Doodle Mainenance Tips

[Connie]

Does anyone have a list of regular grooming practices that should be done on a regular basis. I want to make sure Reily is well cared for, but since I am a new Doodle owner I am not quite sure what type of a routine I should plan on.

I would like to learn to do some things myself and go to a professional groomer a few times a year.
At this point Reily does not have any mats, I have been brushing him, but have not used a comb. Since he is only 4 months old, can I expect that his coat texture will change as he gets older?
Some other questions I have thought of:
How often should nails be trimmed. Does ear hair need to be removed? Should I be brushing his teeth? How often should he be bathed, is it harmful to give him a bath too often?

I like the longer, shaggy look, I assume it would be better in the summer to have Reily trimmed a bit shorter.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Not sure what happened to my other reply. Check the front page of grooming to see the answer to your good question.

[Connie]

I discovered the premier issue of the Australian Labradoodle Journal has a excellent article on grooming, with great pictures. I think I will print that out for future reference. Here is the web url to get the back issues http://www.alpsdoodles.org/

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Searched, but could not find the info. Could you be more specific? It would be good to share that info.

[Connie]

The link to the back issues of the Australian Labradoodle Journal is
http://www.alpsdoodles.org/pages/Journalarchive.htm
I found the grooming information in the first issue (Premiere Issue)

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Got it! thanks, I added the link to the main page.

[Trowby]

Hi.
I would add that it is a very good idea to brush your dogs teeth. Teeth are the most important thing for a cat or dog to maintain their health. I don't brush Sage's teeth every day but at least once a week. I use a childs toothbrush and poultry flavored toothpaste that we get at the vet. She loves the taste ( as does our cat). It is very expensive and usually requires anesthesia to clean their teeth. Brushing their teeth regularly really makes a difference. Our 9 year old cat has never needed his teeth cleaned by the vet. Other than picking a good food, I don't think there is anything more important than maintaining their teeth.

Best

Trowby