The goldendoodle is one of the world’s most beloved designer dogs–but with a designer dog comes required grooming. They are mostly famous for being easy going, social, loyal, fluffy, and majestic. As a designer dog, the goldendoodle is a crossbreed of two differrent breeds: A Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. Goldendoodles get their personality, looks, and health traits from one or both parents.
Though designer breeds are wonderful dogs to raise, they come with high maintenance care that traditional breeds don’t require. From grooming to temperament to housetraining, you may have dozens of questions regarding how you should raise a Goldendoodle. With an extensive familiarity of most dog breeds, your dog grooming Houston professionals can help address each of your concerns to the best of their abilities.
- Grooming Your Goldendoodle’s Coat
The type and frequency of grooming a goldendoodle requires depends on the type of coat it has. Goldendoodles may have one of three types of coats: wavy, curly or straight. Straight fur requires the least amount of brushing and is the easiest to maintain.
A curly coat on the other hand, is the most demanding type of coat and requires daily brushing. Without regular brushing, the tight ringlets that cover the pup’s body risk becoming matted.
Maintaining a wavy coat falls somewhere between easy and difficult. Wavy coats are the most common type of goldendoodle coat and require weekly brushing. It is not uncommon for goldendoodle owners to have a professional trim their pups’ fur.
In addition to regular brushing, goldendoodles require bathing. However, unlike some breeds that require regular bathing, you should refrain from overbathing your goldendoodle. Ideally, you should only bathe your pup once a month or after a messy activity, like a muddy hike or after splashing in dirty puddles at the park. If you over-bathe your dog, you risk zapping its fur of the oils that contribute to its coat’s health.
- Trimming Your Goldendoodle’s Nails
Goldendoodles are very active dogs. As a result, their nails naturally get filed down. However, you should check your pup’s nails every month to make sure they’re at a good length.
Additionally, you should check your furry friend’s ears weekly. Because of their long coats, goldendoodles are at risk of developing ear infections. You can help to prevent an infection by cleaning your puppy’s ears with a cotton ball and recommended cleaning solution. Only wipe the outside of the ear as foreign fluids in the canal can cause pain and irreparable damage.
- Housetraining Your Goldendoodle
As with any puppy, housetraining your goldendoodle requires persistence, patience, and praise. With that being said, goldendoodles are natural people pleasers and are also highly intelligent. As a result, they’re quick to housetrain and ideal dogs for first-time pet owners.
However, you can help speed up the housetraining process by establishing strict potty-training guidelines. Guidelines should include commands, designated spots, and praise. Before you take your puppy out, say something like, “Let’s go potty!”
When outside, take it to the designated defecation area and say something along the lines of, “Do your business” or “Go potty.” Only when your pup has gone, praise it for a job well done.
It’s important to note that dogs are creatures of habit. They like to do the same activities at the same time daily.
Until your pup can communicate with you regarding its need to go, take it out every half hour, right after eating, right before eating, etc. Figure out your dog’s needs and devise a schedule based on those. If you struggle to train your goldendoodle, look into dog training Houston.
- Your Goldendoodle and Your Kids
Both standard poodles and golden retrievers are excellent family dogs, so it comes as no surprise that goldendoodles are, too. Goldendoodles are highly social and happiest when interacting with their humans.
- Exercising Your Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are very active dogs. To prevent boredom and all the destruction that comes with it — excessive chewing, barking and digging— you should take your puppy out for at least 20 to 30 minutes of play a day.
In addition, consider taking your goldendoodle swimming as both golden retrievers and poodles are water dogs. Goldendoodles are not good apartment dogs, as they need plenty of room to run around and play.
Full Pet Grooming and Dog Boarding Houston, Texas
The Dog House Pet Salon offers complete dog care services, including grooming, boarding, and training. For professional advice on how to raise and care for your goldendoodle, or to take advantage of one of our elite services, contact us today.
Paws For Thoughts: Goldendoodle Grooming Tips | The Dog House Pet Salon
