GROOMING

As happens every time two different dog breeds are mixed, you never know exactly what you’re going to get when it comes to how your own individual Aussiedoodle’s looks. The coat can vary from soft and sleek like an Australian Shepherd, to more curly like a Poodle

So what do you do?

BASIC GROOMING ADVICE

Keeping your Aussiedoodle looking cute is all about regularly tending to their fur. Though they don’t shed much, their gorgeous coat does require some serious attention. All oodles require a good grooming routine. Indeed, they are high maintenance, but the effort is so worth it! Understandably, Aussiedoodle grooming can be a bit overwhelming at first. But once you get the hang of it, it will become a normal routine for you and your oodle.

Here are some tips:

Understand the fur you’re working with. These pups can have tight poodle curls, wavy, shaggy locks that don’t shed much, or straight-up straight Australian Shepherd hair.
Brush this breed at least weekly, though daily is better. They have a tendency to get all matted up, and when it’s hidden under the top layer, it’s hard to tell just how bad things are. In order to penetrate the fur to the skin, it’s recommended to use a comb or slicker brush with long pins to work its way through.
You won’t need to bathe your oodle all that often unless they’re the type who really love a roll in the mud. Every month or two should be more than enough to keep them looking chic.
Don’t forget to keep their fur trimmed around their eyes. You can teach yourself how to do this (there are lots of online tutorials), or your groomer can make sure they’re able to see through the fluff.
Plan on grooming them every 12 weeks, just to keep them (and their nails, eyebrows, ears, etc.) in tip-top shape. They deserve it, after all.

And don’t forget that grooming is a chance for you and your pup to bond and spend time together. Make it a special event for the two of you, and they’re bound to love it more and more as they get used to it. This also helps with desensitisation for future grooming appointments.

GROOMING STYLES

Now comes the toughest part…which haircut to choose? First, consider your oodle’s unique needs and your own convenience. For instance:

How much time do you have for daily brushing?
Does your oodle have any skin sensitivities?
Is it very hot outside?
Does our dog already have matted hair?

Answering these types of questions will help you figure out which haircut would be sustainable for your lifestyle. Here are the most popular Aussiedoodle haircuts that will surely give you some new inspiration.

*IMAGES OF ALL STYLES BELOW*

PUPPY CUT

One of the most popular Aussiedoodle haircuts has to be the puppy cut. It’s simple, looks cute and works well for most Aussiedoodles.

TERRIER CUT

You guessed it, the Terrier cut will give your Aussiedoodle a more Terrier-like look. The hair is trimmed around the eyebrows and muzzle to give your Aussiedoodle pup a true Terrier style haircut.

TEDDY BEAR CUT

The teddy bear cut is otherwise similar to the puppy cut, but usually keeps the facial hair longer and more rounded. Super fluffy and cute!

SHAVED/SUMMER CUT

The shaved aka summer cut is perfect for hot months to keep your Aussiedoodle cool and comfortable. You also won’t have to spend as much time brushing your oodle either. Of course, this haircut might be the only option for Oodles with matted hair.

POODLE CUT

As you might already guess, this cut gives your Aussiedoodle the classic Poodle haircut. Shaved muzzle, feet ect.

GETTING YOUR PUPPY TO LOVE GROOMING

As a professional groomer, you can also work together with pet parents to teach anxious pets to become more relaxed about grooming. Show owners how to calm a dog down before grooming and how to keep a dog calm while grooming with behavioral training.

Some helpful training methods include:

Touching and massaging sensitive areas – For many dogs, grooming can be a stressful experience because it requires touching sensitive areas on their body, including their paws, groin, rear, belly, and ears. Encourage pet parents to practice gently touching and massaging these areas at home while their pet is relaxed.

They can start by touching a less sensitive area first, such as the shoulder, and then slowly running their hand down to the dog’s paw. They can reward their pup with a treat afterwards to further reinforce to their furry friend that being touched in these places does not pose a threat.

Desensitising their pet to grooming sounds – Desensitisation is an effective technique for treating animal anxiety. For grooming, this can involve running nail clippers or a blow dryer next to the pet in short intervals and rewarding them with a treat afterwards. With repeated practice, the pet will adjust to these once-terrifying sounds and learn that they’re nothing to fear.
Simulating the experience at home – When dogs aren’t familiar with being groomed, the steps involved can be startling. For instance, some dogs become anxious when they’re lifted onto the grooming table. To help ease this anxiety, owners can practice lifting their pups onto a raised surface at home and brushing them or massaging them from that height.
Creating positive grooming associations – To maintain their pet’s appearance in between grooming sessions, owners should take the time to brush their furry family members. This also provides an opportunity to build positive grooming associations. While brushing, owners should feed their pup treats and give them praise in an excited, upbeat tone of voice.
Taking a long walk – Before any grooming session, owners should take their four-legged friends on a long walk to release any excess energy. That way, when it comes time for grooming, clients are relaxed and ready to enjoy some well-deserved pampering.

WHAT DO I NEED?

ESSENTIALS

- Puppy Shampoo (oodles don't generally require conditioner)

THE BRAND WE USE IS MELANIE NEWMAN or ALOVEEN

https://melanienewman.com.au/

https://dermcare.com.au/products/aloveen

- Nail Trimmers

(These can range from $3-$100. Kmart nail trimmers work perfectly and they are cheap. SAVE YOUR MONEY)

You can alternatively use a nail file tool, these are great for smoothing your pups nails before or after a nail trim. Nail clippers can often still leave quite a sharp nail after trimming. If you have children, more mature skin, delicate furniture or just don't want sharp puppy nails this can be a FANTASTIC tool.

NAIL CLIPPERS

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/pet-nail-clippers-42442592/?sku=42442592&gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-Oke1s_3iapT5gn2MKEbqej5f8IyHuwLyRMZ4GooXaAjrz--aVxB7S4RoCqIIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

NAIL FILE

https://www.petbarn.com.au/wahl-grind-smooth-battery-dog-nail-grinder-2-speed?sku=140587&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sparro_pmax_lia&utm_content=&utm_adgroupid=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-OkUwF1ZpYa3KqIC4L1NyghHkb7ztdMnKlFUne8KTR4G_go4fq0YN98RoCIpIQAvD_BwE

-Slicker Brush & Metal tooth comb

THESE ARE THE ONLY BRUSHES YOU NEED FOR ANY OODLE (any other brushes can potentially ruin your dogs coat)

SLICKER BRUSH

CHEAPER

https://www.petcircle.com.au/product/style-it-slicker-wood-handle/ap513017?region_id=610401&gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-OkafAQ8NPwdiRTtqJJjxhBBxBATl3igqyhP1UMZVeTDco8loWxh1UYxoCGhMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

MORE EXPENSIVE

https://www.petstock.com.au/products/shear-magic-slicker-dog-brush

METAL TOOTH COMB