The awful "matting" stage

[Terrie Kaleta]

Boze is 10 months of age. He had to be at a dog sitter over xmas holiday and came back horribly matted. I have been using slicker brushes, poodle combs, and then a dematter suggested and sold at a grooming shop. I also use leave-in conditioner and dematting spray. NOT working! I intend to get him cut down to about 2 inches next week, but want to avoid these matts in the future. Neither Boze or I are enjoying trying to get through the mats at this time. I have done lots of internet research and fear my techniques (tearing the hair) may be causing more harm than good.

I found one person, a professional groomer for 38 years, who recommended the following products:

1) Chris Christensen 16mm T-brush. It is a stiff pin brush that acts as both a comb and brush. The pins are polished for the least trauma to the hair cuticle.

2) wide-tooth Poodle comb.

3) If matting starts to appear, I like the Les Pooch purple brush, or their Mat Zapper

I will cheerfully spend the $150 to purchase these products if they work. Has anyone tried the T-brush of the Les Pooch purple mat brush?

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Hi Terrie
I see Kate wrote you a great book on grooming. I just want to say I use Les Poochs brushes almost exclusively. I can groom a wool or a fleece doodle with just the small green one and the matt zapper and of course, a steel comb. Make sure you wet your doodle after brushing.

[Terrie Kaleta]

Hi Barb,
thanks for the shout out about the Les Pooch brushes. Why would I need to wet Boze "after" brushing. I have actually seen some grooming advice (you know there is a ton of conflicting info out there) which says he should be finely misted with water "before" I brush him out. I am confused?

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Never heard of misting before brushing. As a matter of fact, you can use baby powder to 'dry' the coat before brushing. Any moisture enhances the tangles. Misting after brushing brings back the curls and curls prevent matting.

[Terrie Kaleta]

thanks for the response!

[Terrie Kaleta]

Kate, I never got a chance to thank you for the great grooming information. Hopefully you have this stored somewhere and cut and paste when the question is asked. My 27 mm CC brush came by UPS today and I am so pleased with it. Also got the steel poodle comb. The green Les Pooch brush is in the mail. Now, all I need to get is the Cowboy Magic stuff and we will both be happy campers. I will mist him with this after a thorough brushing/combing. Thanks for sharing your advice.