silkyish".  

So, in a nutshell, can I purchase a LP brush at 10months?  Would I know enough about his coat by now?  

[Ginny Nightingale]

He looks cute either way! Love the big white spot on his chest.

[Km]

Chelsie,

Is the "before" pic where you said he had mats?  Or is the pic with the longer hair what he has grown out to be after you cut him short? He is super cute!  We are really thinking of just getting him cut short, after reading everything on here.  I do eventually want him longer.... but questioning my ability to realistically keep up with legs, armpits and at least one on his chest!  Don't like hurting him either.  I have ordered the Cowboy Magic and have emailed Kemp.  But, I am still thinking maybe super short cut and start over.  

[Chelsie]

The before picture is him before his cut and with mats. I have had him groomed before this and always kept him shaggy, but just couldn't keep up with his matting. He is sporting his short cut now!

[Janet Byers]

I have the same red couch with the same tooth marks thanks to my doodle. 

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Chelsie, Sam is adorable!

Everyone has their own preferences for their doodles hair style.  IMO it comes down to the doodles hair type and what we can maintain for the health of our doodles. 

I keep my boys on the short side (about and inch - to inch 1/2) year round getting full body cuts about every 8-10 weeks.  In between I trim eyes, ears, toes, and beard.  I have the groomer shave, almost completely, the arm pits and around the boy's privates because those are such sensitive areas to get matts and try to detangle.  Keeping them shorter has kept down the amount of "nature" they bring into the house and makes it easier to keep them tidy to take places.  It is also easier for me to bathe and brush out the shorter hair when they decide to take a dip in something disgusting.   

I like a product called OMG by Plush Puppy for detangling and for helping to keep small bits of "nature" from sticking so badly to their hair. 

[Km]

Okay..... well we are doing it!  Ridley has an appt with the groomer.  Bye bye hair (and pesky mats).  Guess we will just "start over."  He will be so much happier without the hair for the summer (I think).  Thanks for all the feedback!