FURology Doodles
With the skyrocketing popularity of 'Doodles' and the diverse array of sizes and types they come in, it's worth noting these unique blended breeds. Regardless of their generation or specific type, Doodles can range from small to giant and boast coats that are curly, wavy, fleecy, wirey, or a combination thereof. Some may have undercoats and shed, while others may not. However, one commonality among all Doodles is their need for grooming, with many requiring a substantial amount of it.
This page delves into the proper care of Doodle coats, offering recommendations and grooming procedures. Many of these principles are applicable to a broad spectrum of breeds, mixes, and coat types, including Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Sheepdogs, Cock-a-poos, Malti-poos, and numerous other blended breeds, even including scruffy pound puppies!
Pricing
Due to the extensive variety within the Doodle breed, providing precise price quotes can be challenging. Therefore, when inquiring about pricing for your Doodle, we may offer a wide range. A more accurate quote can be provided upon assessing your dog in person, although no quote is finalized until the grooming process is complete and your dog has matured to its full size with an adult coat.
Prices may fluctuate over your dog's lifespan or between grooming sessions. For Doodles and Poodles weighing under 30lbs, prices typically start at $88 - $165, while those over 30lbs are priced at $132 - $280. Please note that these prices exclude dematting and are subject to change.
Various factors influence pricing, including but not limited to:
- Size of the dog
- Length and texture of the coat
- Frequency of grooming sessions
- Desired grooming style
- Condition of the coat, including any matting
- Dog's behavior and temperament, as well as their familiarity with grooming practices
Mats & Dematting
Occasionally, due to various circumstances, your pet's coat may become tangled or matted. We understand that life can be hectic, and there may be times when brushing your pet or keeping grooming appointments becomes challenging. Whether your pet was boarded, experienced a medical issue, or you simply had a busy schedule, we empathize and want to assist you without judgment. Matting can cause discomfort and pose health risks to your pet, so if you notice mats forming, we encourage you to bring them to us as soon as possible. Prompt attention allows us to address the issue effectively. Before proceeding with dematting, we will discuss potential solutions and prioritize your pet's comfort and safety throughout the process.
Dematting involves carefully removing tangles and mats from your pet's coat. We charge $2-3 per minute of dematting in addition to the standard grooming fee. Our dematting procedures utilize top-quality professional shampoos, conditioners, and grooming tools to ensure the safest and most effective results. However, it's important to recognize that dematting can cause discomfort for your pet, especially if they are sensitive. Additionally, the remaining coat after dematting may be thin and damaged, making it more susceptible to future matting.
We often receive inquiries about selectively cutting out mats while leaving surrounding hair intact. However, this approach is not recommended as it can result in an uneven coat that is prone to further matting. Consequently, we do not repeatedly demat pets. Instead, we strive to collaborate with you to adjust grooming frequency, at-home maintenance practices, and haircut length to prevent future matting. Your pet's safety and well-being are paramount to us, and subjecting them to repeated dematting is neither fair nor beneficial.
Puppies
Begin introducing your puppy to the grooming salon and incorporating at-home brushing routines as early as possible! We recommend bringing most puppies to the salon no later than 16 weeks old for their initial puppy Bath & Tidy appointment, followed by regular visits at consistent intervals. During a Bath & Tidy session, we will gently bathe, blow dry, brush, and comb your puppy, while also tidying up their eyes, paws, and sanitary area. This early exposure allows your puppy to acclimate to the grooming environment, our team, and the grooming process and tools.
We refrain from performing a full haircut on puppies until they have attended several Bath and Tidy appointments and we believe they are mentally prepared, ensuring a stress-free grooming experience. Rushing a puppy into a haircut can instill lifelong anxiety about grooming. Establishing a grooming routine early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of positive grooming experiences for your pet.
Puppies typically sport a soft, fluffy coat that is easy to manage and doesn't tend to tangle or mat. However, between 4 to 8 months of age, their adult coat begins to emerge, often featuring a different texture. This transitional phase lasts until the puppy has fully transitioned to their adult coat, usually between 8 to 14 months of age. Due to the non-shedding nature of most Doodle coats, the shedding puppy coat becomes entangled in the growing adult coat, leading to potential severe matting. Diligent and regular brushing, along with consistent grooming appointments, are crucial during this coat transition phase to prevent matting. We strongly advise scheduling a haircut around the 7-month mark to facilitate easier brushing and coat management.
Maintenance & Coat Care
There are three key factors we can adjust to ensure your dog remains mat-free and maintains their optimal appearance:
1. Frequency of professional grooming
2. At-home maintenance
3. Length of the haircut
Finding the right balance among these factors involves considering your budget, schedule, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
As a general guideline, we typically recommend scheduling haircuts every 4-6 weeks for well-maintained doodles. However, we may suggest a different interval based on factors such as your pup's coat type, your maintenance routine, your grooming goals, and other considerations.
For instance, opting for a longer haircut requires more frequent grooming appointments and increased at-home maintenance efforts. Conversely, choosing a shorter haircut allows for longer intervals between visits, with less demand for at-home upkeep as the hair grows out.
While many Doodle owners favor the long, shaggy coat look for its natural appeal, it's important to recognize that this style demands significant upkeep. Contrary to common belief, longer coats actually necessitate more frequent grooming to maintain their natural appearance. This typically involves daily brushing and combing at home, supplemented by biweekly or even weekly professional grooming sessions.
Even if you prefer a shorter length, regular home brushing remains essential. We can advise you on the ideal brushing frequency based on your pup's coat type and style. Your brushing routine should include a high-quality slicker brush, a steel comb, and a leave-in conditioning/detangling spray. Ensure thorough brushing down to the skin, using the comb to detect any tangles missed by the brush. Any stubborn tangles or mats should prompt immediate professional attention.
Bathing a tangled or matted coat without proper drying and brushing can exacerbate the problem, so it's crucial to brush and comb your pet before and after bathing, especially if they frequently get wet in various environments. For regular swimmers or water enthusiasts, incorporating a home bathing and drying routine, including the use of a high-velocity blow dryer, is essential for coat maintenance.
Feel free to consult us for recommendations on tools, products, and grooming techniques tailored to your doodle's coat care needs. We're here to support you in establishing an effective grooming routine for your furry companion! If you are still having trouble with at home maintenance, we offer training sessions at an hourly rate where we show you step by step how to manage your dogs coat.
