Doodle Everything

Doodles will be groomed throughout their lifetime. Help your new puppy by desensitizing him to blow dryers (no high heat).  Hold his foot gentle but firm and don’t let go until he surrenders then quickly praise him.  Next handle the toes and ears.  Your groomer will thank you!  Don’t bath puppy more than every three weeks.  Use extra towels when drying to minimize use of dryers.

Plan on professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and start with a mini puppy trim once fully vaccinated which is less stressful the first time.  Australian Labradoodles have a puppy coat that will begin to molt and tangle with the adult coat coming at abound 6 months.  Use a slicker or pin brush or comb and take single line sections at a time and get the brush down to the base of the skin.  Be gentle yet thorough and your dog will learn to relax and enjoy it.  Be sure to include some treats.  You should own a de-matting comb that can help cut through mats, thinning shears to cut mats out without leave blunt cuts.  You could have your doodle professionally groomed to about two inches in length to make it easier to manage.  Always leave the hair on the head and tail longer.  As for the face a simple v shape at the brow just enough to see the eyes.  Keep long hair out of ears and short hair under the ears to help keep them cool and dry.    Do not shave the face, but scissor between and just under the inside corner of the eyes.

Have your groomer view the short video of  Australia Labradoodle Association grooming.  Be sure to give feed back to your groomer if they don't get it right the first time. 

Before you bathe your doodle always brush out the entire coat.  If there are small mats you can remove them by gently combing them out a little at a time.   If the dog has a larger mat use a de-matter comb which has a small hidden blade that efficiently cuts through and breaks up the mats.  Be gently when de-matting and take small sections at a time.  Use one hand to hold the skin down and be careful not to pull hard.    If you use scissors be very careful not to cut the skin if the matt is close to the skin.  If you don't remove the mats before bathing they tighten up and get larger when you bath the dog.  When a dog gets matted over time they get close to the skin and begin to itch and pull and be painful to your dogs skin.  Use a gentle shampoo and don't bath your labradoodle more than once every three weeks.  Avoid water in the ear by pinching closed when rinsing.  The coat will maintain its luster and wont frizz if you let it dry naturally.  Use extra towels to dry extra good down to the skin to minimize the use of a blow dryer, DO NOT use heat as this can create hot spots or rashes on the skin and dry out the coat.  Don't forget to clean inside the ears canal with an anti fungal ear wash.   Hold ear straight up drop wash into the bowl of the ear and massage below the ear and wipe with cotton balls (no q-tip).  Once a week or two will help prevent ear infections.  

Feeding your dog a high-quality well balanced and regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your dog.  Good nutrition is key to keep your dog's hair coat shiny, strengthen his immune and keep his digestive system in good health.   Dog food is big business these and the choices can be overwhelming.  Read the ingredients and make sure it's high in animal or fish protein listed as the main ingredient.  High-quality food digests well and nutrients are better absorbed by the body and less waste in the yard. There is some freeze dried raw foods that are also available.  Speak with your veterinarian about diet from puppy through adult stages.  There are a few dog food companies that do actual feed trials over time.  This could be a safe bet.  Feed your dog all he can eat in 10 minutes.  Feed puppies three times a day and twice a day as they mature or free feed with dry kibble available all day just make sure to monitor a healthy weight and don't' give table food and your dog will likely be healthier and enjoy his food without holding out a table scraps.

When it comes to pet treats nearly every store has an entire aisle devoted to pet toys and treats. Select treats that are good for your dog.  Raw-Hides chewed down to smaller pieces can cause a choking hazard and larger pieces if swallowed can cause digestion problems.  Stay away from baked or cooked bones that can splinter.   Training treats that can be broken into smaller bits give you more for the money and last longer.  Bits of freeze-dried raw dog food, small pieces of cooked chicken, lunch meat or cheese are great for training treats.  Yak Milk blocks, bully sticks, and various horns and hoofs are good choices to satisfy chewing needs and help with boredom.  Treats can be hidden in a Kong or other dog puzzles for fun and mental stimulation

Start brushing puppies teeth at least twice a week as soon as you get your puppy.  Toothpaste for dogs has an enzyme in it that dissolves tartar and plaque and keeps the dog’s breath fresh for puppy kisses. Keeping your dog's teeth clean can actually reduces risk for health problems. 

Tarter can build up in a few short years and a dental treatment at the vet is expensive.  The dog must be put under anesthesia to get them cleaned with ultrasound and scaling.  This can easily run up to $500.00 or more and if you don't keep them clean expect to have a dog with bed breath and need to do it again every few years or so.  Today many vets requires blood work first that adds cost to the final bill. 

Put a little paste on a finger or soft tooth brush or let them lick a doggie toothbrush and gently hold the cheek and fur away from the gum and lightly brush.  The paste will do most of the work for you and the puppy should get used to it if your consistent.   There are flavors that dogs love.  Give treats each time when finished as a reward.