When Should I Start Grooming My Doodle or Poodle?
Spoiler: Sooner than you think.
Whether you’ve got a Doodle with dreamy waves or a Poodle with those iconic curls, here’s the truth: that gorgeous coat takes work—and it starts early.
🐾 Start Grooming Early—Like, Puppy-Early
You should start professional grooming around 10–12 weeks of age, once your puppy has had all necessary vaccines and is cleared to visit the groomer. But even before that, get your pup used to being handled, brushed, touched on the paws, ears, and face at home. Grooming should feel normal, not terrifying.
Why so soon? Because that first grooming appointment is less about the haircut and more about building a positive, stress-free experience.
🪮 Daily Brushing Is a Must (Not a Suggestion)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: if you want that fluffy coat to stay cute and cuddly, daily brushing is non-negotiable. Every. Single. Day. Use a quality slicker brush and a metal greyhound comb—because brushing without combing is like shampooing without rinsing.
And here's the hard truth:
If your comb can't glide through from root to tip, your dog has mats.
And mats aren’t just annoying—they're painful.
💨 Blow-Drying Is a Game-Changer (And Not Optional)
After a bath—whether at home or after a romp in the sprinklers—you must fully blow dry your Doodle or Poodle. Letting the coat air-dry causes wet mats, which are tight, dense clumps of hair that form close to the skin. They're nearly impossible to brush out and often require shaving. Not the look you were going for, right?
💡 Pro tip: Blow dry while brushing and combing. This keeps the coat smooth, tangle-free, and fluffy—and your groomer will love you forever.
✂️ How Often Should I Take My Doodle to the Groomer?
Your grooming schedule depends on the coat length you want and how consistent you are with brushing.
🧸 Want the fluffy teddy bear look?
Schedule grooming every 3–4 weeks.
Daily brushing and combing required.
Blow-dry after every bath.
✂️ Prefer a shorter, low-maintenance cut?
You can stretch to every 6–8 weeks.
Brushing still matters—don’t slack.
Blow-dry still required (yes, even for short coats!).
🚿 Reminder: Bathing ≠ Grooming
Bathing at home is great—but never bathe a matted dog. Wet mats get worse with water. Always brush and comb your dog before the bath. And don’t forget: blow dry, blow dry, blow dry. Did we mention blow dry?
Final Takeaways
Starting grooming early and staying on top of coat maintenance is the secret sauce to raising a healthy, happy, mat-free Doodle or Poodle. You don’t have to be a professional groomer—but you do need to be consistent.
Need help choosing the best brush, blow dryer, or comb? We’ve got you covered with [our favorite grooming essentials here]. (Link your Amazon shop or product list)
Because nothing says “responsible Doodle owner” like a fluffy, mat-free coat and a happy dog who loves their spa days.
