Maintaining Your Pup

---

This will depend on a few factors. The general rule is every 6 weeks for the healthiest skin, coat, and nails. Some pups require more frequent pampering. A few can make it a little longer. Let's look at a couple scheduling tricks that will save you some money (less frequent visits can end up costing you more), and keep your pup in tip-top shape!

Short coated breeds, like beagles, bulldogs, dalmatians, etc. These types are often suited to the 6 week rule. Remember, their skin, ears, and nails need attention, even if they're not too stinky yet.

Heavy shedders, like labs, shepherds, aussies, pomeranians, cavaliers, etc. 4-6 weeks, but 6 weeks should be the maximum. That excess coat needs to come out and the follicles need to be cleansed! 

Silky and/or single coated breeds, like yorkies, maltese, some schnauzers, Afghan hounds, shih tzus, etc. These types benefit from monthly maintenance. Even if they're trimmed short, the skin needs to be addressed, small breeds often need eye gunk removed, and smaller pups' nails can get out of control quickly. 

Harsh coated breeds, like some schnauzers, westies, most terriers, wire-coats, etc. These hardy pups can usually go 6 weeks without professional grooming, but it is important to keep them brushed to prevent matting, and to remove some of the dead undercoat that can clog follicles.

DOODLES, POODLES, BICHONS, and other similar coat types: If you want the length longer than about 2 inches, these types should go no longer than 4 weeks. Shorter trims can usually stretch to 5 or 6 weeks. These breeds have some of the most intense coat care. 

That's right, doods get a section all to themselves. Why? Because there's a ton of misinformation about their coat maintenance. Having worked with these highly variable coats, personalities, and sizes over the years, I've learned what products work best for me, and what can work for you at home. 

1. Slicker brush. My recommendation is "tuffer than tangles" brand. It can be found on Amazon. YouTube a technique called "line brushing." This is how to best keep the coat mat-free.

2. Metal comb. I recommend "Madan" brand. It is available on Amazon. The comb follows the brush. If the comb snags, you have a mat or a tangle. 

3. Brush out spray. I use "Hydra detangle." It can be found on Amazon. Hydrating the coat while brushing is vital to prevent breakage. Breakage causes mats to form even more quickly.

How many inches of coat does your doodle have? That's how many times they should be brushed per week. 

Puppies should be started on their grooming journey before they leave their breeders. The process starts around 6 weeks and lasts the rest of their lives, so I believe in setting them up for success.

I recommend two introduction appointments around 10 weeks and 12 weeks. This would be a bath, nails, brushing, and maybe a sanitary and paw trim. These visits include lots of reassurance, breaks, and letting them sniff everything. 

From there, I recommened standing 3 week appointments until 18-20 weeks. From that point, we can assess and start working into a haircut. 

Plenty groomers will rush a puppy and force them to comply with a full groom. I choose to put their comfort first, and work with you and them to create positive experiences that will lead to a lifetime of successful spaw days.