Giving your Goldendoodle a bath
Do you dread giving your Goldendoodle a bath? Do you find bath time a huge, sloppy, soapy mess? Do you let your Goldendoodle go for weeks or months on end without a bath simply because you dread it ? Because it is too much of a pain ?
Many Goldendoodle owners allow their Goldendoodle to become a matted, dirty mess because the act of bathing is simply too much of a hassle. I have to partly agree. Sometimes it really can be. Especially if you own more than one and if your Goldendoodle has a shaggy or curly coat. The smooth coat Goldendoodle is the easiest doodle to bathe and maintain, of all three coat types.
They are my favorite coat type, of all, to bathe. Easy breasy! When it comes to bathing your Goldendoodle, you are not alone in feeling frustrated or as though this is a huge chore. I have a few Goldendoodles of my own who absolutely hate getting a bath! They don't like it. They don't like being clipped, shaved down, bathed or having their feet messed with.
Some of them simply hate baths, period. If you mention the word "BATH," they will run in the opposite direction or look at you and take off! We might even have to go chase them down to plunk them in the tub! Some Goldendoodle owners say they have to even spell out the word Bath! Aren't they smart dogs ?
Many challenges face us dog owners when it comes to giving them a bath. It is the reality of owning a dog. If they sleep in the bed with us, we can't let them go for a month without a bath. That is a fact. If they have a shaggy or curly coat, we can't allow them to matt up and become a tangled mess. Large sized Goldendoodles who hate getting a bath can be more of a handful due to size alone. Especially if you are like myself with health problems. I am not able to physically life large, heavy objects, much less heavy dogs. My husband or someone else has to do it for me.
Goldendoodles whom have thick, shaggy or curly coats are always more difficult to bathe because it is difficult getting close to their skin if their coat is matted. This is why I recommend a slicker brush for daily brushing. The doodle owner may have to opt to have their Goldendoodle's coat shaved down completely or trimmed very short. This would help with coat maintenance. Some Goldendoodle owners do not have a home with a yard with an outdoor hose where they could bathe their doodle outside. So they may want to use their own tub indoors, even though it can be quite messy. For a bath smell test, when your Goldendoodle begins to emit an odor, it's time for a bath!
Another option for many Goldendoodle owners is to take the doodle to a professional dog groomer. Depending upon your budget, you may find this easier and less of a hassle. Goldendoodles who are shaggy or curly will usually require their coat trimmed or cut down at least every four to six weeks, depending upon the length the owner desires it to be. Bathing frequency literally depends on how often your Goldendoodle finds him or herself getting into something that has an odor. Does your Goldendoodle go outside frequently ? Does he or she play outside ?
I personally know that my shaggy and curly coat Goldendoodles are like magnets for leaves, dirt, twigs and anything that should not be on them. They love splashing in the water. They love dropping to the ground and rolling around on it. As soon as they get a bath, they are running around and rolling on the ground. Countless times I have heard my clients tell me they had paid for a $75 grooming job only to bring their Goldendoodle home and watch him or her take off in the yard and roll right in the grass!
Regardless of what you, as a Goldendoodle owner decide, your doodle will need to be bathed regularly, regardless.
These tips may help make the job a bit easier:
1. If you begin bathing your Goldendoodle regularly from the time he or she is a young pup, they will hopefully learn to enjoy the process. We actually start all of our puppies at the age of four to five weeks of age for their first bath. Even still, some of them, as they get older, do not like it. Many puppies fight the process. It's a learned experience that takes time.
2. Always make sure the area is warm before you wash your doodle. If you have to turn on the heater a few degrees, then do it. Prepping is important! Have everything you need before you begin. Shampoo, towels, brushes, clippers, comb, etc.
3. Brush your doodle's coat first, if you can. If your Goldendoodle is matted, you will have to either shave him or her down first or use scissors to cut the mats out. The water will turn the mats into a solid mess. Now, some groomers do not like to shave down a dog before they are washed. I have done both. It depends upon how matted they are. If the matting isn't too bad, and the blades are about shot anyway, go ahead and wet your doodle completely down. Shampoo the coat and then rinse the coat as best you can. After rinsing, find a good starting point and begin shaving off the wet matted coat.
It does not matter if you get the blades wet but do not get your clippers wet. I lift small portions of the coat upwards, away from the skin, with one hand and hold the clippers with another. I then shave off the mats near the skin but I am careful not to get that close. It is helpful and will save on your blades if you can use scissors to cut as many of the mats off before shaving down the coat with clippers, but if your Goldendoodle is jumpy or not use to grooming, I don't recommend using scissors. Goldendoodles who are nervous during the grooming process can become injured with scissors.
You don't ever want to get your blades wet. But if you plan on throwing them away, then it doesn't matter. I always use them in this manner if I plan on tossing the blade out. If for some strange reason your Goldendoodle is matted due to paint getting into the coat, or he or she has tar or some other sticky mess, trim with clippers or soak the area with vegetable or mineral oil for 24 hours.
You can try and consult with a professional groomer for difficult tangles but I'll tell you that many of them won't even talk to you.They want your business, so more than likely they will tell you to bring your dog in so they can take a look and tell you how much they will charge to get the mess out.
4. Prep your doodle. You can place a drop of mineral oil in your Goldendoodles' eyes to protect him or her from the shampoo or soap, but I personally never use either on their face. I tell my clients to simply use a wet cloth around the face that is wet with water only. Shampoo from the back of the head on down. This prevents soap or shampoo from getting in the eyes unless your doodles decides to shake, rattle and roll! Some doodle owners use cotton balls in the ears. You can do this…but Do NOT forget to take them out! Also, make sure they're the right size for your doodle's ears. If you get the wrong size, you're going to find this bath very expensive because the cotton ball can go into the ear canal and then you will be rushing your doodle to your vet!
5. I recommend bathing your Goldendoodle as quickly as possible if he or she hates this process! You will less annoyed and so will your doodle. Do a good job and your doodle will be happy. If it's a nice day, you can let your doodle "air" dry. Otherwise you may want to use a good pet shammy or grab a bunch of thick, soft towels. I use what is called a "force air dryer" but if your doodle hates getting a bath, you may find a hair dryer an issue.
If your doodle will tolerate a hair dryer, try setting it on low. If you don't dry off your Goldendoodle, you will find your baby shaking water off and getting it all over the entire house! There are also a few other products you can try but I don't recommend them. Only use these products if you absolutely have to! Products that are for cleaning your dog's coat without really washing can dry out your Goldendoodle's skin. They claim they can remove dirt and dander but you will find that your Goldendoodle will be scratching him or herself to death over time because their skin will become very irritated and dry.
The products claim they are inexpensive, but I personally go to a "Sally's hair salon" and I purchase my shampoo in bulk. If you said that "Sally's hair salon" does not sell dog products, you are right! They do not. I never use dog products on my Goldendoodles. Ever. It doesn't matter to me that groomers or some dog fanatics balk at this. I have been a dog breeder for 15 years as of January 2011. I have never used dog products on my dogs since the day I began as a breeder back in 1996.
The reason I do not use dog products on my dogs is because they are not as regulated by the USDA as human products are. I get all of my shampoo and detangler products from Sally's hair salon and I buy them in bulk. I save money because I buy them in large quantities and so they last longer. I use spray detanglers which helps reduce the matting on my Goldendoodles coat and it also helps keep down the tangles. I use a "cat" slicker brush on the shaggy and curly coat Goldendoodles because the brush is smaller and it gets down into the coat easier than a dog slicker brush. There is also a new brush called the furminator. We are just now using this on our Goldendoodles. We highly recommend it.
I select shampoo that has a bit of a scent to it. My favorite is cherry or some other type of fruit scent. I use a spot of conditioner on my Goldendoodles' coat and you want to use conditioner sparingly. The reason for this is because it will cause the coat to become too flat and sometimes too oily. Trust me. I've been grooming my own dogs for many, many years. I know quite a few tricks of the trade now. There are many ways to save yourself money if you learn how to do it yourself. My health isn't as good as it use to be now and of course there are many dog owners who can't groom or bathe their own dogs. But if you want to do it yourself and if you are able, save yourself some money!
Ear cleaning tip:
Mix white distilled water with peroxide in a spray bottle. Half and half. You can use this to clean your Goldendoodles' ears and your doodle's ears will smell great afterward. This is the best, most inexpensive way to clean your dogs' ears. Never use q-tips! Ever! You can damage your doodles' ears! Always use cotton balls or a soft cloth. In this economy…saving money is very important!
Many Goldendoodle owners allow their Goldendoodle to become a matted, dirty mess because the act of bathing is simply too much of a hassle. I have to partly agree. Sometimes it really can be. Especially if you own more than one and if your Goldendoodle has a shaggy or curly coat. The smooth coat Goldendoodle is the easiest doodle to bathe and maintain, of all three coat types.
They are my favorite coat type, of all, to bathe. Easy breasy! When it comes to bathing your Goldendoodle, you are not alone in feeling frustrated or as though this is a huge chore. I have a few Goldendoodles of my own who absolutely hate getting a bath! They don't like it. They don't like being clipped, shaved down, bathed or having their feet messed with.
Some of them simply hate baths, period. If you mention the word "BATH," they will run in the opposite direction or look at you and take off! We might even have to go chase them down to plunk them in the tub! Some Goldendoodle owners say they have to even spell out the word Bath! Aren't they smart dogs ?
Many challenges face us dog owners when it comes to giving them a bath. It is the reality of owning a dog. If they sleep in the bed with us, we can't let them go for a month without a bath. That is a fact. If they have a shaggy or curly coat, we can't allow them to matt up and become a tangled mess. Large sized Goldendoodles who hate getting a bath can be more of a handful due to size alone. Especially if you are like myself with health problems. I am not able to physically life large, heavy objects, much less heavy dogs. My husband or someone else has to do it for me.
Goldendoodles whom have thick, shaggy or curly coats are always more difficult to bathe because it is difficult getting close to their skin if their coat is matted. This is why I recommend a slicker brush for daily brushing. The doodle owner may have to opt to have their Goldendoodle's coat shaved down completely or trimmed very short. This would help with coat maintenance. Some Goldendoodle owners do not have a home with a yard with an outdoor hose where they could bathe their doodle outside. So they may want to use their own tub indoors, even though it can be quite messy. For a bath smell test, when your Goldendoodle begins to emit an odor, it's time for a bath!
Another option for many Goldendoodle owners is to take the doodle to a professional dog groomer. Depending upon your budget, you may find this easier and less of a hassle. Goldendoodles who are shaggy or curly will usually require their coat trimmed or cut down at least every four to six weeks, depending upon the length the owner desires it to be. Bathing frequency literally depends on how often your Goldendoodle finds him or herself getting into something that has an odor. Does your Goldendoodle go outside frequently ? Does he or she play outside ?
I personally know that my shaggy and curly coat Goldendoodles are like magnets for leaves, dirt, twigs and anything that should not be on them. They love splashing in the water. They love dropping to the ground and rolling around on it. As soon as they get a bath, they are running around and rolling on the ground. Countless times I have heard my clients tell me they had paid for a $75 grooming job only to bring their Goldendoodle home and watch him or her take off in the yard and roll right in the grass!
Regardless of what you, as a Goldendoodle owner decide, your doodle will need to be bathed regularly, regardless.
These tips may help make the job a bit easier:
1. If you begin bathing your Goldendoodle regularly from the time he or she is a young pup, they will hopefully learn to enjoy the process. We actually start all of our puppies at the age of four to five weeks of age for their first bath. Even still, some of them, as they get older, do not like it. Many puppies fight the process. It's a learned experience that takes time.
2. Always make sure the area is warm before you wash your doodle. If you have to turn on the heater a few degrees, then do it. Prepping is important! Have everything you need before you begin. Shampoo, towels, brushes, clippers, comb, etc.
3. Brush your doodle's coat first, if you can. If your Goldendoodle is matted, you will have to either shave him or her down first or use scissors to cut the mats out. The water will turn the mats into a solid mess. Now, some groomers do not like to shave down a dog before they are washed. I have done both. It depends upon how matted they are. If the matting isn't too bad, and the blades are about shot anyway, go ahead and wet your doodle completely down. Shampoo the coat and then rinse the coat as best you can. After rinsing, find a good starting point and begin shaving off the wet matted coat.
It does not matter if you get the blades wet but do not get your clippers wet. I lift small portions of the coat upwards, away from the skin, with one hand and hold the clippers with another. I then shave off the mats near the skin but I am careful not to get that close. It is helpful and will save on your blades if you can use scissors to cut as many of the mats off before shaving down the coat with clippers, but if your Goldendoodle is jumpy or not use to grooming, I don't recommend using scissors. Goldendoodles who are nervous during the grooming process can become injured with scissors.
You don't ever want to get your blades wet. But if you plan on throwing them away, then it doesn't matter. I always use them in this manner if I plan on tossing the blade out. If for some strange reason your Goldendoodle is matted due to paint getting into the coat, or he or she has tar or some other sticky mess, trim with clippers or soak the area with vegetable or mineral oil for 24 hours.
You can try and consult with a professional groomer for difficult tangles but I'll tell you that many of them won't even talk to you.They want your business, so more than likely they will tell you to bring your dog in so they can take a look and tell you how much they will charge to get the mess out.
4. Prep your doodle. You can place a drop of mineral oil in your Goldendoodles' eyes to protect him or her from the shampoo or soap, but I personally never use either on their face. I tell my clients to simply use a wet cloth around the face that is wet with water only. Shampoo from the back of the head on down. This prevents soap or shampoo from getting in the eyes unless your doodles decides to shake, rattle and roll! Some doodle owners use cotton balls in the ears. You can do this…but Do NOT forget to take them out! Also, make sure they're the right size for your doodle's ears. If you get the wrong size, you're going to find this bath very expensive because the cotton ball can go into the ear canal and then you will be rushing your doodle to your vet!
5. I recommend bathing your Goldendoodle as quickly as possible if he or she hates this process! You will less annoyed and so will your doodle. Do a good job and your doodle will be happy. If it's a nice day, you can let your doodle "air" dry. Otherwise you may want to use a good pet shammy or grab a bunch of thick, soft towels. I use what is called a "force air dryer" but if your doodle hates getting a bath, you may find a hair dryer an issue.
If your doodle will tolerate a hair dryer, try setting it on low. If you don't dry off your Goldendoodle, you will find your baby shaking water off and getting it all over the entire house! There are also a few other products you can try but I don't recommend them. Only use these products if you absolutely have to! Products that are for cleaning your dog's coat without really washing can dry out your Goldendoodle's skin. They claim they can remove dirt and dander but you will find that your Goldendoodle will be scratching him or herself to death over time because their skin will become very irritated and dry.
The products claim they are inexpensive, but I personally go to a "Sally's hair salon" and I purchase my shampoo in bulk. If you said that "Sally's hair salon" does not sell dog products, you are right! They do not. I never use dog products on my Goldendoodles. Ever. It doesn't matter to me that groomers or some dog fanatics balk at this. I have been a dog breeder for 15 years as of January 2011. I have never used dog products on my dogs since the day I began as a breeder back in 1996.
The reason I do not use dog products on my dogs is because they are not as regulated by the USDA as human products are. I get all of my shampoo and detangler products from Sally's hair salon and I buy them in bulk. I save money because I buy them in large quantities and so they last longer. I use spray detanglers which helps reduce the matting on my Goldendoodles coat and it also helps keep down the tangles. I use a "cat" slicker brush on the shaggy and curly coat Goldendoodles because the brush is smaller and it gets down into the coat easier than a dog slicker brush. There is also a new brush called the furminator. We are just now using this on our Goldendoodles. We highly recommend it.
I select shampoo that has a bit of a scent to it. My favorite is cherry or some other type of fruit scent. I use a spot of conditioner on my Goldendoodles' coat and you want to use conditioner sparingly. The reason for this is because it will cause the coat to become too flat and sometimes too oily. Trust me. I've been grooming my own dogs for many, many years. I know quite a few tricks of the trade now. There are many ways to save yourself money if you learn how to do it yourself. My health isn't as good as it use to be now and of course there are many dog owners who can't groom or bathe their own dogs. But if you want to do it yourself and if you are able, save yourself some money!
Ear cleaning tip:
Mix white distilled water with peroxide in a spray bottle. Half and half. You can use this to clean your Goldendoodles' ears and your doodle's ears will smell great afterward. This is the best, most inexpensive way to clean your dogs' ears. Never use q-tips! Ever! You can damage your doodles' ears! Always use cotton balls or a soft cloth. In this economy…saving money is very important!
