Yesterday, we received this great handout from Kim at Fetch Academy in Indianapolis. Multiple groomers are a great resource. Thanks, Kim for sharing this with our doodle clients!
Grooming for your Doodle
Why is grooming important?
Grooming your dog is just as important as regular check ups at the vet’s office. Grooming keeps skin healthy, nails from breaking and prevents matting with long hair breeds. During your dog’s groom, not only will our groomer make your dog smell nice and look pretty, they will be checking for any unusual bumps, ear and eye infections and ticks.
When you should I schedule my puppy’s first grooming?
Socializing your puppy to the grooming process early in their life will help them ease into this lifelong expectation. Here is a recommended grooming schedule for your doodle’s first year of life.
• 12 weeks old – your puppy’s first visit to the groomer for a deluxe bubble bath, nail trim, ear cleaning and blow dry
• 4 months old – puppy’s second visit to the groomer for a deluxe bubble bath, and first trim of their face, feet and potty area
• 5 ½ months old – puppy’s third visit for another trim of their face, feet and potty area
• 7 months old – your puppy’s fir will start to change into their adult coat. This is a great time to get a full body haircut.
• Doodles will need ongoing grooming by a professional every 6 weeks. In between trips to the spa, you should brush your puppy a couple times a week. Fetch’s groomers like the Miracle Brush. It’s available at amazon.com
How do I tell the groomer what type of haircut I would like for my dog?
Communication is very important to help the groomer deliver the style you desire for your dog. Using specific measurements such as “Take off an 1” all over vs. give her a cut but not too short” gives the groomer some specific guidelines to follow. Just like going to a new hair dresser, sometimes it can take a couple of grooms for us to perfect the style you like.
Can I give my dog a bath at home?
Yes of course. Be sure to use dog shampoo only. It’s pH balanced for dogs. You will want to brush your doodle well before and after bathing to prevent matting. If you notice mats while brushing before the bath, it is advised you bring them to the groomer. Mats get worse when wet and can cause your dog pain.
Do I need to call ahead and schedule an appointment for grooming?
The Fetch Spa offers grooming Monday-Friday and occasionally on Saturday. We recommend making an appointment at least a week in advance. Sometimes we have a cancelation and can fit you in sooner.
Where does my hang out while waiting for his turn to be groomed?
If your dog likes to play with other dogs, he can play in our doggy daycare while waiting for his turn in the tub. Or, if you prefer, he can hang out with our staff or spend some down time in one of our suites. We only crate a dog when they are being fan dried. We take all dogs out for hourly potty walks while in our care.
(317)491-3535 4340 W. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46268 fetchdogresort.com