A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Often called teddy bear dogs because of their cute, cuddly appearance, Bernedoodles come in various colors, including black, white, brown, and even particolored. They can have either long or short hair, depending on their parentage.
If you have a Bernedoodle, you may be wondering how to best take care of their coat. Did you know that you can actually groom your Bernedoodle at home? With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can keep your teddy bear dog looking cute and cuddly all year round!
Types of Bernedoodle Coat
Before grooming your dog, you should know the different types of coats that your Bernedoodle might have:
Straight
If your Doodle has a straight coat, it will be easier to groom at home. This is because straight coats lie flat and don’t have the wave or curl that can make grooming difficult. This type also doesn’t require as much trimming, so you can save time and money by doing it yourself.
Wavy
Wavy coats are the most common type of coat found on Bernedoodles. They have a moderate amount of curl and don’t require as much grooming as other types of coats.
A challenge with wavy coats is that they can mat easily if not regularly brushed. Be sure to brush your Bernedoodle at least once a week to prevent mats from forming.
Curly
Dogs with curly coats should be groomed regularly to avoid matting and keep their coat looking their best. Curly-coated dogs may need to be clipped short to avoid mats and tangles.
Steps To Grooming Your Bernedoodle at Home
Once you know these things, you can start grooming your Bernedoodle at home:
Prepare Your Home Grooming Workstation
You will need the following items for the process:
- A quality dog shampoo and conditioner
- A detangling spray or coat conditioner
- A soft-bristled brush
- A wide-toothed comb
- A slicker brush (optional)
- Nail clippers and/or a Dremel tool
- Cotton balls or pads
- Styptic powder (optional)
- A clean, dry towel
- A few healthy treats!
Now that you have all of your supplies, find a comfortable place in your home where you can set up your grooming station. It should be an area with good lighting and ventilation.
If you have hardwood floors, consider placing a mat or towel down to help keep your Bernedoodle from slipping during the grooming process. This is particularly helpful if you’re learning how to groom a Bernedoodle puppy.
Determine How Much Grooming You Need To Do
Take a look at your dog and evaluate how much hair they have and how matted it is. If you have a Bernedoodle with a short coat, they will need less grooming than one with a long coat. On the other hand, you will also need to do more grooming if your dog has a lot of hair or if it is very matted.
Give Your Dog Some Thorough Cleaning
Before you start cutting or trimming your dog’s fur, you’ll need to give them a good cleaning. You will get a better idea of the areas that need attention and also help prevent any infections that could occur during grooming.
Start by giving your dog a bath using a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for dogs. Once they’re clean, you can use a detangling spray or conditioner to help make brushing easier.
Remember, though, that too many baths can also strip away the natural oils in your dog’s fur, so if you’ve bathed them a day or two before, you can forgo giving them a full bath. Instead, you can just clean their eyes and ears and focus on the areas that need trimming.
Make sure to clip their nails before you start grooming, as well. Long nails can make it uncomfortable for your dog during the process and can also cause accidents.
Trim Their Hair
Now, you’re ready to trim their hair. You’ll want to start with a pair of scissors and work your way around the dog, trimming the hair evenly. Be sure to pay special attention to the hair around their eyes, as this can block their vision.
It can be daunting to trim a dog’s hair at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Be sure to have someone help you hold your dog still if they’re wiggling around too much.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take them to a groomer or vet to have it done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
As a general rule of thumb, you should groom your dog every two weeks. This will help to keep their coat healthy and free of any knots or tangles. If you start to notice your dog’s coat is starting to look dull or matted, then you may need to increase the frequency of their grooming sessions.
Brushing and combing daily is crucial, though, especially if your Bernedoodle has a curly coat. This helps prevent mats and tangles from forming in the first place. Be sure to use a wide-toothed comb and a dog-specific brush to avoid damaging their coat.
When Should You First Groom a Bernedoodle?
Ideally, it would be best if you started grooming your Bernedoodle as soon as possible. This will help get them used to the process and make it easier for both of you in the long run.
If you got them as a puppy, you could start with simple things like brushing their fur and trimming their nails. As they age, you can move on to more complicated grooming tasks such as clipping their coats and cleaning their ears.
How Do You Keep a Bernedoodle Coat Shiny?
To keep your Bernedoodle’s coat shiny and healthy, you should brush them at least once a week. This helps distribute the natural oils in their coat and prevent matting. You should also use a quality dog shampoo when you bathe them, as this will help keep their coat from drying out.
What Are the Best Ways To Reduce Shedding and Matting in My Bernedoodle’s Coat?
Brush your dog’s hair regularly and bathe them every few weeks. You can also use a detangling conditioner or spray for better results.
Takeaway
You can learn how to groom a Bernedoodle at home with a little bit of research and the right tools. Also, make sure to have an extra pair of hands to help you out, as Bernedoodles can be wiggly!
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