Most Goldendoodle owners don’t realize that how often you brush has a huge impact on how often you need to pay for a groom. Here’s the schedule that actually keeps their coat tangle-free (and saves your wallet).
How to keep your Goldendoodle’s coat manageable
Getting a new Goldendoodle puppy is exciting—but the grooming expectations aren’t always obvious. I’ve spent over a decade breeding and raising Goldendoodles, and if there’s one question new owners ask me over and over, it’s “How often should I groom my Goldendoodle?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some basics to know that will make life a lot easier for you and your dog.
Understanding your Goldendoodle’s coat
Goldendoodles can come with three main coat types:
- straight
- wavy
- curly
The curlier your dog’s coat, the more often they’ll need grooming and brushing. But even if you have a wavy or straight-haired doodle, regular brushing is still key. The big secret? The more you brush at home, the longer you can go between professional grooming appointments.
Brushing at home: keep it simple
If you only do one thing, make it brushing. Daily is best, but a few times a week should be your minimum. The more consistent you are with brushing, the fewer problems you’ll see with tangles, mats, and dirt. Plus, your Goldendoodle will look and feel better.
You can’t really over-brush, but three times a day is overkill for most dogs (and most people!). Once daily, giving the whole dog a good brush from head to tail, is perfect.
Watch for these signs your dog needs extra grooming:
- matted or tangled spots
- dirt or debris that won’t brush out
- more shedding than usual
- dandruff or dry skin
- nails clicking on the floor
The tools you actually need
You don’t need a whole closet full of gadgets for basic Goldendoodle grooming. I always recommend a few core items:
- a good brush and metal comb
- nail trimmers or a Dremel (grinder)
- quality dog shampoo (I like Wahl 3-in-1 Calming Formula)
- blow dryer and conditioner for after baths
- a clipper if you want to try trimming yourself
- grooming scissors (especially for trimming near the face and eyes)
If you want to get fancy, a grooming table with an arm to help keep your pup steady is nice, but not required.
How often should you bathe your Goldendoodle?
Once a month is the sweet spot for most dogs. Bathing too often can dry out their skin, so hold off unless they get extra dirty from an adventure. After a bath, your Goldendoodle’s coat will be fluffier and look cleaner, but the real benefits come from regular brushing in between.
For shampoo, look for something gentle and formulated for dogs. Avoid “all-in-one” soaps meant for humans.
Professional grooming: when and how often?
Your puppy’s first haircut can happen around 4 months old. Most groomers offer a puppy trim that isn’t too short, just enough to help them get used to the experience.
For adult dogs, a professional cut every 6–8 weeks is typical. The curlier the coat, the more often they might need it—4 weeks if you want that ultra-tidy look, or up to 12 weeks if you’re really on top of brushing at home. Most families find every 6 weeks works well.
Here’s what happens at a typical grooming appointment:
- Bath, condition, blow-dry, and fluff dry
- Ears cleaned and (if needed) plucked
- Nails trimmed and buffed
- Full-body brushing and comb out
- Matting checked and worked out if present
- Clipper cut to desired length
- Scissor work for feet, legs, face, head, and finishing touches
- Hair removal from paw pads and sanitary areas
- Often a bandana and photo to finish!
Grooming at home: yes, you can!
You can totally learn to groom your own Goldendoodle. If you have the time and patience, it’s a great way to save money and bond with your dog. Watch plenty of YouTube tutorials on Goldendoodle grooming before you start, and try learning from a few different groomers for variety.
A few tips if you want to go DIY:
- Only try this if your dog is calm and trusts you with the tools.
- Use a sturdy surface and, if possible, a grooming arm for safety.
- Have all your tools ready before you start.
- Take your time and prioritize safety—grooming tools are sharp!
If you’re not feeling confident, there’s no shame in leaving it to the pros.
Common mistakes and pro tips
The biggest mistake I see new owners make? Skipping regular brushing. That’s when mats sneak in and things get expensive (or stressful!) fast.
Some people also try using grooming shears before they’re trained. If you want to trim yourself, get some guidance first.
My best tip for a young couple with a new Goldendoodle: Brush a lot! The more you brush, the better your dog will look and the easier everything else becomes. If you love the long, fluffy look, you’ll need to commit to daily brushing—but it’s so worth it.
Straight or wavy coats are lower maintenance than curly ones, so if you’re still researching puppies, keep that in mind.
In closing
If you do nothing else, brush your Goldendoodle daily, bathe them once a month, and visit the groomer every 6–8 weeks. That simple routine takes away most grooming headaches down the road.