Grooming Requirements
Cavapoos, like many Poodle mix breeds, can have curly or wavy coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Cavapoos coat types can vary; some may be just fine with a once a week thorough brushing, while others may require daily brushing to keep up with it. It will also depend on how long you want to keep your dogs coat. You are your dogs advocate, pay close attention to their coats to ensure it is in good condition. Line-brushing is an important part of their grooming routine. Here are some instructions on how to properly line-brush a Cavapoo:
Gather your tools: You will need a slicker brush, metal comb and a pair of scissors (scissors optional).
Work in sections: Divide the fur into sections with the comb and work on one section at a time. Hold the fur away from the skin with your non-dominant hand while you brush with your dominant hand. Use a gentle, yet firm, motion to avoid pulling the fur and hurting your dog.
Brush all over: Brush all over the body, including the legs, tail, and underbelly. Be sure to get all the way down to the skin to prevent matting.
Check for mats and tangles: Use the comb to check for mats and tangles. If you find any, gently tease them apart with your fingers or a dematting tool.
Trim as needed: Use scissors to trim any long hairs that are sticking out or are uneven. This will help keep the coat looking neat and tidy. I especially make sure there are no long strands of hair that of obstructing their eyes so they can see properly.
Finish with a comb: Once you have finished line-brushing, use a comb to go over the coat one more time. This will help ensure that there are no tangles or mats left behind.
By following these instructions, you can properly line-brush your Cavapoo's coat, helping to prevent matting and tangles. Regular grooming is essential for keeping your dog healthy and comfortable, so make sure to schedule grooming sessions regularly.
*Important*
If you do not properly maintain your dog’s coat, your groomer may tell you they will have to shave your dog’s coat very short. This is because matting can be very painful to your dog, even causing hematomas if bad enough. It can take many hours of painful dematting to try and get them all out vs simply shaving them out and starting over. It is in the groomers best interest to make your dog clean and comfortable, so while you may want to get upset at them for shaving your beloved pooch, ultimately you will only have yourself to blame for not properly taking care of your dog’s coat.
I highly recommend watching this YouTube video; they explain very well how to properly line-brush.
Professional Grooming Appointments
Dog groomers offer a range of grooming services to help keep your furry friend in top shape. It is usually recommended to take your dog to the groomer about every 4-6 weeks. Here are some of the services that dog groomers typically provide to doodle clients:
Brushing and dematting: Doodles can have curly or wavy coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Professional groomers will thoroughly brush and demat the coat using specialized tools, including slicker brushes, combs, and dematting tools. NOTE: If your dog is too matted, your groomer will have to shave your dog down short, rather than making your poor dog go through the long painful dematting process. DO YOUR PART in taking care of your high maintenance dog breeds’ coat on a daily basis.
Bathing and drying: Groomers will give your dog a bath, often using a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner that are gentle on the skin and coat. They will also blow-dry the coat thoroughly.
Haircut: Doodles are known for their wavy or curly coats, which require regular haircuts to keep the coat clean and manageable. Groomers will trim the coat to the desired length using scissors, clippers, or a combination of both.
Ear cleaning: Groomers will clean your dogs ears to remove dirt, wax, and debris, which can lead to infections.
Nail trimming: Nails cause discomfort or even injury if left untrimmed. Groomers will use specialized clippers or grinders to trim the nails to a safe length.
Teeth cleaning: Groomers will sometimes offer teeth and gum cleaning using specialized toothbrushes and toothpaste to prevent dental problems.
Gland expression: Groomers will express your dog’s anal glands, which can become impacted and cause discomfort if left unaddressed.
Overall, dog groomers will provide a comprehensive grooming experience, ensuring that their coat, ears, teeth, nails, and anal glands are clean and healthy. By visiting a professional groomer regularly, you can ensure that your dog's grooming needs are met, and their coat stays healthy and beautiful.
When should I take my puppy for their first haircut?
Your puppy will already have had some training on the grooming table before going home. It is very important that your puppy goes to the groomer shortly after they have received all their shots. That way they can continue to become familiar with the grooming process early, and have less chance of having anxiety at the groomers later on. Plus, your pup has a high maintance coat and getting them on a grooming schedule early to keep their coat in top shape is very important.