Shopping list for doodle coat care 101
Essential Grooming Tools for Doodles
4+ month
Keeping tangles and mats away is as much of an art as is a science. Using the right tools takes you significantly closer to a comfortable and cooperative doodle when it comes to grooming. Here we are detailing some essential hair maintenance tools that every doodle and pawrent will admire for basic coat care.
Essential Doodle Grooming Tools List
for junior and adult doodles
Sparse slicker brush
for prevention, detangling, dematting
Comb
to check for leftover tangles and mats
Flea comb
for eye booger removal
Hand blow-dryer
for training, drying, searching
Nail file
for smoothening nails
Shampoo
for clean coat
Conditioner
for a softer coat
Herbal ear wash
for cleaning ears (when dirty, not routinely!)
#1. Slicker brush
For preventing and resolving tangles and mats
~$60
Big K by Chris Christensen
Get it on Amazon.com!
The Big K from Chris Christensen is going to change not only your life but also your doodle's for the better, forever. It features over one-inch long pins, a pin cushion to keep the pressure away from the skin, and half of the pins, so it glides through even the thickest coat without extensive pulling. Yet it is the most effective brush for loosening tangles and opening mats.
Note: On doodle forums, you might see the coral version, the Big G, as a suggestion for doodles. While I find that color more appealing, it has a critical feature that makes it unsuitable for a doodle coat. It has two times more pins than the Big K, making the latter way more comfortable and practical on the doodle coat. Go with the Big K!
Get it on Amazon.com!
~$16
Yento Mega Pin
Get it from Ryanspet.com!
The Yento Mega Pin is the closest you can get to the Big K. The Yento mega pin slicker brush is a dense brush with 1 1/8" long, medium-firm pins. It does not have a pincushion feature. It is suggested to use on hair length and thickness around 1 1/8" or shorter. It is suitable to be used on heavy, curly, wavy, or straight coats. It needs to be modified a bit. The angle of the pins needs to be opened up to 150 degrees.
Get it from Ryanspet.com!
#1. +1 Tennis grip
For tuning-up the brush handle
My Big K got a bit of a tune-up for more comfort for me. I have large hands, and the coating on the brush, though it is indeed super soft and silky, makes my palms sweat like mad after three seconds. I came up with a DIY solution for getting a thicker handle and a better grip on it. I wrapped it in a leather Gamma tennis grip, and it became the most comfortable tool ever.
Note: The brush is OK the way it comes, but I prefer the wrap on the handle, and paws down; it's a significant difference. It takes less than about 5 minutes to wrap it, and the results will spoil you throughout the brush's lifetime. I highly recommend getting this $10ish upgrade.
Get it on Amazon.com!
#2. Pin brush
For blow-drying and loosening the coat before trims
For gently separating the coat while blow-drying. It won't scratch the exposed skin under a wet coat. It will help to speed up the drying and will loosen up the coat right before haircuts.
#3. Comb
For finding tangles and mats
A medium-coarse comb with one inch long pins is a great tool to find tangles and mats in the doodle coat. 1" length works up to one-inch long coat. It is very comfortable to use on either end of the comb. You most likely going to need the coarse side only. The 1 inch long pins are thick, they won't bend, and are comfortably rounded on the end.
#4. Flea comb
For scooping out eye boogers
Ready to remove the eye boogers within two seconds? Get them out while they are soft, with a flea comb! The fine pins are not suitable to remove fleas from the thick doodle coat, but they are the perfect tool to get the eye boogers out with ease!
#5. Shampoo
For keeping the coat cleaning
The Earthbath Hypo-allergenic shampoo is my favorite shampoo of all for puppies. Super gentle on the skin, it cleanses outstandingly, while keeping the natural oils of the skin on the dog. It gives a non-sticky finish, basically has no smell, which will help your puppy feel naturally clean, and his/her nose in peace. When you use the scent-free shampoo, your puppy won't feel the urge to use "doggy camouflage" and roll in dirt or smelly stuff right after a spa day. This shampoo's ingredients are gentle enough on puppy and human skin, so I highly recommend using it for home spa days after a good brush and comb out! Even bringing it to your groomer along with the conditioner so you won't miss a day of softness! :)
#6. Conditioner
For keeping the coat soft, tangle, and mat-free, to make brushing easier
My favorite conditioner, also from Earthbath is the Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner. It makes the coat so soft you won't stop cuddling your doodle after a bath. And the cherry on the top is it helps hugely with brushing and it keeps tangles and mats away for a significantly longer period of time. It is the richest conditioner I know on the market with the safest ingredient combination I came across so far. I highly recommend using this conditioner for home spa days after a thorough brush and comb out and the shampoo.
#7. Herbal Ear Wash
For cleaning ears when dirty
Cleans and soothes raw, itchy, smelly, or greasy dog ears. Carefully formulated combination of natural ingredients, including witch hazel, chamomile, aloe vera, clove oil, and tea tree oil to help control unpleasant odor and itching. Alcohol-free and non-stinging.
#8. Hand blow-dryer
For drying, finding mats, loosening coat for brushing
For puppies, beginners even for adult doodles, face area, and sensitive spots, I highly recommend using a small, hand-held dryer like this. Your own might work as well, or you can get one dedicated to your doodle's spa days. I like this small hand blow-dryer a lot since it has 2 volume settings, low and high. Also cool, warm, and hot settings to make getting dry more pleasant in any season and temperature preferences. It's way less loud and much easier to handle than a high-velocity dryer, but will go through the puppy and even ~1" long adult coat easily. It can be used to search for skin injuries and mats.
#9. Dog Nail File
For smoothening minor splits, for getting used to nail care
My favorite nail file of all time is the Stainless Steel Safari Diamond Dog Nail File. So much so, that I don't use any machine type grinders. The size is perfect for puppies and adults as well. A comfortable handle puts a smile on your face, and the proper grit size puts one on your doodle's face. You will work effectively and comfortably. It works fast, makes the nails rounded and smooth, no edges to plow up your thigh or scratch your dog's cornea. A great alternative to machine grinders.
Miscellaneous Gadgets for Coat Care
for doodle grooming
Treat Bag
Made of food-grade silicone, BPA free, safe, and healthy. Easy to Use--The magnet makes it easy to put and take treats out, automatic close after feeding. Lightweight attaches to waist belts, pants, or packages, with a clip. Easy to Clean through a large opening, allows you to wash the pet pouch inner side easily for keeping sanitary. Perfect for super yummy and moist treats, like baked chicken liver. Since it is water-resistant, even moist treats won't stain your clothes.
Doggie Language
A Dog Lover's Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend
book by Lili Chin
Great book illustrating how dogs feel in different situations, so we can adjust the environment to meet their comfort level.
Get it on Amazon.com!
Lick pad
A very efficient tool to keep food motivated doodles occupied in the tub for baths and quick rinses.
Get it on Amazon.com!
Showerhead with hose
This is a great transformation to make your bathroom suitable to effectively soak and rinse your doodle. A quiet showerhead is a guardian angel of cooperative behavior in the tub.
Get it on Amazon.com!