Grooming a Goldendoodle - Best Looking Dog on the Block

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming a Goldendoodle

Grooming doodles requires the right tools and methods. This guide covers essential tools, coat-specific tips, and grooming routines. Keep your Goldendoodle healthy and well-groomed.


  • Selecting the right grooming tools, such as a slicker brush, dog clippers, grooming scissors, and a metal comb (greyhound comb works great), is crucial for maintaining your Goldendoodle's coat
  • Goldendoodles can have curly, wavy, or straight coats, each with specific grooming needs for the dog's coat, such as regular brushing and conditioning to prevent mats and tangles
  • A comprehensive grooming routine for Goldendoodles includes brushing, trimming, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and bathing, with consistent at-home care and professional grooming appointments every 4–6 weeks

Essential Grooming Tools for Your Goldendoodle

Having the right set of tools is key to grooming your Goldendoodle effectively.


Here are some essential tools you'll need:


  • Slicker brush: indispensable for removing loose hair and preventing mats in your dog's coat
  • Dog clippers: crucial for trimming the coat to maintain an even length and manage shedding
  • Grooming scissors: for refining the cut in sensitive areas such as around the eyes and feet
  • Metal comb: to detangle mats and maintain a smooth, knot-free coat
  • Line brush: important for grooming through tangles before bathing or trimming, especially for doodles. Use it methodically by working through the fur in sections to ensure the skin is visible, applying gentleness and care due to the dense, curly coat


Goldendoodles, one of the popular like mini goldendoodle poodle mix, can have a variety of Poodle coat types, including a thick coat, each requiring specific grooming techniques.


  • Slicker brush: indispensable for removing loose hair and preventing mats in your dog's coat
  • Dog clippers: crucial for trimming the coat to maintain an even length and manage shedding
  • Grooming scissors: for refining the cut in sensitive areas such as around the eyes and feet
  • Metal comb: to detangle mats and maintain a smooth, knot-free coat
  • Line brush: important for grooming through tangles before bathing or trimming, especially for doodles. Use it methodically by working through the fur in sections to ensure the dog's skin is visible, applying gentleness and care due to the dense, curly coat


With these tools, you'll be able to keep your own dogs, like your Goldendoodle, looking clean and well-groomed. The grooming process also benefits from the use of supplementary tools. A dematting tool can help manage stubborn mats that might form despite regular brushing. Small scissors are ideal for trimming around the eyes, ensuring your Goldendoodle's vision is unobstructed and their appearance tidy. With these tools at your disposal, grooming appointments can be less stressful and more efficient, leading to a healthier and happier dog.

Understanding Your Goldendoodle's Coat Types

Goldendoodles, one of the popular like the mini goldendoodle poodle mix, can have a variety of coat types, including a thick coat, each requiring specific grooming techniques. The three main types are:


  • Curly coat: Often inherited from the Poodle parent, it is dense and prone to matting, necessitating frequent grooming
  • Wavy coat: A mix of both parents, it has loose waves and requires regular brushing to prevent tangles
  • Straight coat: Resembling more of the golden retriever dog parent, it is less prone to matting but still needs regular maintenance


Knowing your Goldendoodle's coat type is fundamental to grooming them effectively. Genetics play a significant role in determining the coat type, with some dogs inheriting a double coat for the Goldendoodle Hair cut (dense undercoat and longer overcoat) or a single coat from the Poodle side. Each coat type has its own set of grooming requirements, which we'll delve into in the following sections.


Curly Coats

Due to their dense, tight curls, Goldendoodles with curly coats require a specific grooming routine. Daily brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb is essential to prevent tangles and mats. Removing dead hair during the brushing process is crucial to ensure a smooth grooming experience and to prevent tangles. The slicker brush handles the dense curls effectively, while the metal comb ensures the coat is free from tangles down to the skin. During the brushing process, being gentle and patient is of utmost importance. Start with line brushing, which involves brushing one section at a time from the bottom up, to avoid pulling or hurting the dog. This routine not only keeps the coat clean but also ensures your Goldendoodle's comfort and health.


Wavy Coats

The loose waves of a wavy-coated Goldendoodle's hair necessitate regular grooming to stay in top condition. Ensuring that all the hair is groomed thoroughly is crucial to prevent mats and tangles. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils across all the hair and coat, keeping it moisturized and less prone to matting. Using a pin brush is effective for working through the wavy texture without causing damage. Using rich conditioners and shampoos that help loosen curls and prevent mats is key to keeping the coat clean and well-moisturized. This ensures the coat remains soft, shiny, and manageable, making grooming sessions more pleasant for both you, the professional groomer, and your Goldendoodle.


Straight Coats

Though it generally tends to be longer, the hair of straight-coated Goldendoodles resembles that of fur in a Golden Retriever's coat. This type of coat requires less maintenance compared to curly and wavy coats but still needs regular grooming to prevent tangles. Using a comb can help remove any tangles that do form, ensuring the coat remains smooth and healthy after a blow dry.

Step-by-Step Goldendoodle Grooming Routine

To keep your Goldendoodle looking and feeling their best, a comprehensive grooming routine is necessary. Trimming ear hair is also important to maintain a polished appearance. This routine includes:


  • Brushing
  • Trimming
  • Ear cleaning
  • Nail clipping
  • Bathing


Maintaining the health and hygiene of your dog's hair and skin is crucial, and it's important to groom your dog regularly. Don't forget the teeth and use only high quality dog shampoo and toothpaste. Before any other grooming activities, it's important to start with line brushing to remove tangles and mats. This is followed by bathing, where a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner are used to clean the coat thoroughly. Grooming dogs also involves a post bath and often an after-bath almost as you begin their first bath and grooming session, where brushing is done while the coat is still wet to ensure any remaining tangles are addressed over the entire dog. The final steps include trimming the coat, cleaning the ears, and nail trimming with nail clippers again, each requiring specific tools and techniques for optimal results and for the dog calm is best.


Brushing the Coat with a Slicker Brush

To prevent matting and tangling, it's necessary to brush your Goldendoodle's coat regularly. For this a grooming table can help a whole lot. If you are unsure about trimming sensitive areas on your dog's body or face, consider seeking help from a professional dog groomer. Here are some tips for brushing your Goldendoodle's coat:


  • Brush your Goldendoodle's coat 2–3 times a week
  • For wavy coats, brushing at least once every two days is recommended
  • Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair
  • Use a metal comb to detangle any knots


By following these tips, you can keep your Goldendoodle's coat healthy and free from matting. Regular brushing has several benefits for dogs:


  • Keeps the coat clean
  • Distributes natural oils, promoting a healthy shine
  • Helps puppies get accustomed to the grooming process, making future sessions less stressful for both the dog and the owner


Trimming the Coat with Dog Clippers

For maintaining the shape and health of your Goldendoodle's coat, regular trimming is crucial. Using dog clippers with a #10 blade is recommended for a sanitary clip and shave, especially around sensitive areas like the face, legs, feet, and sanitary region. Grooming scissors are used to refine the cut and ensure an even trim. Special attention should be given while trimming around the eyes, ears, and paws to avoid any injury. Thinning shears or blunt-tipped scissors are ideal for really getting at in order to better trim in these areas. Proper nail trimming also not only enhances your Goldendoodle's appearance but also prevents potential infections and maintains hygiene.


Cleaning the Ears

Keeping your dog's ears, especially Goldendoodle's, clean is a significant part of the grooming routine. Trimming the ear flap is also crucial to prevent moisture buildup and potential infections. Use an ear cleaning solution or wet wipes to gently clean both of the dog's ear, being careful not to push anything too far into the ear canal to prevent ear infections as they usually have a long ear flat Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections and ensures your Toy Goldendoodles ears remain healthy.


Clipping the Nails

To prevent overgrowth of nails and discomfort, it's necessary to clip or trim your Goldendoodle's nails every 4–6 weeks as part of the overall doodle grooming. A guillotine-style nail clipper is recommended for this task. Be careful to avoid cutting too close to the quick, as this can cause pain and injury.


Bathing Your Goldendoodle

As part of the grooming routine, bathing your Goldendoodle is a crucial step. Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to clean the coat thoroughly, ensuring all residue is rinsed out to prevent buildup. Let the shampoo sit for 3-5 minutes to release dirt and grime before rinsing with lukewarm water to rinse off. Conditioning the coat keeps it soft and manageable, making brushing easier and more effective. Regular baths every 3 to 6 weeks help maintain the coat's health and shine.

Additional Grooming Tasks

Teeth cleaning is an essential part of Goldendoodle grooming that often gets overlooked. Regular brushing of your dog's teeth can help prevent tartar buildup, reduce bad breath, and promote overall oral health.

Teeth Cleaning

Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and aim to brush your dog's teeth at least once a week. Pay special attention to the areas where the teeth and gums meet, as this is a common spot for tartar buildup. Regular teeth cleaning not only keeps your Goldendoodle's mouth healthy but also contributes to their overall well-being.

Paw Pad Care

Goldendoodles' paw pads can become dry and cracked, especially during the winter months. To keep your dog's paw pads healthy, apply a paw balm or wax regularly. This will help to moisturize and protect the paw pads, reducing the risk of cracking and irritation. Additionally, you can trim the hair around your dog's paw pads to prevent matting and tangling. Regular care of the paw pads ensures your Goldendoodle remains comfortable and can enjoy their walks and playtime without any discomfort.

Maintaining a Regular Grooming Schedule

For your Goldendoodle's health and comfort, it's vital to maintain a regular grooming schedule. Regular grooming prevents mats, reduces the risk of skin problems, and ensures the coat remains healthy. A combination of at-home grooming and professional grooming appointments every 4–6 weeks is recommended for optimal care. Consistent grooming helps avoid severe matting and keeps your Goldendoodle looking their best. It also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues, lumps, or parasites that may require veterinary attention.

Special Considerations for Goldendoodle Grooming

While Goldendoodles are known for their hypoallergenic coat, some dogs may still experience allergies or skin irritations.

Dealing with Allergies

If your dog has allergies, it's essential to use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners. You may also need to avoid using certain grooming tools, such as metal combs or brushes with metal pins, as these can irritate the skin. Regular grooming can help to reduce the risk of skin irritations and allergies, but if your dog experiences persistent skin problems, consult with a veterinarian or professional groomer for advice. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle's grooming routine is both effective and comfortable for them.

Tips for Grooming a Puppy

For goldendoodle puppies, it's important to start grooming at 10-12 weeks of age. Introduce grooming tools and activities gradually to help them get accustomed to the process.


This early training helps prevent anxiety and makes future grooming sessions easier for both the puppy and the owner. Use gentle techniques and make grooming a positive experience with lovings and praises. This builds a positive association with grooming, ensuring you can successfully groom a goldendoodle while keeping them calm and cooperative during sessions.

Professional Grooming vs. DIY Grooming

A professional dog groomer who provides comprehensive care all around for your goldendoodle.

These include:


  • Health checks that can identify skin conditions, lumps, or parasites at an early stage
  • Thorough care without adding to your busy schedule
  • Specific tools and techniques tailored to your Goldendoodle's coat type, minimizing the risk of skin irritation or coat damage


DIY grooming, on the other hand, allows for more control and bonding with your pet. It can be a rewarding experience, but it requires time, patience, and the right tools. Balancing both professional and DIY grooming can offer the best care for your Goldendoodle.

Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid

Painful matting and stressful full grooming sessions can be the result of inconsistent grooming. Avoid neglecting areas like:

  • The belly
  • Armpits
  • Tail
  • Ears
  • Neck
  • Face


These areas can become hotspots for pest infestations. Shaving too long hairs close to the skin can cause razor burn and potential infections, so it's important to use the right tools and techniques. Additionally, letting your Goldendoodle outside immediately after grooming can result in them getting dirty again, undoing all your hard work.

Key Takeaways


Grooming your Goldendoodle is a rewarding task that ensures their health, comfort, and appearance. By understanding their coat type, using the right tools, and maintaining a regular grooming schedule. You can keep your Goldendoodle looking and feeling their best. Remember, consistent grooming not only keeps your pet clean but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

Grooming a Goldendoodle Freshly
            Groomed
Grooming a Goldendoodle Maggies
            First Groom
Grooming a Goldendoodle Tuckers
            has his First Groom Session

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I groom my Goldendoodle myself?

Yes, you can groom your Goldendoodle yourself with the right tools and techniques. Regular brushing with a slicker brush, trimming with dog clippers, and using grooming scissors for sensitive areas can maintain their coat. Ensure a gentle approach for an enjoyable experience.

How often should a Goldendoodle be groomed?

Goldendoodles should be groomed every 4–6 weeks for a full grooming session, including trimming and ear cleaning. Regular brushing, about 2–3 times a week, is essential to keep their coat free from mats and tangles. Consistent grooming helps maintain a healthy and shiny coat.

How do I clean my Goldendoodle's ears?

To clean your Goldendoodle's ears, use an ear cleaning solution or wet wipes to gently clean the ears, being careful not to push anything too far into the ear canal.

What is the best groom cut for a Goldendoodle?

The best groomer cut for a Goldendoodle is the Teddy Bear Cut. This style keeps the coat at a consistent length, around 1–2 inches, for a fluffy appearance. Regular trimming helps maintain this look, ensuring the coat is free from mats and tangles while highlighting their adorable features.

Should I brush my Goldendoodle wet or dry?

It's best to brush your Goldendoodle's coat when it's dry. Brushing a wet coat can lead to breakage and damage. Use a slicker brush for regular grooming to remove dead hair and prevent mats. For stubborn tangles, apply a detangling spray before brushing.