Best Tools for Dematting and Clippers

[Laura and Angus]

Hi everyone! 

I am inching toward doing full grooming for my pup. However, We brush him almost every day or every other day, but he still matts like crazy! What do you all use to get matts out? We have a comb and slicker brush, but I have seen a "dematting" tool that looks kind of like a brush. Does anyone use this? Perhaps we need to get a detangler conditioner/spray...any suggestions?

Thanks!

Laura

[Laura and Angus]

Thank you all for your replies! Any thoughts on clippers? Do you have a brand you love? 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I use the Wahl Arco SE trimmer, and absolutely love it. It is lightweight, cordless, powerful, doesn't get hot, and comes with comb attachments. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C46R50?keywords=wahl%20arco%20...

I use the trimmer for her body, and then hand scissor her face, legs and feet. The scissor set that I bought is made by Kenchii- it's a set of straight, curved and blending shears. Kind of spendy, but well worth it when you consider the cost of taking your pup to the groomers. http://kenchiigrooming.com/categories/grooming-sets/level-1-sets-us...

[Laura and Angus]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing these. I already use a trimmer for his face (and small areas) - I bought a scissor with the curved end to get to the face and around the eyes - do you find that you're using both the straight and blending shears all the time? We don't tend to have our doodle grow out his hair very long...

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Yes, I use both the straight and blending shears a lot. If I've let her hair get a little too long on her face and ears, I'll use the straight shears first and then the blending shears to soften the look. And, on her legs I almost always just use the the straight shears. I can achieve a nice soft layered look on the legs by combing the hair up (so that it's sticking straight out from her body) and scissoring with the straight shears pointing down. If I used only the blending shears to do that, I would take about twice the amount of time because you have to use more strokes with the blenders. The curved scissor in that I set I got is really nice for shaping her feet and topknot.

I should also add... this last time that I groomed Winnie, I did her legs with the trimmer and a 1 inch comb attachment. Instead of laying the comb attachment right up next to her legs, I "skimmed" them so that they were a bit longer. That was quicker than scissoring them and looked just as nice! It's so much fun- I LOVE grooming her! It took some practice, but now that I've learned some good techniques it goes a lot quicker. And, Winnie has gotten so used to it that she just stands there!

[Laura and Angus]

This is such helpful information! That is actually how I trimmed him up last time, but I will definitely be needing additional shears to make it easier - I like the idea of the blending shears for the head. Thanks for explaining your process. I've been watching some videos, but I do get nervous about getting my desired look - it's not an easy process! 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I watched a lot of videos, too!

If you haven't already watched them, you might enjoy these: On youtube, I liked the Oster Pro Animal Goldendoodle videos- there are about 8 short videos that cover different parts of the body. And, I also liked a video made by thedogworldtv called Grooming Guide-Labradoodle-Pro Groomer.

[Laura and Angus]

When I have some time this weekend, I'm definitely going to spend some time watching these videos. I'm totally a visual person, so it helps me to see these things :) 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I use the Andis AGC Super 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper. It has a super long cord. It does a great job. I also have a set of combs: Andis High Quality Plastic Universal Snap-On Pet Clipper Comb Set. Then I also have a ceramic edge 30 blade to use with them. All came from Amazon.
Main thing I can tell you is that their hair is very forgiving and it grows out fast. Just give it a try and your confidence will grow. I started out with the 1" comb, then this last time I used the 5/8". They both looked good. Just clip the body, then blend their neck and legs into the body. I've used the both the clippers and scissors to do this. Here again, just give it a whirl.
When you are starting out on your own, you might just have a little pile of treats nearby to reward your doodle with as you go. This will make it a more pleasant experience. Good luck!

[Laura and Angus]

I'm definitely goin to try it out. Thank you! Do you feel like the Andis gets very hot? A friend of mine just mentioned she has that one, but that it does get hot, so they have to take breaks...

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I would say it can get warm, but not so hot that I would need to stop

[Laura and Angus]

Okay good :) 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Loki has a very thick coat and I have the red and purple duo active brush and I find that this brush is really helpful, I also have an undercoat rake that I really like. I do have a de matting brush that cuts, it looks like four small blades. If you get one be careful! They are pretty sharp, I only have one because when I'm out of town and the boys stay with my family, they clearly are not getting brushed as they should. I would either have to shave them or use this to help get huge mats out. Like Lori said it does make the coat more prone to matting so I really use it in a last case situation. I'm new-ish to grooming my boys and haven't had to use that de matter in a long time so maybe I'm learning and getting better- either that or just getting lucky!