Help me groom my puppy!

[Mindy Hillegass]

I have a 14 week labradoodle that will soon need to be groomed She's a f1b with a standard labradoodle mom and mini poodle dad. She has been shedding since we picked her up. I have yet to find another labradoodle that looks like our Hadley. Her hair is very rough in places and she's covered with fuzz. I live in a rural area with few groomers and I am unsure what directions to give my groomer. Any suggestions on how to groom her would be very helpful!

[ginny]

I have a 9 week old ALD puppy with a loose, wavy, fleece coat and I'm trying to get her used to being groomed by gently brushing her daily for short periods of time.  I'm just not sure what I can expect of her yet as far as standing still, etc.  Also, there are so many different brushes I'm confused as to what I would get to begin with. I don't want to buy an expensive brush and then find out later it's the wrong kind.  I'd appreciate any info.  Thanks.

[Wanda Klomp]

Offcourse a course flat coat needs different treatment then plush fluffy coats. Not even brushing. But that's so obvious that it doesn't need mentioning. In my book I mention how to care for every different coat type. It is far too much info to go into here. The Activet brushes ARE the best for fluffy coats because the teeth are longer then those from any other brush. It is my mission to make owners self sufficient in Doodle care, because there is far too much wrong info out there and not all groomers know what to do. Don't purchase my book if you are not interested. But please DO read my free ebook full of good to know info for EVERY Doodle owner. Then try my suggestions out for yourself and see the difference. Plus check my FB page for eveyday evidence and inspiration. I get to help different Doodles with varying coat types every day. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, but I've lived with Poodles and Poodle mixes for more than 60 years and don't need advice on how to care for their coats. There are also better brushes for Poodle-like coats; Chris Christensen's coral slicker for one, which has the longest, densest pins of any other brush out there. Your opinion is your opinion, and it is not the only one, nor is it always the correct one. There are hundreds of groomers out there, all of whom have lots of experience with doodles and all of whom have different ideas about grooming them. Possibly you are not familiar with all of the products that are available to us here in North America. Many of us remember when you were removed from this site the first time you joined, for violating the rules with your posts advertising your book, as well as trying to get members here to sponsor your trip to America, and at that time you didn't even own a doodle. Do you own one now? 

[Wanda Klomp]

This post is not about me. You can read all about me on my websites for one. Do what you think is best for your Doodle. Try both brushes if you are not shure. I have given my advice which is all I wanted because knowledge gives the power to make good decisions and give your Doodle the best care. I don't spend my days on the internet so I am off living my life ;-) Mindy I wish you good luck. xxx

[DonMarie and Picco]

Is part of the problem with the shampoo/conditioner you use?  I can't really give you advise on which to choose, I'm just throwing it out that it might be something to look into to help with hair texture or make it easier to brush through.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil or evening primrose oil supplements might also help with texture. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

You can buy a giant bottle of EPO capsules or fish oil capsules at Costco if you are a member :)  I used to give the EPO ones to Luna.

[Mindy Hillegass]

I'm going to try the fish oil. Not sure if a 14 week puppy can have it, but I will check with my vet. We had a lot of luck with fish oil with our last dog. He was an eskipoo.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Fish oil is the best, but for many dogs it causes loose stools.  If that happens with your pup, try the EPO.  It doesn't seem to have the same effect on digestion.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ginny, you can use almost any brush when they are little - you are just getting them used to the brush.  You really can't expect any appropriate behavior at 9 weeks.  If she likes the brushing, she might hold still for a bit. You are very correct to begin brushing and getting her used to grooming. A future brush would depend totally upon her coat. If we have a photo, we might be able to make a suggestion.  If she has a flatter coat and sheds, the brush/comb you might use is different from what might be needed for a curlier coat.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ginny, you can use almost any brush when they are little - you are just getting them used to the brush.  You really can't expect any appropriate behavior at 9 weeks.  If she likes the brushing, she might hold still for a bit. You are very correct to begin brushing and getting her used to grooming. A future brush would depend totally upon her coat. If we have a photo, we might be able to make a suggestion.  If she has a flatter coat and sheds, the brush/comb you might use is different from what might be needed for a curlier coat.