Bernedoodles are big, Bernedoodles are beautiful and Bernedoodles are fluffy! The Bernedoodle’s striking coat will require a bit of maintenance to keep them clean and comfortable. Today we talk about basic grooming tips to keep your new addition looking his/her best at all times!
Preparing Pups for Grooming
The first step in grooming your puppy is preparing them for the grooming process. Your pup needs to be properly desensitized to a variety of stimuli such as running water, blow dryers and having their paws handled. It is important that you introduce your puppy to these experiences early on and in a kind manner so that they only associate these practices with positive experiences.
Many puppies are afraid of the sound of running water, so try to have your sink or tub pre-filled prior to bathing your puppy. Be gentle with bathing your puppy and reward positive behavior with lots of love and praise. Do not be rough to your puppy in the bath or scold them for being afraid. Remember, this time in your puppy’s development is where fear can lead to anxiety later in life.
Another experience that may be strange to your puppy is brushing. Your Bernedoodle’s coat will benefit from daily brushing to prevent matts. Your puppy will probably be unsure of what to think about having their hair brushed. Again, make the experience a positive one so that your new furry friend isn’t afraid every time they see you bring out the brush!
Having their nails clipped is an unusual experience for all dogs, so it is best to prepare them early. Practice handling your puppy’s paws every day and increase the amount of time in which you hold their paws still slowly. If you have never clipped a dog’s nails before, we do not advise that you do so without first receiving instruction from a licensed groomer or your vet. “Quicking” a dog’s nails is a painful experience and can leave a young puppy scarred for life.
Your Grooming Checklist
In between professional grooming sessions, your Bernedoodle will require some maintenance care at home. The biggest one is daily maintenance of their coat. Bernedoodles have a hair coat, which means they are little-to-non shedding, however that can lead to matting of their coat over time if not properly maintained. Brush your Bernedoodle daily with a brush or comb. We love and highly recommend the Greyhound Comb!
Your Bernedoodle may need bathing in between grooming appointments, but be careful not to over bathe! Most people think their pooch needs a bath once a week, however, too many baths can lead to dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin. Only bathe your dog as he/she needs it. If your puppy does suffer from dry skin (especially in the colder months) we recommend using a tea tree shampoo to soothe them! Always look for any unusual bumps, cuts or rashes when bathing your dog.
First Trip to the Groomer!
Once your pup has been fully vaccinated (around 14-16 weeks) it is time for their first trip to the groomer! Even if you do not want your pup to receive a full groom at this time, we think it is very important to take your pup to the groomer anyway. Even if it is just for a quick bath and blow-dry, the earlier you can expose them to this practice, the more likely they are to acclimate to it without fear. We suggest taking your pup to the groomer every 3-4 weeks for a professional bath and blow-dry.
Now it’s time for puppy’s first haircut! It is important to go with photos in mind of what you would like your pooch to look like. If your puppy has an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, shorter cuts may keep him/her happier! If you prefer a longer coat, remember that your upkeep is going to be much greater! Your groomer will be able to suggest to you different clipping options best suited for you and your Bernedoodle. Professional grooming should be done every 4-6 weeks, with regular at-home maintenance in between.
If you are ready to add a Midwest Bernedoodle to your family, please visit our available puppies page for updates on upcoming litters and open reservations. If you have any questions, feel free to check us out on Facebook or shoot us an email. We look forward to helping pair you with your new best friend!