Every dog needs to be brushed, some dogs just need it more than others. Enter the doodle! If you're currently a doodle parent or you're expecting the pitter patter of doodle paws soon, then I’m going to tell you a little secret…behind every well-groomed doodle, is someone who brushes him. Don’t just take my word for it, our current groomer, Sara Ranel, will tell you the same thing. Sara has been grooming Vito for over 3 years and is known for being one of the best doodle groomers in Portland, OR. She knows her stuff, which is why I asked for her personal recommendations when it comes to at home doodle hair care.
Keeping up with your doodle’s hair might sound like a lot of work, however it will save you time and grief in the long run. I’ll never forget the first time I took Vito in to get groomed. I was told he’d have to be shaved because he was matted. Doodle hair is prone to matting and when left untreated becomes worse. Vito's mats were so bad it was irritating his skin. He was stripped of all his fluff and left with nothing but the mohawk on his head. Being that he was my first doodle, I had no idea the upkeep his hair required. From that day on, brushing became part of our nightly routine and it was another way we found time to bond.
Regular brushing is a 100% necessary if you want to maintain your doodle’s long locks, shaggy muppet hair or cute curls. No matter what type of hair your doodle has, our groomer Sara suggests these three tools to help keep your doodle mat and tangle free - slicker brush, greyhound comb and dematting rake.
A slicker brush is great for surface brushing. Start with this one to help breakdown any tangles, as well as remove dirt and debris. Brush your doodle in the direction of the hair growth. Get all the way down to the skin, but be careful not to scratch the skin.
A greyhound comb is like a search and rescue tool. It catches the small tangles and knots that the slicker brush didn’t get out. Brush in the direction of the hair growth, working out knots as you find them. Be gentle, especially if you find a deep tangle.
A dematting rake is the best way to tackle those nasty mats. This tool is very sharp, with long serrated blades which help to cut through tough mats. I personally like the Safari de-matting rake because it has rounded ends and ensures safety. Use your de-matting rake when a mat has formed and it can’t be brushed out with your other tools. Its works best on “dreadlock” type mats that are not tight against the skin. Place the blades underneath the mat and pull in a brush like manner, away from your doodle’s body.
High Paws and Happy Styling,
Me, my doods and I
**If you’re in the Portland area and would like to book an appointment with Sara Ranel please click here.