Goldendoodles are well-known for their hypoallergenic fur. After all, the Goldendoodle’s delightfully teddy bear-like coat is why so many dog lovers seek this breed. Hypoallergenic — and even non-shedding — is not synonymous with low maintenance.
Bathing: How Often Do Goldendoodles Really Need a Bath? How to groom a Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles don’t shed their fur like other dogs. While this is convenient for allergy sufferers, it also means that Goldendoodles have a high risk of developing mats, or knotted tangles of hair.
Mats can also develop in puppies as the puppy coat is replaced with the adult coat. The puppy fur becomes matted with the adult fur at the follicle, the base of each hair strand. Thankfully, regular brushing helps to both prevent and eliminate mats.
Besides regular brushing, Goldendoodles will also need a bath from time to time. This is especially true if your pup loves to play outside, dig in the dirt, and make a splash in puddles.
Regular grooming — which includes brushing and bathing — keeps your pup healthy and happy. (And not to mention, it keeps your couch cleaner too!)
Step 1: Brush, Brush, Brush!
We’ve already established that regularly brushing helps prevent painful mats from developing, but it’s important to also time your brushing sessions. Brushing should always occur before bathing.
Why? Brushing out your Goldendoodle removes dirt and debris. Most importantly, any untreated mats will shrink up in the water (like a wool sweater in hot water), creating a tighter — and more painful — tangle of hair. This means that the mat will be much harder to remove if you want until after the bath to brush.
To thoroughly brush your Doodle, follow these steps:
- Brush your pup with a slicker brush: Brush the whole body, including the tail and armpits
- Use safety grooming scissors to remove any difficult or stubborn mats
- Use a metal pin brush to double-check your work: This brush should comb easily, but if it gets stuck, it’s a sign you need to go back over the area with the slicker brush.
Now, your Doodle is ready for his bath.
Step 2: Select the Right Shampoo
A quick trip down the pet care aisle will reveal that there are many dog shampoos and conditions on the market. However, not all dog shampoos are created equally.
It can be overwhelming to determine which one is best for your Goldendoodle. Remember that your Doodle may be hypoallergenic, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t suffer from his own allergies! Harsh fragrances and preservatives can irritate your Doodle’s skin, causing itchiness and flakey skin.
When selecting a shampoo, choose natural products that are free from artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and artificial colors. A good shampoo is gentle and removes dirt, but won’t strip away your dog’s natural skin oils.
Tip: You may find that a leave-in spray conditioner helps to keep your pup’s skin hydrated.
Step 3: Keep Treats on Hand
You’ve brushed your pup, you’ve got your shampoo, and now it’s time to prep the bathroom. In addition to having plenty of towels on hand, you’ll also need a few training treats. This is especially true if your dog is still getting used to baths.
Give treats periodically to let your pup know that everything is okay. Some dogs may find their first bath a little scary, but the treats help your dog associate bath time with treats — a very positive thing indeed! How to groom a Goldendoodle?
Step 4: Lather and Rinse Well
Rinse your dog from head to tail with warm (not hot) water, being careful to avoid getting water in his ears.
Lather your Goldendoodle, staring from his head down to paws. Depending on how thick your Doodle’s fur is, you may need to rinse several times to ensure that all of the shampoo is removed.
To rinse your pup’s head, gently lift his head up and use a cup to pour water from the front to the back. This method reduces the risk that the shampoo will run into his eyes. If you skip washing his head, you can also use grooming wipes to tidy up his face.
Step 5: Protect Your Doodle’s Ears
Goldendoodles have floppy ears, and while they are cute, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Never pour water directly into your Doodle’s ears. You can also place a cotton ball inside the entrance of the ear canal.
If your vet has suggested a specific ear cleaner, now is a good time to clean those ears. While your pup is still in the tub, follow the instructions on the bottle. In general, you’ll likely squirt the liquid ear cleaner into your dog’s ear, staring with the outside of the ear and gently rubbing the liquid into the canal.
Step 6: Dry Before Brushing
It may be tempting to brush your Doodle right away but resist this temptation. That’s because wet fur is easily damaged.
To dry your Doodle, you’ve got two options:
- Towel dry: The first towel dry your pup and allow him to air dry. Once air-dried, it’s time to brush him.
- Towel dry then use the hairdryer: Not all dogs enjoy the hairdryer, but if your pup tolerates it, it can speed up the grooming session. If you use the hairdryer, always use a low setting to avoid burning your pup. Introduce the hairdryer slowly and provide plenty of treats. How to groom a Goldendoodle?
Conclusion How to groom a Goldendoodle:
How to groom a Goldendoodle? Grooming your Goldendoodle doesn’t have to be an arduous task. If your pooch feels comfortable in the water, then he might learn to love bath time. Always give your Doodle a lot of positive reinforcement while grooming to enforce good behavior. With luck and a little hard work, your Goldendoodle with stay clean and happy! If you are looking for Goldendoodles from world-class breeders, check out the puppies over at Preferable Pups.