How Can I Maintain My Doodle at Home?

First Things First: Doodles Are a LOT of Work

Anyone who has ever brushed out a doodle can tell you—it’s not a small task. From choosing the right brushes to learning proper techniques, there’s a lot to figure out. Should you brush before or after a bath? And why does everyone insist on using a blow dryer when your other dogs were just fine air drying?

The truth is, being a doodle parent means stepping into the world of regular grooming. Without it, mats can build up quickly, leading to uncomfortable haircuts (shorter than most doodle parents want), or in some cases, even vet visits. The good news is you’re not alone—your groomer is here to support you, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can do a lot at home to keep your pup comfortable between appointments.

Understanding Doodle Coats

One of the biggest challenges with doodle grooming comes from their unique coats. Because doodles are a mix between Poodles and another breed—often Golden Retrievers, Labradors, or similar—they can inherit coat traits from either side of the family.

• Straight or Wavy Coats: More common when the non-poodle parent’s coat comes through. These coats may shed more visibly but are usually easier to maintain with regular brushing.

• Curly Coats: More poodle-like. These coats tend to trap shed hair, which means less visible shedding in your home but more work to keep mats from forming.

• Mixed Textures: Many doodles have a blend—straight in some areas, curly in others. This mix makes them especially prone to tangles and mats, since different coat types respond differently to brushing, bathing, and drying.

  
  

Even doodles who “don’t shed much” still need help removing the hair that gets stuck in their curls. Without regular grooming, that trapped hair combines with dirt and friction to form mats. This is why doodles are considered high-maintenance compared to many other breeds.

The good news? With the right tools, products, and a consistent routine, you can keep your doodle’s coat healthy and comfortable between grooming visits.

The Haircut You Choose Matters

The style you choose for your doodle plays a big role in how much work you’ll need to do at home. Longer haircuts require daily brushing and frequent checks for mats, while shorter styles are easier to maintain. That said, even with a shorter cut, areas like the face, ears, tail and legs often need extra brushing if you want to keep that sweet teddy bear look.

Step One: Gathering the Tools

To keep your doodle looking and feeling their best, you’ll want to have the right supplies on hand. Here’s a basic starter kit for at-home care:

• Detangling Spray: A good spray reduces friction, making tangles easier to brush out.

• Slicker Brush: Your go-to tool for most of the work. Move it around often to avoid brush burn, especially on tough tangles.

• Greyhound Comb: Use this after brushing to check your work. Unlike the slicker brush, it won’t glide over hidden mats. Think of it as your “truth-teller,” not a mat remover.

• Shampoo (ideally two types): Investing in quality products makes a world of difference. A hydrating shampoo keeps the coat soft and friction-free, while a deshedding shampoo helps reduce shedding and tangles.

• Conditioner (again, two if possible): Hydrating and deshedding conditioners both help prevent mats and dryness.

• Blow Dryer: A simple human hand dryer works just fine. Professional dryers are faster, but not essential.

• Bathtub with a Detachable Hose: A hose is the easiest way to rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo or conditioner can irritate skin and cause more tangles.

• Grooming Table: Optional, but helpful. A table creates a clear boundary: “this is grooming time,” and prevents your pup from wandering off in search of toys or treats.

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Step Two: Brushing Before the Bath

Always brush your doodle thoroughly before bathing. Water tightens tangles, much like ropes tighten when they are wet. 

• Lightly mist your dog with detangling spray, especially on knot-prone areas.

• Use your slicker brush, paying attention to sound: a “crunchy” sound means tangles; a smooth “whoosh” means you’re probably in the clear.

• Double-check with your comb—if it snags, there’s still a tangle.

• Focus on high-friction spots: belly, legs, face, ears, tail, and under the collar or harness.

• Use your blow dryer as a tool. Hair should move freely like grass in the wind. If it clumps or you can’t see the skin, mats are still present. In severe cases, talk to your groomer before trying to tackle it alone.

  • If significant portions of your pet's body is covered in tangles, or if the tangles are larger than an inch or two in diameter, it’s probably best to call your groomer for a professional service. 

    
    

Step Three: Bath Time

Bathing can be messy (expect some shaking!), but it’s also one of the most important steps.

• Choosing Shampoo: Use hydrating shampoo for dry, itchy skin, and deshedding shampoo if mats reappear quickly. Many groomers will use both—starting with deshedding, followed by hydrating.

• Soak Thoroughly: Make sure your doodle is completely wet before lathering.

• Dilute Products: This makes them easier to apply, easier to rinse, and helps you use less product overall, which is a big money saver for you.

• Shampoo Twice (if needed): Dogs bathed weekly often only need one wash. For monthly baths, two rounds of shampoo is best.

• Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Keep going until the water runs clear with no bubbles.

• Condition Well: Hydrating conditioners loosen knots and help prevent new ones. But always rinse completely—leftover conditioner can irritate skin and actually cause mats to form.

  
  

Step Four: Drying

You’re almost there! Blow drying isn’t just about making your doodle fluffy—it’s a vital step for wavy and curly coats. These coats tangle easily, and once tangles get wet, they swell and tighten like ropes, making them even harder to manage. Blow drying smooths the coat and gives you the best chance to gently work out any tangles before they turn into mats.

1. Towel Dry First: Not even a groomer with the best dryer would skip this step. Use two or three towels if needed, focusing on areas that are harder to dry like the underbelly, legs, face, and tail. The more moisture you remove now, the easier the drying process will be.

2. Blow Dry with Brushing: Hold the dryer in your non-dominant hand and your slicker brush in your dominant hand. Keep the airflow moving and monitor the heat—if it feels too hot on your skin, it’s too hot for your pup. Work slowly through the coat, drying and brushing as you go. This technique may take practice, but you’ll get more confident with each session.

3. Know When the Coat Is Truly Dry: Damp hair clings to the skin and moves stiffly, while fully dry hair flows freely like grass in the wind. Make sure to dry your doodle completely—not just for comfort, but to prevent mats from forming right after all your hard work.

   
   

Remember, you’re not aiming for a show-ring finish. The goal is simple: a dry, comfortable doodle who won’t develop tangles just from everyday play.

Bonus Steps: Beyond the Coat

Grooming isn’t just about brushing and bathing. A few regular extras make a big difference:

• Nails: Trim or grind every 1–2 weeks.

• Ears: Check and clean at least twice a week.

• Teeth: Daily brushing is ideal. Dog-safe toothpaste or dental treats can help, but treats like Greenies should only be given once daily to avoid extra calories.

How Often Should Your Doodle See the Groomer?

Even with consistent at-home brushing, bathing, and drying, doodles still need professional grooming on a regular basis. A groomer has the tools, training, and experience to manage areas that are tricky to maintain at home—like tangles, paw pads, sanitary trims, and of course the big haircuts.

As a general guideline:

• Every 4–6 weeks: Ideal for longer cuts or doodles prone to matting. This keeps their coat manageable and prevents discomfort.

• Every 6–8 weeks: Works well for shorter, lower-maintenance cuts if you’re keeping up with brushing in between.

• Every 2–4 weeks: Bath and brush appointments (without a haircut) can be a helpful option for doodles in longer styles to prevent mats and keep the coat fresh between grooms.

  
  

Remember, every doodle is different. Coat type, lifestyle, and health all play a role in how often your pup should see the groomer. Think of professional grooming as part of your dog’s overall healthcare—just like vet visits, dental care, or nail trims.

A Note from a Groomer

At-home grooming isn’t about getting everything perfect—it’s about being consistent. Every bit of effort you put in supports your doodle’s comfort and health. Groomers understand how challenging it can be, and we’re here to work alongside you, not judge.

If you struggle with a knot, it’s okay to take a break and try again later. What matters most is that your doodle is cared for, comfortable, and healthy. When you combine your at-home efforts with regular grooming appointments, you’re setting your pup up for a lifetime of comfort, health, and love.