Grooming your Australian Labradoodle 

Quick Guide

 

The Australian Labradoodle has a beautiful, allergy-friendly coat, but because it does not shed, it requires regular maintenance to prevent matting. Here is your routine to keep your Doodle fluffy and happy.

 

1. Essential Tools

 

  • Slicker Brush: A high-quality brush with long, bent pins (e.g., Chris Christensen or similar).

  • Metal Comb: A steel "Greyhound comb" to check for mats.

  • Detangling Spray: To prevent coat breakage.

  • Blunt-nosed Scissors: For safely trimming around eyes.

 

2. The Technique: "Line Brushing"

 

Never just brush the top layer of the coat! You must brush all the way to the skin.

  • Part the hair: Use your hand to lift a section of the coat so you can see the skin.

  • Brush down: Brush the hair below the part line, starting from the skin and pulling outwards.

  • Move up: Drop a little more hair down and brush that new section.

  • Repeat: Work your way up the body, section by section.

 

3. The "Comb Test" (Very Important!)

 

After brushing with the slicker brush, take your metal comb and run it through the coat down to the skin.

  • If it glides through: Great job!

  • If it gets stuck: You have found a mat. Spray it with detangler and gently work it out with the slicker brush. Do not use scissors to cut mats out (risk of cutting skin).

 

4. Trouble Spots (Check Daily)

 

These areas mat the fastest because of friction:

  • Behind the ears.

  • The "armpits" (front legs).

  • The collar line/neck.

  • The base of the tail.

 

5. Eyes, Ears & Paws

 

  • Eyes: Gently wipe away "sleep/crust" from the corners of the eyes daily with a damp cloth. Use blunt scissors to keep vision clear if necessary.

  • Ears: Labradoodles have hairy ears. Check them weekly for smell or redness. Clean with an ear solution if needed. Keep the ears dry!

  • Paws: Check between the pads for burrs or grass seeds.

 

6. Bathing

 

  • Bathe only when dirty (every 4–6 weeks).

  • Always brush your dog BEFORE the bath. Water tightens mats!

  • Use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner.

  • Blow-dry the coat thoroughly while brushing to straighten the hair and prevent damp mats.

 

7. Professional Grooming Schedule

 

  • Puppy Groom (4–5 months): A "Sanitary & Face" trim to get them used to the salon sounds and smells.

  • Full Groom (Every 6–8 weeks): A full haircut.

  • The Puppy Coat Change (8–14 months): Your dog's adult coat will come in and tangle with the puppy coat. You must brush daily during this period, or the groomer may have to shave them short.