What three grooming tools (and brands) should I buy?

I am a doodle owner to be, (puppies were born 6/29 & coming home 9/4). I would like everyones' advice on what are the three tools I should have on hand. After browsing this group I'm a little nervous I won't be able to maintain the coat... (Puppy parents have wavy to fleece coats)

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Permalink Reply by Nancie & Gracie Doodle on July 15, 2009 at 1:33pm

Oh how exciting...and your puppy is going to be born on my birthday!!! I have an F! Golden Doodle with wavy hair. She doesn't have the thick dense fur that you seem to find more on the Australian Labradoodles. She is curly under the ears and neck/chest area. The first couple of inches of her tail where it is attached is the Doodle hair and then the rest of her tail is Golden Retriever fur and sheds! Gracie's hair is gorgeous and is soft and silky feeling after a bath. Once you know your dog and the type of hair/fur they have it won't be that bad. Gracie is really very easy to take care of. She does require combing or brushing but when her hair is short I don't have to do it every day nor worry about mats. Anything under 2" in length is manageable for me. I have been using Pantene 2in1 (with conditioner) human shampoo on Gracie. I use the old bottles and make up a solution so it is diluted. If you were to pour straight shampoo (any kind) on the dog you would never get it dispersed through the rest of the body. Much easier if you have a huge bottle diluted and just squirt it on. I also have used the Tail 'n Mane Shampoo and then the conditioner. Again I dilute each one. I towel dry her and let the rest of her air dry. While she is laying down I start to comb through the damp hair which makes it dry faster. At this time if there are any mats or tangles I remove them. If I really am having trouble I use the Tail 'n Mane spray detangler. Basically I use my comb the most. It is just a regular comb, no handle and half of it is small toothed and the other half large toothed. BUT...it has the rotating teeth which are great. I think I got it at PetSmart and it is made by Bamboo. I also have the Les Poches Magenta colored brush. This is great for the tangles but I find myself poking my fingers and drawing blood quite often with it. I wonder what it must feel like on the dog's skin. Gracie's hair is not thick and her skin is easy to get to so I brush very carefully and don't bare down. I also don't go near her tender areas with it such as her tummy. I also have a dematting tool that every now and then I will use to break up and get the mat out without having to cut it out.

All in all, I probably comb/brush Gracie every three days or so and as long as I keep her under 2 inches she isn't that matted or tangled. You won't have a problem maintaining the coat once you know what kind you have. You will learn to deal with what it's needs are. Just be sure to touch your puppy all the time all over. Spread the toes and go up inside the webs, Play with its ears and get it used to your cleaning it gently with a Q-Tip. Put your fingers in its mouth and open and close it. You want the puppy to have as much hands on as possible so it will go easier for the Vet and yourself when the puppy gets older. You should be able to do anything to the dog without it reacting or biting.

1. Shampoo/Conditioner
2. Brush
3. Comb with rotating teeth
4. Dematting tool

http://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Rotating-Medium-Course-Colors/dp/B000H...

http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-fl...

Good Luck with the new puppy and don't worry about maintenance. You will wonder how you ever got through life without a Doodle and everything about it will be totally worth it. They just "complete" your life!!

Nancie and Gracie Doodle

Permalink Reply by Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles on July 15, 2009 at 8:50pm

The most important tool you can own is a steel comb. One that has both wide and narrow teeth.
The second thing I would want is a Les Poochs brush. Probably the green one.
The third thing is hard because a good pair of scissors is invaluable, but I would want a high powered blower too. I use it before brushing and it cuts the brushing time in half. I also use it after bathing to blow the water out of the coat and spin the coat into dreadlocks. The I let it dry naturally.
Dog shampoos are specifically designed for the ph requirements of dogs. They are the best thing for their coats rather than dish soap or human shampoo. I use both a conditioner and a finishing spray with uv protector.

Permalink Reply by Nancy Sunderland on July 29, 2009 at 6:48pm

I wanted to thank everyone again for their advice! I have taken it to heart and since have purchased a Les Poochs Brush, CC Metal Comb, and CC Pin Brush, and a pair of Double Duck Shears. Below is a picture of three of the possible Manor Lake puppies that might be my girl! I have to wait until Aug. 17th for temperament testing. Aren't they adorable???

Permalink Reply by Lisa on August 21, 2009 at 6:53pm

Hi Barb,
Could you tell me which scissors and blower you use.
Thank You
Lisa

Permalink Reply by Lisa on August 21, 2009 at 6:56pm

Where could I buy the double duck shears?

Permalink Reply by Nancy Sunderland on August 22, 2009 at 7:12am

http://www.showdogstore.com/dublduckmillersforgebrand.aspx

(That's where I found mine)

Permalink Reply by Nancy Cavanaugh on July 16, 2009 at 5:04am

Where are you getting your Doodle from? so exciting....

Permalink Reply by Nancy Sunderland on July 17, 2009 at 5:34am

Manor Lake in WA, but Grandview Labradoodles in VT was my first choice, (I'm in VT & I know the owner), timing for a mini was different is all.

Permalink Reply by Jane, Guinness and Murphy on July 17, 2009 at 5:53am

We got our puppy from Grandview. He is totally amazing! The ear cleaning is really important...I do it every day. I also brush him every day, and he's starting to enjoy it. There are some videos on Jennifer's Grandview website that I found helpful, particularly with the ear cleaning. I'm sure you're very excited...it's going to seem like a long wait but so worth it.

Permalink Reply by Sharon, Boo & Cricket on July 17, 2009 at 4:31am

These are my three “must have” grooming tools. :)

Chris Christensen pin brush (the “20mm Little Wonder” size) - $16
http://www.showdogstore.com/Chris-Christensen-brushes-20mm-LITTLE-W...

Chris Christensen steel comb (Buttercomb, size #000, 7 ½” Fine/Coarse) - $27
http://www.showdogstore.com/chris-christensen-combs-buttercomb-fine...

Four Paws “Ear Trimming Scissors” - $12
(I think I got mine at Petco)

What three grooming tools (and brands) should I buy?

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