My puppy is having some matting...

[Karen]

I'm wondering if the over-the-counter 'detangled' type of conditioner would work on my Goldendoodle who is having some matting!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

No--but you can try Cowboy Magic--a spray that keeps the hairs from sticking together--the most effective way to prevent matting is to brush and comb the coat--you need a brush like the one Activet makes and a steel comb to get through to the skin--join the grooming group and read up on grooming your doodle! Also, there will be more matting at around the age of 10 months to 14 months as the coat transitions to an adult coat and it may improve after that.

[Karen]

Thank you. We brush him a lot with the brush and comb.  He is approaching 12 months old and we are just noticing some matting.  

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This would be a good time to have him groomed short. I wouldn't worry too much about the cold, you can always use a sweater for him when he goes outside, haha. Shorter helps with the "snowballs" they get on their legs too. Doodles that shed less have a tendency to matt more and it seems impossible to stay on top of the matts when they get a certain length. jmho.

[Karen]

Thank you, I was thinking his hair is getting long since his last groom.

[Karen]

I ordered Cowboy Magic today :)

[DonMarie and Picco]

After trying many, many different shampoos/conditiners, I've settled with Ikara Comfort shampoo and Nuture conditioner.  It's great for itchy/sensitive skin and seems to keep the coat from matting so much. It has a light pleasant scent that lasts.  I've had Picco covered in foxtales and other stickies and the condition had rinsed them right out!  Oh yeah, frequent brushing is a must!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Karen ~ it is possible your doodle is going through the coat change.  I remember when mine were in this stage, I had the groomer take their coat down to an inch and left the head and tail of course doodley.  I brush daily, but when the mature coat is coming in it is difficult to stay on top of matting.  Brushing is the only way to get the puppy coat and it takes several months whether or not you cut the coat shorter.  If you are grooming yourself, I believe it is highly recommended that you dilute both shampoo and condition with water.  If you do a search on this site about shampoos etc, you will find lots of conversations with recommendations.  Good luck.  Your doodle is a cutie.

[Karen]

Thank you!  I buy puppy shampoo. Should I dilute that?  I ordered that Cowboy Magic today which sounds like it will help.  

[Ginny Nightingale]

Yes...always dilute--3 water:1shampoo--rinses out better and less chance of drying out the skin.

[Stella]

Look up 'line brushing' and be sure to brush and comb in sections right down to the skin. join the Grooming Group here on Doodlekisses, you will find it invaluable.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I use Cowboy Magic and Horse Mane 'N Tail Detangler Spray.  My groomer also likes  Doggy Bed Head.