Did you just get a Goldendoodle (a cross between Poodle and the Golden Retriever)? Or you may have this friendly hybrid breed for years. You should know that your Goldendoodle needs grooming, just like other dogs.
It is your choice to get your dog’s grooming done by professionals in a dog salon or do it yourself at home. Since professional grooming does not come cheap, most people prefer Goldendoodle grooming at home.
Here we shall discuss five easy and quick steps in detail that will help you groom your pup at home. So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
Step 1
Bathing
To begin with, you need to make sure that your Goldendoodle is taking regular baths. If your pup does not like to take baths, then you can try different techniques to make the bath time fun and comfortable for your Goldendoodle.
For instance, you can give a toy that your dog can focus on, keep a cushion in the slippery tub to avoid accidents, or use a pleasant-smelling dog shampoo. You should always use dog shampoo to avoid irritations on your pup’s skin.
Keep talking to your fur baby in a gentle and calm voice to keep your dog comfortable. Also, keep the water at the right temperature and make sure that no area is left unwashed on your pup’s body. Be careful while washing the ears and avoid getting shampoo in the eyes of your dog.
Another imperative thing that you should remember is that your Goldendoodle has quite sensitive skin, and it can easily dry out if your Goldendoodle is bathed too often. You should try giving your pup a bath only once a month to ensure that their skin and coat are healthy and clean.
Step 2
Have the Right Tools at Hand
To ensure the successful grooming of your Goldendoodle, you should always keep the right tools at hand. Here is a list of must-have grooming tools that you need for your Goldendoodle:
- Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
- Ear and Eye Cleaning Kit
- Brushes (rubber/ slicker/ pin)
- Clipper Combs
- Clipper Blades and Guards
- Metal Comb
- Grooming/ Thinning Shears
- A Stripping Knife
- Coolant
- Dental Supplies
- Dog Nail Trimmer
- Bathing Mat or Cushion
- Waterless Pet Shampoo
- Detangler Spray
- Towels
- Detangler (depending on your dog’s coat)
- Leash or something else to keep your dog still while taking baths
By having the right tools at hand, you will not only keep your dog clean but also ensure its health and well-being. Regularly cutting or trimming your Goldendoodle’s hair from under the ears, bottom and belly will protect it from infections.
Similarly, you can use metal combs, detanglers, and thinning shears to keep your dog’s coat clean, soft, and shiny. Waterless pet shampoo is especially for occasions when you are too busy to bathe your Goldendoodle. It is also used for those pups who do not like water and struggle with bath times.
Step 3
Brushing
If you have the necessary tools, then brushing your dog’s coat will become an easy task. Brushing your dog at least thrice a week is recommended to ensure a clean and groomed look.
However, it would be better if you could brush your dog’s hair and teeth on a daily basis. You should always start brushing your fur baby from the bottom. Remember, while brushing your dog, you should see the skin with every brush to ensure a perfect brushing.
Keep brushing your dog until there is no mat or tangle left on your pup’s body. Your Goldendoodle might have a lot of post-shampoo tangles if you did not smooth them with firm and single-direction motions of your hand.
You should also keep a piece of clothing under your dog to avoid getting the dog hair all over the place. It is better to brush your pup once the coat is completely dry after taking a bath.
Step 4
Clipping
The clips used for Goldendoodles do not come in a standard size that fits all. You will have to ensure to buy a clipper that is suitable for your Goldendoodle. You might have noticed that your pup gets hair on certain areas faster than the rest of the body, such as above the eyes and rear.
These overgrown hairs can make your fur baby quite uncomfortable, and it might have trouble with the vision if the hair above the eyes is not trimmed at the right time. Use a sturdy dog clipper (the one that comes with a detachable blade) to trim the hair on areas with more hair.
You can use different kinds of clippers for the rest of your pup’s body to ensure an even and groomed look. You should remember that clipping your Goldendoodle’s nails is as important as trimming the hair (or maybe more if your pup loves to get cuddly with you).
Overgrown nails of your dog can become a perfect home for infectious bacteria and germs if not trimmed regularly.
Step 5
Get the Stink Out
Does your Goldendoodle smell more than other dogs? There is a difference between a normal dog’s smell and an outright stinky one. If your pup stinks, then you need to take some serious measures to ensure the good health of your dog.
There can be many reasons for the stinky problem of your pup, such as:
- Dental Issues
- Gas/ Dietary
- Ear Infections
- Anal Sans
- Improperly Cleaned Coat
- Eye Run
- Atopy
All crossbreeds of poodles are susceptible to stinks and bad smells. By identifying the problem and treating it, you can make sure that your dog does not have any bad smell.
Takeaway
Grooming a Goldendoodle can be challenging, especially for people who have got a pup for the first time. So, we gathered 5 Simple Steps on how to Groom a Goldendoodle? The good news is that you can keep your fur baby clean and groom it quite easily at home without any professional help or spending a lot.
All you need is detailed knowledge and certain tools that will help you keep the Goldendoodle clean and healthy. We hope that the steps and guidelines mentioned above will help you groom your pup. Good Luck!
