Doodle Care by Groomzbyem

11/28/2021

11/28/2021

08/09/2021

I know I haven’t been good about posting on here. I am now on tik tok! Stay tuned for grooming videos and tips

groomzbyem () has created a short video on TikTok with music Blue Blood. | Spa day 🛁🧼✂️🐶

03/18/2021

HOW DO YOU FIND A GROOMER?

If you’ve never had a dog that needed groomed, or if it’s your first dog, trying to find a groomer can be overwhelming! There are lots of independent grooming salons as well as chains and larger corporate owned places. As you think about what you want for your pup’s grooming here are a few questions to start with:

📌How often can you bring your dog in?

Most doodles need groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. When you find a groomer you like, you should be able to book grooms in advance and create a schedule for your dog! This will make everyone’s life easier in terms of your pups grooming and your groomer’s schedule!

📌What is your price range?

Grooming pricing varies by each establishment. For large scale corporate owned grooming salons (like Petco or PetSmart) their pricing will be different than say a private grooming salon that is a small business.
For doodles grooming can cost anywhere from $40 to upwards of $150 depending on the size, coat and type of cut you want. Do your research and check your budget!

📌What is your dog’s temperament?

You know your dog best! If they are crazy and hyper, you’ll probably need to find a groomer with a little extra patience. Tell your groomer about your dog’s needs help your dog get used to at home grooming like brushing! If your dog is easy to groom, finding a groomer will be easier as well!

📌What is your home grooming routine?

If you have been brushing your puppy since day one and want to keep their coat long and flowing, that is the correct combination! If you have never touched a brush and you want your pup to have long luscious curls, you will probably find that’s not possible.
Groomers can only do so much when your dog comes in to be groomed. If you don’t brush them and keep on top of coat maintenance at home, you will probably need to have your pup shaved down. If you brush your dog and keep their coat in tip top shape, your groomer will love having you as a client!

Okay! Time to find your groomer! Here are some tips to help your search:

📌Do your research!

📌Don’t think you have to go to the groomer who has the first opening, take your time looking

📌Read reviews for the salon and the groomers

📌Get to know a few grooming terms

This is super helpful when it comes to communicating what you want! For example,a “puppy cut” might mean something different to each groomer. For me, a puppy cut means a clip that is the same length all over!

📌Set up a meet and greet for you and your pup!

This can be done the day of your groom, or in advance if you want to make sure you are comfortable with the groomer.

📌Ask questions!

Dont be afraid to talk to the groomer about concerns and questions you have. They should be more than happy to talk to you!

📌Always try to meet the groomer before leaving your pup! Face to face is best!
Grooming shouldn’t be impersonal

📌Communicate, communicate, communicate!

Ask all your questions, tell the groomer what you want, listen to them if they give you advice on home care, or what cut would be best for your dog

03/18/2021

Hey everyone! 👋

I’ve seen a lot of likes coming in for this page lately. I’m sorry it hasn’t been updated in so long!

I’ll be doing a post on how to communicate with your groomer so your doodle doesn’t get “poodled”
And how to find a good groomer!

If there are other questions/post ideas please feel free to comment or message! 😁🐾

11/05/2020

Hey everyone! 👋

I’ve noticed an increase of likes on this page recently and wanted to get back into posting! I have tons of cute doods I will post pictures of, but let me know questions or posts you’d like to see!

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

05/16/2020

Some examples of guard comb grooms!

📌 Note: a puppy cut for me means a groom that is the same length all over. Some groomers define it differently so make sure to ask about it if you want a puppy cut! It could mean something different to your groomer!

05/15/2020

There are lots of ways to groom a dog. Most doodles get groomed with clippers and scissor trimming. The outcome of the groom depends on a lot more than just the length of the hair, but it’s a good place to start as you learn about the grooming process.

So let’s start with BLADES AND GUARD COMBS

🐾 When grooming with clippers your groomer will use either a blade with a set length, or a blade with a guard comb over it, which will affect the length of the hair.
🐾 The lengths vary with #40 blade (0.6mm) being used for removing paw pad hair to a guard comb attachment which will leave the hair 2”.
🐾 2” is the longest guard comb I have, so that is the longest I can leave a doodle with clippers. If a client wants the hair longer, then I hand scissor using just shears to trim and shape the dog.
🐾 When a groomer does a shave down on a dog they usually use a #7 blade (3.2mm). This blade can get underneath matts near the skin and get matted coat off your pup. It is the best option if your dog is matted!
🐾 Guard combs are very versatile. I use them for the majority of my grooms. If a dog is matted, however, I will go to a blade.

Take a look at the blade reference chart by Oster! I have also put a picture of what guard combs look like. They fit over a blade, most often 30 or 10, and leave the hair a certain length.

I will post pictures of what lengths look like on different dogs!

05/15/2020

I’ll be making a post about how to find a good groomer!
What are questions you want answered in regards to that subject?
I will try to answer them in the post!

05/15/2020

How do you tell your groomer what type of cut you want for your doodle? 🤔

It can be hard to try and communicate what type of look you want your doodle to have. And if you don’t know grooming terms you can be left going ⁉️ when your groomer asks if you want a #4 blade.

I will be doing a couple posts about how to communicate with your groomer and the terms you might hear in reference to grooming!

For this first post I’ll share a collection of photos of various doodles with different coat types and different grooms. Each photo has the info for length of the groom for the head and body, along with a description of the coat type!
Feel free to save a photo if you love the look! It will help your groomer recreate it for your doodle!

❗️Keep in mind each doodle and each groomer is different.
🐾 If you have a curly doodle but want it to look more like a shaggy one, you can’t change the coat to achieve that look!
🐾 Every groomer is different in terms of skill level and experience. Talk to your groomer and see what magic they can work!

It is not a one size fits all when you say “doodle cut.” Hopefully these posts will help you find the look you want for your dood and then be able to communicate with your groomer to achieve it!

Stay tuned! 🐾🥰✂️

05/09/2020

Hey everyone! 👋

Apologies for the lack of posts! COVID has taken its toll on my salon and we were finally able to reopen this past week! We are taking extra precautions for human to human contact. But it’s time to get these dogs looking like themselves again!

Speaking of which, how is your dood? Looking a little bit like Kingston here?
Mr. Kingston was long over due! I forgot to get an after photo of him on the table 😓 But he was the best boy! His owners do a great job keeping his coat matt free!

If you are in my area and need to get your pup in for a long overdue groom please reach out!

https://www.barkdogbar.com/grooming

I will also be trying to keep posting regularly with tips and care info for your pups! 🥰

04/01/2020

Hey everyone! 👋 This is a continuation of my Q&A for puppy grooming.

🐾What should I do at home to help get my puppy used to grooming?

Start by thinking about what your puppy will have done at the groomers. They’ll need to be okay with being brushed, bathed, blow dryed, getting their nails clipped, having all areas of their body handled, being around loud noises on occasion, and especially standing still when they need to.

Reward your puppy with treats and praise as you brush them and get them used to being touched by a person. Handle their paws, their tail, ears, legs, etc so that they know it’s okay for someone to hold their paw for example. Treats are a great way to help with positive reinforcement for grooming!

You can give them a bath at home to help get them used to the water. Use treats and go slow to show them it’s not something that is scary. To get them used to the blow dryer, it helps to let them hear the sound first before trying to use the blow dryer. Use treats and talk to them calmly and reassure them it’s okay.

Your puppy will have to get used to a number of things as they grow. You’ll be acclimating your puppy to things like the vacuum, other dogs, walking on a leash, doing basic training, etc. Getting them used to grooming is just another part of what they will learn about as they mature! 😊

03/30/2020

HELP! I got a new puppy and I don’t know anything about grooming!! What do I do??? 🥺🤔

I get asked questions like these a lot. Especially by new doodle owners. Grooming is an essential part of your doodle’s health. Starting your dog on their grooming journey can seem overwhelming for you and your pup. Hopefully this post will help put you at ease and answer some of your questions!

I’ll be doing a Q&A format with posts to make it easy for you to find which questions you want answered! I will try to answer the most common questions I get, but feel free to comment with other questions you might have!

Let’s get started with one of the most common questions I get asked!

🐾 How old should my puppy be to get groomed?

There is no set age for when to start grooming your pup. I always recommend starting with home grooming to get your puppy used to bare basics like brushing. You can start these sort of things from the moment you get your puppy.

For a professional grooming, I recommend doing a “puppy grooming” to start. Each grooming salon is different, but most should offer something along the lines of a puppy package. It should include bath, blow dry, nail trim, sanitary trim, paw pad shave and any trimming that may need done to clear hair out of the eyes or around the paws or tail.

I recommend doing a puppy groom anywhere from 3 months to 6 months. Some puppies may be okay with starting even younger. I got my poodle pup at 8 weeks old, so she has been in the salon getting used to grooming since I got her. She has done great with every aspect of grooming. Her breeder was actually a groomer as well, so she got used to grooming even earlier than 8 weeks, which is why I felt comfortable bringing her into the salon with me once I brought her home.

You know your puppy best. If they are easy going and respond great to everything new you introduce, then you might try bringing them to a professional groomer before 3 months, even if it’s just for a bath and brush.

For a full groom, it depends on how long you want to keep your pup, and how well you keep them brushed out at home. Generally doodles need groomed every 4 to 6 weeks depending on their coat and your home maintenance. Talk to your groomer when you take your pup in for their puppy groom. They can help get a schedule together for your pup based on their coat and how much at home maintenance you are willing to do!

Coat maintenance at home is so important! Especially brushing! This will help ensure your puppy's coat is matt free so your first groom won’t have to be a shave down! I’ll be doing a post on home grooming, so keep an eye out for that! 😊

03/27/2020

Hey everyone! 👋 Hope y’all are staying indoors and staying safe! This is a great time to get into a good brushing routine and make sure your pup’s coat remains matt free until you are able to get back to your groomer!

This is a video I made before we closed for COVID 19. Here I show how to brush out a matt using a dematter, slicker brush and a comb. This dog is Gunner, an older goldendoodle I groom. He’s a sweetheart! 🥰

NOTE: this matt was minor, mostly undercoat tangles. If your dog has a more severe matt, you may need an alternative method, like shaving.

TIP: gently holding the fur above the matt to create some tension can help to get the dematter under the matt

As always BE SAFE! If you are unsure about brushing the matt out, or if your dog is uncomfortable, don’t try and force the matt out!

Happy brushing everyone! Stay safe! 😊

03/20/2020

Ollie says stay safe everyone! These are some crazy times. 🥺
If you’re stuck at home don’t forget to give your dood some love and a nice brushing! 🤓🥰

03/16/2020

Let’s talk EAR HEALTH! 👏

Dogs’ ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From the pointy ears of the schnauzer, to the long floppy ears of the bloodhound. Each dog’s ears are different, but anatomically, they all share the same structure.

If you look into your dog’s ear, you will see what looks like a straight canal. However, a dog’s ear canal is actually shaped like an L. This means there is a vertical canal, the part which we can see by just observing, and a horizontal canal, which extends to the actual ear cavity. Just like our ears, your dog’s ears can house dirt, yeast and wax buildup, which needs to be cleaned out in order to maintain proper ear health.

Healthy ears are odorless, clean, usually slightly pink in color, and not inflamed or irritated. Some dogs have hair that grows inside the ear canal. This hair occurs naturally in certain breeds, like shih tzus and poodles, and extends to mixed dogs like doodles. Sometimes, the hair can cause problems by preventing air flow and trapping debris inside the ear. Ear plucking is a common practice to help reduce that inner ear hair and keep the canal clean.

Is ear plucking good or bad? It really depends on the dog! If the dog has a history of ear issues like infections, plucking the hair can help to keep the canal clean and let air flow, which can help reduce the risk of infections. If your dog’s ears have always been healthy, then a little hair in the canal isn’t hurting anything. Sometimes plucking in certain dogs can irritate the ear and cause further problems. In this case, keeping the hair within the ear trimmed down is best. If you are curious as to whether or not your dog may need their ear hair plucked or trimmed, there are a few signs you can watch out for, but a visit to your vet is always a good option if you are concerned.

Your dog’s ears may need looked at if:
👂There is a strange, semi sweet, ye**ty odor
👂You can see lots of dirt and wax buildup
👂Your dog seems irritated by his/her ears (scratching, whining, head shaking, sensitivity, etc)
👂There is discharge from the ear

Check out the photos attached to this post to get an idea of what normal, versus abnormal looks like when it comes to a healthy ear.

You can clean your dog’s ears yourself, or have your vet or groomer clean them for you if you are nervous. If you want to clean them yourself, make sure you have a few things on hand:
👂A vet approved ear cleaner
👂Cotton balls
👂A towel
👂Treats
👂A helper (if your dog doesn't like his/her ears handled)

You never want to use cotton swabs to clean your dog’s ears as they can push debris further into the ear canal and cause potential damage to the inner ear if used forcefully.

To clean your dog’s ears follow these steps:
1. Gently lift your dog's ear flap
2. With the other hand, take your ear cleaner and place the tip of the bottle into the opening
3. Squeeze the cleaner into the ear until you can see it at the canal opening
4. Put the cleaner aside and taking your free hand, massage the base of the ear for around 10 seconds (this is where the towel comes in handy)
5. Use a cotton ball to help dab up excess liquid
6. Release the ear and let them shake
7. Repeat if necessary if there is still dirt

Sometimes it is easier to saturate a cotton ball in cleaner and use it to clean in the ears instead of putting the cleaner directly into the ears.

❗️If you suspect your dog might have an ear infection, DO NOT attempt to clean their ears! Take them to the vet!

Always use care when cleaning your dog’s ears! Ask your vet or groomer to show you how to clean them if you would like to do it yourself. I will post a video of how to clean ears as well! 😁

03/16/2020

Happy Sunday from Murphy! 🤗
His momma loves the shaggy look. For his head I actually trim it like a barber would! 🤣
No clippers, all sc******ng, pulling out sections of hair and trimming layers. It’s a bit unconventional, but it works! 😊

03/15/2020

DOES MY DOG NEED SHAVED?

No owner wants to hear that their fluffy pup needs sheared down. Won’t they look like a rat with all their hair gone? Won’t they be cold? Will they feel bad that they are naked?

When people think of doodles they think of big, soft balls of fluff. But keeping those long coats matt free takes a lot of work! The biggest misconception I see when people get a new doodle is that they won’t need to brush them, which isn’t true. You need to brush your doodle!!! Let me explain why.

Because doodles are a mixed breed dog, you need to take into account what two coat types are at play with your pup. The first is a poodle coat. Poodles are known for their natural curls, which are often styled into poms. Their coat doesn’t shed like double coated breeds, but requires a stiff upkeep schedule if you want them to have a long coat. When you mix the poodle coat with say a lab or a golden retriever, you are adding in another factor to the predisposition of the coat.

A dog’s genes tell the coat how to grow. Breeds like bulldogs, labs, cattle dogs, boxers, and other short haired dogs are all programmed to have short coats. Their genes tell the coat to stop growing when it reaches a certain point. On the other end of the spectrum, dogs like yorkies, poodles, and shih tzus have coats programmed to grow long, luxurious locks of hair, which require a lot of brushing to keep the coat gorgeous and matt free.

Since doodles are poodles mixed with other breeds, their coats take on a whole new pattern of growth. Some doodles get the tight curls like a poodle, while others can be floppy, or straight like a retriever. Regardless of which other breed your doodle is mixed with, there will always be poodle genes in them. This also includes doodles which are several generations from their original poodle sire or dame. Poodles require brushing and regular grooming, so because your doodle is part poodle, they will need the same! Breeding double coating dogs like labs with poodles also contributes to the possibility of matting.

Unfortunately, lots of owners aren’t given accurate information when they get a pup. I’ve heard owners tell me their breeder told them not to get the dog groomed till they were one, and as a result, the groom was a shave down to the skin because of severe matting. I hate having to shave down a doodle when their owner wanted them to be fluffy, but if the matting reaches a point where it cannot be brushed out, shaving is always what is best for the dog.

So let’s talk about matts. Matting occurs for several reasons. Coat changes, like the tradition from puppy to adult coat can pose a big risk for matts since the adult coat tends to be more hardy and can tangle with the soft puppy coat. Friction, water, foreign objects, and undercoat shedding can all also cause matts to form. A matt forms when the hair becomes tangled with itself.

When a dog is severely matted, their fur can essentially create a pelt. This prevents natural airflow, doesn’t allow for temperature regulation, and can hide a myriad of skin issues and pests like fleas. Matting can also cut off circulation if it gets too severe, and can keep f***s and other excrements close to the skin, causing irritation.

In short, when your dog is too matted to be brushed out, it is in your dog’s best interests to shave them and start fresh. If you cannot brush out the matts in your dog’s fur, schedule an appointment with your groomer to see what is the best option. Groomers do have tools that can help get stubborn matts out, but we can’t work miracles unfortunately. In the end we always want to do what is best for your dog, which might be shaving.

Groomers sometimes get a bad rap for “being lazy” and shaving down doodles, however this is not the case. We hate seeing clients disappointed that their dog needs shaved, but when we say that shaving is best for your dog, we sincerely mean it. A good groomer should always put the health and well being of your dog first and should take the time to hear your concerns and help to find a solution that is best for your pup. 😊

03/14/2020

This is my standard poodle and I during a brushing session. I have had her since she was 8 weeks and have worked with her on grooming since the day I got her. This is a great example of what to aim for in conditioning your pup to brushing. My poodle is relaxed and lets me comb through her whole coat. She usually gets a treat after, or during the session.

This takes time! Don’t be discouraged if your brushing sessions consist more of zoomies and nibbling on your brushes. That’s how our sessions started. This was after 4 months of patience and dedication to regular brushing and positive reinforcement. All it takes is time, love, and some treats of course! 😋

03/14/2020

SAFETY TIPS FOR BRUSHING:

Ideally brushing should be a stress free routine for you and your pup! But not every pup will tolerate a brush out. Always work with your dog and don’t force them to do things they aren’t comfortable with! Use treats and positive reinforcement to help make brushing something fun! Brushing is also a good way for you to check your dog for any lumps, scabs, injuries, bumps, etc.

Be careful in areas where there are lots of nerves or things like blood vessels. For example, the ears have lots of blood vessels. Always brush and dematt your dog’s ears slowly and carefully. Using too much force can cause a hematoma, which can lead to pain and could involve a trip to the vet depending on the severity of the bleeding. If your dog has matts on their ears that you are afraid to dematt because they are too close to the skin, go to your groomer and have them take a look! They will tell you the next step to take!

Doodles tend to have sensitive skin, so be aware that too much brushing, or being too forceful can cause skin irritation. It’s good practice to keep an eye on your dog’s skin and watch for excess dandruff, red raw areas, excess itching, etc. Allergies play a big part in skin irritation. If you notice your pup licking their paws, itching a lot, or red areas on their skin, schedule a trip to your vet and ask for their advice on what to do. Your groomer can also help recommend a soothing mud bath or medicated conditioner to help in the meantime.

Never try to force a matt out of your dog’s fur! If the matts are too close to the skin, it might be time to schedule a trip to the groomer to see if a shave down might be needed. Trying to dematt a coat that needs shaved is stressful and painful for the dog. Remember if it comes to it, shaving your dog is for their benefit! The hair will always grow back and you get a chance to start fresh with your brushing routine! 😁

I will be posting about shaving soon and why it is necessary at times, along with how to avoid it if you can!

03/13/2020

SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, AND SPRAYS:

Nobody likes a stinky, dirty dog. 😝 And doodles can get dirty very quickly! One muddy puddle is all it takes! 😬

There is always the option to take your pup to a self wash, or to your groomer for a bath and brush out. But if you want to give your pup a quick rinse at home, I’ve attached some photos and info of shampoos and conditioners I recommend!

Make sure you are working the shampoo and conditioner into the coat. Follow the directions on the bottle to see mixing ratios as some products are more concentrated.

I like to follow up a bath with some dematting spray. I spray it on the dog while still wet and brush it through the coat. These sprays are great tools to help loosen some of those tangles! Check out the photos for which ones I like!

As with any new product you introduce to your pup, make sure to monitor them to see if there are any allergic reactions. If your pup does have a history of allergies, I recommend using an oatmeal based shampoo and conditioner, along with a nice mineral mud bath to help lock in moisture and leave them silky smooth!

03/13/2020

BRUSHING YOUR DOODLE:

When brushing a doodle I like to start with the slicker/and or pin brush. Brush out the whole coat and don’t forget the tail! I like to start on the back and make my way down the legs, tail and finally the head last.

Next I move onto the comb. You will want to comb through the coat to make sure there are no tangles that got missed. If you encounter a tangle or matt that your comb can’t pass through, then it’s time to break out the dematter.

The dematter helps to break up the matts, especially ones that are closer to the skin. The best way to use the one I recommended is with a scooping motion. Think of it as gently scooping the matt out using little strokes. The teeth on the dematter are serrated ever so slightly to help cut through matts. You never want to use the dematter as a saw and try to rip through the matt with it! This can harm your dog and it’s not a pleasant experience.

There are a couple areas that prone to matting, so make sure you can get your comb all the way through the fur in these spots:
Behind the ears
Under the chin
Inside of the legs
Top of the rear by where the tail connects
The tail itself
Ears (if they are long)

As with everything, the safety and comfort of your dog should be your first priority when it comes to brushing. If you can’t get the comb or dematter through an area because the matt is too close to the skin, then it is probably best to go see your groomer and talk about whether or not the coat will need shaved.

I know the thought of shaving down your fluffy pup is a doodle owner’s nightmare, and I understand. I’ll be doing a separate post on when the coat is too mated and it’s time to shave, so keep an eye out for that! I will also be posting a video at some point showing how to properly brush your pup! 😊

03/13/2020

Here are the tools you will need to help keep your dog’s coat matt free!

TOOLS:

I use a variety of brushes and combs with my doodles. There are lots of great options so I want to highlight a few of my favorites!

Slicker brush: great for an everyday brush

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=slicker+brush+for+dogs&i=pets&crid=13TR8ZMSZMKZS&sprefix=Slicker+b%2Cpets%2C160&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9

Pin brush: I like to use this with doodles who have really dense fur, it can get closer to the skin as you brush them out and help dislodge tangles there

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pin+brush+for+dogs&i=pets&crid=FXNJJYH5RL2R&sprefix=Pin+%2Cpets%2C164&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4

Comb: this is your best friend when brushing your doodle!

https://www.amazon.com/Andis-2-Inch-Steel-Comb-65730/dp/B004UTDHP2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3FWNW3LBSJPLS&dchild=1&keywords=comb+for+dogs+with+long+hair&qid=1584070370&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=Comb+for+%2Cpets%2C170&sr=1-5

Dematter: used to help break up matts and tangles

https://www.amazon.com/Safari-Matting-Pet-Supplies-Accessories/dp/B0002ARR2W/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDEw-ac_d_pm&crid=28W2RKABXTECB&cv_ct_cx=dematting+tool+for+dogs&dchild=1&keywords=dematting+tool+for+dogs&pd_rd_i=B0002ARR2W&pd_rd_r=8e0a73d7-aea1-402f-83d6-29d302a65f6b&pd_rd_w=OYqnw&pd_rd_wg=ZuxGX&pf_rd_p=516e6e17-ed95-417b-b7a4-ad2c7b9cbae3&pf_rd_r=SS3YPYH2D9REEGQFKHE2&psc=1&qid=1584127934&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=Dema%2Cpets%2C158

There are lots of different tools on the market to brush your dog with. Choosing the right tool for you and your dog can be difficult. Talk with your groomer about what their thoughts are regarding your dog’s coat! And stay tuned for a brushing routine! 😁

03/13/2020

I’d like to start off by answering the number one question I get regarding doodles:

HOW DO I BRUSH MY DOODLE??

Brushing is essential to keeping your dog’s coat in tip top shape. There are lots of products on the market to help your brushing sessions be successful and efficient. I’ll be posting info about tools you’ll need, conditioner and sprays, tips and tricks, and what to do when your dog’s coat is too matted to brush out.

Keep an eye out for the posts! I hope this info will help!

03/13/2020

Hey everyone! So excited to start this page! I’ll be doing regular posts about general care for your doods, along with answering questions you guys may have!