Next to an emergency trip to the dentist, grooming time for the extra shaggy and extra energetic, Goldendoodle is probably the most agonizing item on the to-do list. Many “doodle” owners are now forced to yield the trimmers themselves, given the associated running costs of regular professional grooming appointments. Will the dog, behave? How long will it take? Find out and hopefully prevent pain…or comedy.
Before trimming, the Goldendoodle must be bathed and dried. The fur is then brushed and untangled. Dog clippers, scissors, and thinning shears are then used to trim the dog’s fur wherever appropriate. Great care must be taken around sensitive areas, and groomers should not neglect the dog’s feet and paw pads.
fur of a Goldendoodle?” class=”wp-image-312″/>There is no need to be daunted by the prospect of trimming a doodle, as we have curated and answered some of the more frequently asked questions. Trimming doodles is not just for show, though, as the regular haircuts help to prevent the dog’s fur from matting and tangling excessively. The dog also gets circulation and ventilation benefits from it, and trimming may help owners detect any skin disorders or irritations on the dog’s body.
How much time will it take?
Most of the people who hire groomers for their pets in the first place do it simply because they do not have the time. Even with the rise of remote working, many professional individuals are still busy working from home. Time, for many, is still money. This is an important consideration for prospective doodle owners. The breed’s grooming is frequent, and each session may take up considerable time.
Trimming the dog properly will take an average of 30-45 minutes. Expect curly doodles to take longer, though, as they may require constant brushing and untangle during the haircut. Straight-haired Goldendoodles tend to be the easiest to groom in most circumstances, another consideration for prospective doodle parents. On average, experts determine that this breed should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks.
If a doodle’s grooming needs are neglected for a long time, the owner will probably have to spend additional time bathing, brushing, and untangling fur before trimming can commence. This will cost further time, and energy, as owners will only be able to cut the fur while the dog is still effective. Also, untrained dogs that are not very used to being groomed are likely to fidget or resist during this process.
For those who have always outsourced their pooches’ hair-dos to professional groomers, this activity presents a fun new way for you and your pet to bond. Hours of fun are possible.
Equipment
Only the best will do for doodles. They are half-poodle, after all. Prepare to procure a hair and grooming set that even Mariah Carey would be proud of. Prospective owners have to be conscious of the overall costs and time requirements of grooming this breed properly. Luckily, thanks to some affordable deals on Amazon, there is no need to go full Paris Hilton when it comes to your pet pampering budget. The most important thing has the necessary tools to do the job without harming the dog.
The first thing we need is dog clippers, preferably the type with a detachable blade. Clippers are mostly used to trim large swathes of the dog’s body, such as the back, midsection, and neck. These blades may or may not be sold separately with the clippers. Beginners need to note that the size numbering system of these clipper blades goes up as the blades get smaller. A #11 blade, for example, is smaller than a #9 or a #10, and a #8 blade is bigger than a #9. For doodles, experts suggest #9, #10, or #11 blades for trimming potentially sensitive areas, like near the eyes. Clippers can also be used on other body parts, provided the appropriate blades are available.
Groomers need to take extra care when trimming animals using bare blades, though, as continuous friction while clipping may result in the blade getting very hot. This will, naturally, cause the animal pain or discomfort. Would you please ensure that the blade being used does not get too hot and, if it does, that it is allowed to cool off properly before trimming resumes? Blade coolant is the go-to solution for speeding up the cooling process.
Keeping the clippers and blades sterile is imperative as it minimizes the risk of transmitting nasty bacteria, viruses, or fungi to your dog or yourself. Sterilization also prevents rusting and, as a result, promotes the longevity of the clippers and blades. Ultraviolet clipper sanitizers, like those found in regular barbershops, are the most hassle-free cleaning solution as they also serve as a storage medium for clippers. After each use, the clippers can be left in the sterilizer and, by their next use, they will be spotless. Clipper blade coolant is also ideal for this, and affordable deals are available on Amazon. Basic rubbing alcohol also works well but before using it on the clippers, ensure that your dog is not allergic. If the clippers are to be used on multiple dogs or other animals, then the need for sterilization is even greater.
For patches of extra-long tufts of hair, clipper comb extensions will be needed. Full sets are available on Amazon and are usually included in most grooming kits. Comb extensions are also ideal for the groomer to remove a limited amount of hair from a particular section. These comb extensions are also measured, which helps groomers to execute a consistent and even trim in a relatively short time.
A regular dog comb will also be required for untangling the animal’s fur during this process, especially if it is a curly doodle. A steel comb is the most common expert recommendation, and several dog grooming kit brands may include one.
A detangler might also be necessary, depending on the disaster you have on your hands. Curly doodles are likely to need daily untangling regardless of whether they are being trimmed or not. Another highly effective tool for untangling longhaired dog breeds is a slicker brush. This is a brush made up of a bunch of fine wires specifically aimed at removing mats and picking up debris from longhaired pet fur.
Using a slicker brush is arguably the best approach to untangling because, while brushing the dog, the wires form discernible lines on the body, right down to the skin. This allows the groomer to ensure that all mats and tangles have been eradicated. It also has the benefit of providing a closer view of the dog’s skin if any skin problems or parasites are suspected. Short of shaving the dog’s entire coat off, these lines are the next best way to catch a view of a doodle’s elusive skin.
Scissors will be needed for some of the more intricate cutting. Experts advise the blunt-tipped or ballpoint varieties, especially for unruly dogs. Thinning shears will also be needed for the dog’s most delicate areas, like around the eyes, the nose, and the rear end. These tools are the mainstays of most grooming kits, but they are also not difficult to find in pet stores or online.
Before their haircut, Spot first needs to take a bath. The dog’s body must be clean, and its fur must be free from dirt before clippers, especially, are used on it. Unfortunately, the doodle’s iconic coat is like a magnet for dirt, mud, and even unwanted passengers like fleas and ticks.
After the bath, the dog must be dried in a manner that suits the tools to be used. If a close shave using the bare blade is the desired approach, there is little need for force drying since most of the fur will be removed anyway. Therefore, owners always need to have a good brand of dog shampoo on hand and, ideally, pair it with conditioner to give the dog’s fur a rich and glossy sheen.
If clipper combs are to be used for longer styles, it is strongly advised that owners make use of a blow dryer before trimming. Using extension comb clippers on a doodle that is still wet will result in fur being caught in the clippers. This, in turn, will lead to uneven cuts or even considerable pain and discomfort to the dog. Avoid drying the doodle with a towel, as that will lead to more tangling.
Laying down a towel or two might also prove to be a wise choice, especially if the dog is being shaved in a carpeted room. Grooming on a towel can also provide the dog with warmth if this is taking place on a cold bathroom floor.
Finally, a leash might be required to keep the individual still and steady depending on how naughty the individual is. Dogs used to the pampering, though, will tend to be better behaved.
Choosing a good trimmer
The main factor determining the type of trimmer used for dogs is the dog’s fur type. For longhaired breeds like the Goldendoodle, expert groomers recommend clippers with replaceable blades. Being able to change blades allows the groomer to choose the length of the trim. Depending on the taste or season of the year, owners might want to leave the fur at various lengths.
Only the owner can determine the best trimmer that fits their budget and taste. Beginners who are completely confused can use various YouTube videos and Amazon product reviews to inform their decision. Feel free to consult with fellow Goldendoodle owners as well.
How much do you trim?
As stated above, the length of the trim is almost entirely up to the owner. Factors such as climate and time of the year can also impact this decision. For most of the dog’s body, experts recommend that beginners use clippers with a one-inch, or 2.5cm, guard on the blade. The length of the doodle’s hair can also be somewhat of a blank canvas for artistically inclined owners. However, the most important thing is to cut the dog’s hair neatly in somewhat of a uniform fashion.
Allergies are one of the other factors influencing how much fur to cut off of a Goldendoodle. The irony of owning a doodle of all breeds while being allergic is a hilarious testament to the dog’s appeal and cuteness. Trimming the dog, however, helps minimize or even eliminate allergic reactions in some people.
The Goldendoodle’s hair can grow to the point of hindering sensory organs like the eyes, ears, and mouth. A common occurrence is overgrown facial fur around the eyes that can block the dog’s vision. Trimming will help prevent this, although great care must be taken to avoid injuring the dog.
According to professional groomers, the fur on the dog’s paws must be kept shorter than the rest of its body.
Perhaps the most significant factors in determining how much fur to trim are laziness and penny-pinching. Owners who value economy over style will probably opt to give the poor pooch a radical shearing that will keep it neat for months rather than extravagant touch-ups that need to be redone every week. Professional grooming can be rather expensive, and the cost of maintaining a doodle, or several, like this, can add up very quickly. Some owners would rather get maximum value for money by removing large quantities of fur every time the dog gets a trim.
How do you get the dog to stand still?
Shearing your pup will be tricky enough without it squirming all over the place. To minimize shifting or running away, experts suggest using a leash to hold the dog in place safely. Ideally, a family member or friend can help with this process if the dog bucks and diving excessively. When trimming the dog’s face and ears, one person should hold its head while the other carefully trims the fur with clippers and thinning shears. A muzzle might also be recommended if the dog displays signs of aggression. Do not beat the dog, and avoid yelling, as this could further escalate the dog’s fear.
Over time, the dog will become used to grooming and will stop being fussy. Goldendoodles, especially, tend to enjoy these sessions as bonding experiences with their owners. Individuals used to being groomed are known to be very calm, even around some of the buzzing machinery.
If the dog shows no sign of improvement during grooming, it may need to be trained and conditioned to sit still. Treats and rewards are also a handy way to reinforce good behavior.
How to handle the whiskers
The fur on the dog’s muzzle is one of the breed’s defining features. Many owners are fans of the rounded “Teddy bear” look and usually settle for that particular shave. Experts assert that there is no compulsory style and trim for the dog’s muzzle.
Scissors and trimming shears are recommended for trimming and shaping the dog’s muzzle. The only consideration is with regards to the whiskers and hairs on the sides of the muzzle. Whatever style incorporated must ensure that the fur is left short enough to avoid getting caught in the dog’s mouth.
Trimming the fur on the paws
Standard dog-grooming procedure dictates that fur on a Goldendoodle’s paws should be left shorter than that on the rest of its body. This has the effect of refining and neatening the dog’s overall look. Excessively hairy feet will track mud and other dirt wherever the dog goes, so this needs to be dealt with regularly. Clippers and thinning shears should be used to trim and shape this area.
The fur between the pads on the paws
This tends to be another one of those forgettable areas, especially for beginner groomers. However, no doodle trim is complete without addressing the fur between the dog’s paw pads. Goldendoodle paws can get very hairy, and various sticks, thorns, and parasites can easily cling to them, leading to discomfort. It is crucial for owners to regularly inspect this area and ensure clean and free from matting or infection.
Clippers can be used for any overgrown hair, while thinning shears can be used for closer shaping. Experts also advise owners to first get a feel of the paw pad area with their hands to pick out any foreign objects that may be stuck between the dog’s toes. It may also be necessary to safely hold the dog in place if it is anxious or injured.
References
How to Groom a Goldendoodle. Timberidge Goldendoodles. Retrieved on 24/10/2020 from https://timberidgeGoldendoodles.com/doodle-haircuts/how-to-groom-a-Goldendoodle/.
Pawlisch, D. (2020). How to Groom a Goldendoodle. WikiHow. Retrieved on 24/10/2020 from https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-a-Goldendoodle.
