10 Steps to keep your doodle’s coat fabulous

We got James used to grooming from day one. Brushes, combs and even the sound of a blow dryer. Starting young makes all the difference, helping your pup stay relaxed during future grooming sessions. Pro tip: use a teaspoon to gently introduce your pup to the feeling of scissors near their nose bridge and eyes. No risk, all reward! Now, James is so comfy on the grooming table, he sometimes dozes off mid-session. Lazy as fluff…

The right tools make all the difference when it comes to coat care. Our go-to? The Activet brush! We use the green one for James’ legs and head and the purple/red combo for his body. For pups, a softer brush is the way to go. And don’t forget to follow up with a comb to catch any sneaky tangles or loose hairs.

A dematter is an absolute game-changer for working out those tricky knots. Some groomers swear by the “Les Poochs” or “ADB Petite Auto Dog Brush”, but we haven’t tried them yet. Other essentials? A blow dryer, a bathrobe, grooming scissors, nail clippers and a tick remover. One tip: don’t press too hard with the brush, the pins can be sharp. Let your tools do the work, and voilà! A tangle-free, perfectly prepped Doodle ready to steal the show.

Thinking about grooming your Doodle yourself? A coat care workshop is a total must! You’ll pick up all the basics and pro tips to groom safely and confidently. When we spent a year traveling through Europe, this knowledge was a complete lifesaver. We groomed James in the most random spots: picnic tables, grassy campsites and even on top of a washing machine in an Airbnb. That said, investing in a proper grooming table is 100% worth it. Your back will thank you and it’s so much safer too.

The best part? We’re always in control of James’ perfect look. Even when he visits the groomer, I can’t resist doing his head myself (what can I say? I’m way too picky!). With a little know-how and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time and your Doodle will look like a total star!

Once your Doodle has their adult coat, a good brushing every 3 to 4 weeks is a must. Always work in layers so you can see the skin as you go. I usually start with James’ legs (his least favorite part, so get the drama over with early!) and work my way up. Don’t skip the sensitive spots like behind the ears, under the armpits and around the tail.

Those are tangle hotspots. A spritz of detangle spray before you start is a game-changer. It smooths the coat, closes the hair cuticles, and makes brushing easier for both you and your fluffball.

Coat change stress? Not with the right routine! Those wild puppy tufts are cute while they last, but they don’t stick around forever. Between 6 and 8 months, a Doodle’s puppy coat starts transitioning to its adult coat, a process that can take up to 15 months or more. And yep, tangles happen faster during this time.

When James was going through his coat change, we brushed him every week or two and always checked for sneaky tangles with a comb. After a good brushing, it was straight to the bath to get rid of dirt and loose hair. That way, tangles didn’t get a second chance! With the right shampoo and a solid detangle spray, his coat stayed soft, tangle-free, and James stayed his happy, fluffy self.

A relaxed pup is key to a smooth grooming session. Stress or fuss? No thanks, for either of you! Start by letting your dog have a drink and some fresh air. For tricky spots like the paws, we swear by a lick mat smeared with a little peanut butter or lactose-free yogurt. James stays happily distracted while I get the job done. A chill pup means an easy-breezy grooming session for everyone!

Here’s how James nails spa day! Every 2 to 3 weeks, it’s bath time. After a good brushing session, he hops into the tub. We use a nourishing shampoo, sometimes followed by conditioner or my absolute fave, a detangle spray! After towel-drying, I spritz it generously on his coat to keep it smooth and tangle-free.

Then it’s onto his bathrobe. 20 minutes of pure relaxation. It’s not just a fashion statement (though James looks dashing); it also speeds up drying time with the blow dryer. Add a tasty chew and you’ve got the ultimate spa day experience.

No grooming session is complete without touching up James’ signature look. His teddy bear paws, tidy ears and clear snout are signature James-style. We trim the fur between his paw pads and shape it into a neat circle, keeping his nails covered for that classic teddy vibe.

To keep his charming gaze clear, we carefully trim the hair around his eyes, brow and nose bridge. I use curved scissors and thinning shears for a natural finish with no harsh lines.

After a workshop and plenty of practice, I’ve mastered the technique, and honestly, I love giving James his iconic look. Our 007-star is always ready to shine!

Labradoodle hair grows like crazy, up to a centimeter a month! Whether you handle grooming at home or leave it to a pro, regular trims are a must to keep that coat healthy and tangle-free.

Pro tip: good groomers get booked fast, so schedule a puppy socialization session early (between 12 and 16 weeks old). The first full grooming session should happen around 5 to 8 months. After that, aim for a trim every 8 to 9 weeks to avoid tangles and keep your pup comfy.

Want to learn the ropes yourself? A grooming workshop is the way to go! Not only is it practical, but it’s also a fun bonding experience with your pup. Plus, you’ll be able to give them their perfect look anytime you want. Cool, right?