If you're a Doodle parent, you already know that grooming is a key part of keeping your dog's coat healthy and mat-free. But combing your Doodle's hair isn't always as straightforward as it sounds. If done incorrectly, you might cause discomfort for your dog or even miss mats that will later require costly and painful shave-downs at the groomer.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll talk you through the proper combing routine for Doodles to ensure their coat stays tangle-free and comfortable. With a few simple tips and the right tools, you can make grooming a gentle, stress-free experience for your Doodle — and avoid the dreaded shave-down.
Step 1: Choose the Right Comb for Your Doodle's Coat
Before you start combing, make sure you have the right tools. Doodle coats are unique, with their thick, curly, or way texture, so it's important to use a comb that is gentle yet effective in removing tangles without causing pain.
Recommended Comb:
- Finishing Comb: A finely-toothed finishing comb is ideal for catching any hidden tangles after brushing. It's gentle and precise, ensuring no mats are left behind, especially around sensitive areas like the face, paws, and tail.
👉 Pro Tip: For Doodles with thicker coats, the Extra Long Pin Slicker Brush may be used for the initial detangling before using the comb.
Step 2: Prepare Your Doodle for Combing
Before you begin combing, make sure your Doodle is calm and comfortable. Some dogs might find combing sessions stressful, so it's important to set the right mood for the grooming process.
Preparation Tips:
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Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet space where you and your Doodle can relax. Make sure there are no distractions.
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Use Positive Reinforcement: Keep treats hand! Give your Doodle a treat after each successful combing session to help them associate grooming with something positive.
- Brush Before Combing: Always brush your Doodle's coat first with a flexible slicker brush to remove tangles and loose fur. Combing should come after brushing to ensure a tangle-free finish.
Step 3: Start Combing
Start at the tips of your Doodle's hair and work your way toward the roots. This method helps prevent pulling and discomfort, especially in areas where mats tend to form.
Combing Technique:
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Work in Small Sections: Divide your Doodle's coat into small sections, starting with the back and legs, and gradually move to more sensitive areas like the tummy and face.
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Use Gentle Strokes: Gently run the comb through each section, starting from the tips and moving towards the roots. Avoid tugging — if the comb gets stuck, stop and gently work through the tangle with your finger or a brush.
- Pay attention to the Undercoat: Doodles often have dense undercoats, which can easily become matted if not properly combed. Ensure you're reaching the undercoat,
Step 4: Tackle Matting and Tangles Early
Mats can form quickly in curly or wavy coats, they can be painful to remove. By starting early, you can prevent small tangles from turning into large mats that will need professional grooming or worse, a shave-down.
Mat Prevention Tips:
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Work on Small Mats First: If you find a mat, use a slicker brush to gently detangle it. After brushing, check the area with a comb to ensure no tangles remain. The comb is the last step and is used only to check for missed tangles, not for detangling or dematting.
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Don't Rush: Take your time, and never pull or force the comb through mats. Gently work through the mat with your slicker brush. Starting from the tips to the base. After brushing, use the finishing comb to check the area and confirm it's fully tangle-free.
- Regular Combing: Incorporate combing as the last step in your routine grooming to check that you've caught any small knots before they turn into larger mats.
Step 5: Ensure the Comb Glides through the Coat
Once you've finished brushing and combing your Doodle's coat, the last step is to ensure everything is truly tangle-free.
Final Touch:
Use the Finishing Comb
After brushing, use the Finishing Comb for one last check. The comb is your source of truth — if it glides through your Doodle's coat without snagging, you know the coat is truly tangle-free. If the comb catches on any spots, simply go back to your brush to detangle those areas and check again with the comb.
Step 6: Reward Your Doodle
Once you've finished grooming, be sure to give your Doodle some love — whether it's a treat, a tummy rub, or extra playtime! This positive reinforcement makes grooming sessions something to look forward to, turning it into a happy, enjoyable routine for both of you.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Doodle's Coat Healthy and Mat-Free
By following this step-by-step combing routine, you'll not only keep your Doodle's coat looking great but also avoid shave-downs at the groomer. Regular combing payments mats from forming and keeps your Doodle comfortable and happy.
Remember, a little time spent combing regularly will save you from much more time spent dealing with mats and the potential need for a shave-down.
👉 Learn more in our Doodle Grooming Guide
🎁 Explore our best-selling Doodle Brush tools
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