Doodles, both Australian Labradoodles and Bernedoodles, require routine grooming. Before they are 6 months old you might want to consider bringing them into the groomer for baths, puppy cuts, and nail trims so they can get comfortable in that environment. Although a full groom is not necessary and not actually advised at this time. At around 6-12 months puppies typically shed their puppy coat and transition to their adult coat. It is around this time that you will want to get them booked in with a groomer for their first adult groom. Most groomers are comfortable grooming doodles but how do you communicate exactly what cut you want? Those first consultation questions can be difficult for a first-time doodle owner. I always advise bringing a picture in of a cut you like.
What if your groomer isn’t so familiar with doodle grooming standards? Well, the ALAA has both a grooming manual and a demo video that may be of use! This is a great introductory tool. It details all the tools you may need as well as the methods to get that perfect doodle cut.
Happy grooming!