- Professional Grooming
You’ll want to schedule an appointment with a professional groomer about once every two to three months. If your dog has frequent mats or lots of hair, you might even want to take him to the groomer monthly.
At the groomer, you’ll want your labradoodle to get a haircut, nail trim and probably a bath (but not always, as shown in Rule #2). You can cut the nails yourself, but many people are uncomfortable with this. A groomer is often a big help here.
Not all groomers understand what to do with labradoodle hair, however. What works with a Poodle or a Labrador Retriever won’t always work with a crossbreed of the two. In order to find a groomer familiar with Labradoodles, you might want to ask for a recommendation from your breeder, vet or even your local dog trainer.
Here are some general guidelines for labradoodles:
- Ear length should be kept level with beard length.
- Eyes should be visible and unobstructed
- Hair on the sides should frame the face.
Obviously, your labradoodle’s style will be determined by his specific features. But generally you want a groomer who has seen a labradoodle before and has some ideas on how to keep them looking their best. If the options are limited in your area, you might have to help your groomer by bringing the information to them.
- Train Your Pet
Proper pet training is useful in practically all grooming related activities. If your dog isn’t properly trained, he or she may experience anxiety from going to the groomer’s or even from being groomed at home by you. With pet training, your Labradoodle will be able to:
- Remain comfortable in unfamiliar settings, such as on the groomer’s table.
- Sit quietly while being groomed.
- Stay calm while being brushed at home.
Training can start from the first day you bring your puppy home. At around 12 weeks, you can enroll your pet in training courses outside the home (some courses allow even younger puppies). Training both inside and outside the house is equally important.
Training inside the house helps create a bond between you and your dog. Your dog will learn that you’re the pack leader. The important key to training on your own is consistency. Also, understand that the dog is young and may not grasp every concept right away. Patience is an important part of success.
Training courses are also very useful. A professional can teach your dog not only how to behave, but a pro trainer can also teach you some training techniques to use at home. Plus, training courses are often a great way to socialize your puppy. He’ll learn at any early age how to remain calm in unfamiliar places and around unfamiliar dogs and people.
A Well-Groomed Labradoodle is a Happy Labradoodle
Grooming is about more than appearances. A well-groomed labradoodle is free from painful mats, overgrown nails, obscured vision, clogged ears and other problems. The more you know about what type of care your dog needs, the better you’ll be able to communicate your dog’s needs to the groomer.
By following these five tips, your dog will always look and feel their best!
Image: www.labradoodlesatmountainview.com.