11/11/2025
Doodles!!!
I’m on many different platforms and apart of many different grooming communities. There are hundreds upon hundreds of groomers saying NO to doodles. They are in a place in their career and how the market is that they can pick and choose their clients and more and more groomers will not accept doodles anymore.
Why?
1. The genetics of these designer dogs make their coats vary across the spectrum, most mat easily and their personalities are incredibly erratic. These things make this breed more difficult to groom.
2. Some (a lot) of doodles are incredibly large. 80 lb puppies.
3. to get a good cut all of that hair (a ton of hair) must be dried with the High velocity dryer while straightened. More work and time.
4. Being one of the most difficult coats to maintain, these dogs are coming into the shop in terrible condition. Matted sometimes to the skin.
5. Pet parents are not well enough equipped with the proper tools, knowledge, time or technique to maintain these breeds.
6. As a groomer it feels as if the parent is not willing or able to put in the effort to maintain their pet and will be more of a hassle to shops when their dog gets a shavedown due to their lack of knowledge Ro effort. Creating a fearful environment where a groomer must worry if they will be dealing with unhappy clients, bad reviews and headache.
How do you become a doodle owner your groomer will accept into their schedule and love?
1. These dogs need regular grooming! It will help them succeed and be fear free and cooperative while groomed and keep the coat healthy so you can maintain it better in between grooms. Prebook your appointments.
2. Learn the line brushing technique. This is the proper way to brush your dog, getting the hair at the root to the end so it does not mat.
3. Brush your dog 3-7 times a week! A lot of the time doodles have a combination coat that mats easily and brushing is REQUIRED to not mat. Brush thoroughly. Especially friction areas.
4. Understand that this designer dog you bought, that probably cost a ton of money will continue to cost a ton of money for upkeep it’s entire life. It’s grooming needs are not the equivalent to a pug, a golden retriever or even a poodle. Doodles are even more high maintenance.
5. Appreciate your groomer, doodles are no easy task. Be kind and compassionate. Communicate with your groomer to help your dog, yourself and your groomer succeed.
