Coat Change & Line Brushing- UPDATED

[Star and Goldie]

First, let me say I'd be lost without DK! There is no way I could take care of my doodle without this site.

I'm pretty well armored for the Mat Battle 2013.  I've got the Safari Dematter Comb, The Les Pooch brush, Andis Steel Comb and Cowboy Magic Detangler.  Even with the help of all of these awesome tools (that I probably wouldn't have even known about without DK), I'd give myself a C- at best on keeping up with the mats during this COAT CHANGE-A-PALOOZA! I keep finding mats left and right. The Cowboy Magic is definitely helping along with the Dematter comb and brushes but I just can't seem to get her mat free and keep finding some pretty radical ones that are too tough to get out in one sitting.

Another thing I've started to study up on is line brushing. I've been trying it but so far I haven't quite gotten it down.

Does anyone have a good line brushing video that features a doodle with longer hair and the proper technique to use? I can't figure out if I should be starting at the back and work my way down to the belly or start at the belly and work my way up.  Which way pulls less?

Also, I can't seem to find anywhere how long the coat change lasts. I'm really struggling and am about to throw in the towel and go for a dreaded shave down:( Someone please tell me it doesn't last forever that I'm not doing as bad as I think I am... is it really this bad for everyone during this time??

I really wanted to let Goldie use this kiddie pool all summer to stay cool.  She had an absolute blast but it seemed like the mats really took over after that so it looks like we will be putting the pool away for good and keep her dry this year!

How do you let your doods get wet without a mat invasion following? I brushed her out before she got in the pool and I used Cowboy Magic and a ShamWow when she got out. They seemed to help but not enough!

7/25 UPDATE:

Including an update since the update itself has turned into a little discussion.

Goldie got shaved down today. She took her down to 1 inch. I provided a picture of what I wanted and the face was not even close to what was pictured. Goldie's body, tail and legs look beautiful but the face cut is not what I asked for. The Groomer left her ears long and a poof on top of her head. I do believe this short coat will be easier to manage and get me through the coat change and I LOVE LOVE her velvety teddy bear body but I am pretty bummed with the end result of the face- really just the ears... they're really bothering me for some reason! Maybe it's just because it's so clearly NOT what I asked for. I even left the picture with her.... did she even look at it?

HERE IS WHAT I ASKED FOR:

HERE IS WHAT I GOT:

The ears are killing me. If the wind picks up, she may just fly away ;)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I lost the mat battle with Quincy the end of May.  He had major mats and I just could not keep up as they seemed to grow overnight if not before my eyes.  I resisted "the shave", but when it finally happened, it was fine!  The groomer left his tail long, and his face and ears full.  He looked long and lean!  It took a bit, but it is really fine, just a different look.  He has grown out to over an inch already and his face needs a trim!  

He also hated the de-matting sessions-so shaving worked for us.  He is much easier to brush now but  his tail and long beard and ears still mat.  

Goldie looks like she enjoys her pool, so it may be worth the cut!  

[Tammie Ciesielka]

I had to bite the bullet and have Roxy shaved for the summer.  She HATES to be brushed.  Bites me the entire time.  I kept waiting till she was half asleep but the mats got out of hand once she started swimming in the pool.  She loves the pool so much I couldn't take that away from her, so off the hair went.  We'll be growing it back once swimming season is over.  I'd like to know how long the losing of the puppy coat takes too.  We're in the middle of it also.  Good luck.  Goldie does look like she loves her pool! :)

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Haley has NEVER been shaved. When he was going through the coat change I COMBED him EVERY DAY. I started out with a wide tooth comb and then followed with a fine tooth comb using a semi line technique, combing down to the skin, and spritzing with THE STUFF. Even then he would get a mat once in awhile and sometimes I would have to cut it but usually would be able to work it out. He didn't like the kiddie pool so there was no problem about his coat getting wet and matting more. Good luck.

[DJ & Chance]

Chance has been going through his coat change, and I've found that keeping it trimmed short really helps to prevent matting.  Here is an after haircut pic, and I think he looks just fine.  Still soft and fluffy!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sure enough!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

And cute!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Cutie pie for sure.

[Star and Goldie]

Well... the verdict is in... the long beautiful fluff is going! I'm calling the groomer tomorrow and making the appointment.

I've been searching online like crazy trying to find the right short doodle cut for us. I'm thinking I must be pretty picky or differ from the majority of what people like for the short doodle doos.

I did find a winner though and I'm printing it and taking it with me. I'll be thrilled if she looks anything like the picture I found :)

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I hope you will share pictured when Goldie is done! Good luck €:*))

[Camilla and Darwin]

Share a photo with us!

[Star and Goldie]

I sure will! Funny enough, I'm taking a picture of Darwin in with me. Haha. I have 2 pics. One of him and another random doodle. I'm hoping for a cut a little longer than Darwin's short cut. His picture came up in a google image search. When I clicked on it it took me to a DK discussion from 2009 about summer cuts. Haha. What are the odds? :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

And Darwin is one of the cutest doodles ever.  You can't go wrong copying him.