🧼 Grooming Guide for New Owners
Bringing home your new puppy is exciting — and a little overwhelming, right? One of the most important things you can do early on is get your puppy used to grooming.
These coats are beautiful, soft, and non-shedding — but they do need regular care to stay that way. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your pup clean, comfortable, and mat-free.
✂️ Start with a Professional Groomer
In the beginning, I always suggest working with a professional groomer. Find someone experienced with poodle-cross breeds, and let them guide you as you learn what works for your pup’s coat.
- They can show you how to brush properly at home
- Recommend tools and products
- Gently introduce your puppy to the grooming process
Some owners eventually feel confident enough to groom at home — but it’s totally okay if you prefer to keep using a pro.
🧽 Focus on Cleanliness, Not Just Looks
Labradoodles and Spoodles don’t need to look like show dogs — they just need to be clean and comfortable. Here are the two areas I really care about:
- The bum – Needs to be kept short and clean to avoid hygiene issues (trust me, it’s worth it).
- The eyes – Fur that curls in and pokes the eyes can cause irritation. Keep this trimmed back regularly.
Beyond that, you can work out what style you like. Some love the teddy bear look, others go for shorter coats that are easier to manage.
🪮 Grooming Timeline
| Age | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | Start gentle brushing at home — a few minutes a day to get them used to it. |
| 12–14 weeks | First intro visit to the groomer (nail trim, face tidy, maybe a bath). |
| 16–20 weeks | First full groom. Talk to your groomer about coat type and how short to go. |
| Every 6–8 weeks | Book regular professional grooms to keep things under control. |
At home, aim to brush 2–3 times per week. More often during coat changes or after outdoor adventures.
🛠️ Tools I Recommend
You don’t need a huge kit — just a few good basics:
- Slicker brush – Great for detangling and fluffing the coat
- Metal comb – Helps check for mats close to the skin
- Detangling spray (optional) – Makes brushing easier
- Dog-safe shampoo – Ask your groomer what they use
❤️ Grooming Should Be Positive
Start slow. Keep it short. Offer treats. Make brushing a chill part of your routine, not a battle. If your pup hates it, stop and try again later. It gets easier over time — I promise.
✅ Quick Grooming Checklist
- ☐ Brushed 2–3 times this week?
- ☐ No knots behind ears or under legs?
- ☐ Eyes visible and free of curling fur?
- ☐ Rear end trimmed and tidy?
- ☐ Nails checked? (Ask your groomer if unsure)