Wow Grooming Blogs

Poodles and doodles are great family pets but they all have one thing in common - their fur coats are high maintenance! We have come up with a basic guide to help you care for your dog’s coat properly.

Ever wondered what a dog with a double coat looks like? We cover all the basics on what a double coat is, which dogs have them, why they exist, and how to care for your dog’s double-coated fur both at home and with the help of your groomer.

Introducing our final ambassador, Georgia! Georgia has pedigree when it comes to grooming having first dipped her toe into the dog grooming world when she was just 15.

Wow Grooming is really pleased to work with some talented grooming ambassadors. We'd really like to introduce you to them so we've decided to do a series of Q&As with them. Second up, is Lia from Barking Beautiful.

If you struggle get your dog dry after a bath, we've put together some top tips which will ensure the experience is safe, easy and hassle free for both owner and canine!

It’s that time of year when the ground gets soggy and the parks - which were once green - are now a shade of brown. It's soggy doggy season. We’ve written a handy guide to help you with bathing your dog at home.

100% natural dog shampoo? Not possible... but you can get pretty close.

The word 'natural' is one of the most overused words in many industries right now.

The definition of a natural product: a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism that is found in nature; natural products include any substance produced by life.

It's safe to say then that plant­ based products, like oils, essential oils, butters, etc. are natural, plant-based.

 

Why should you brush your dog?

For any dog, brushing is a necessary part of a healthy grooming routine: it will remove dead hair and skin cells, distribute oils from your dog’s skin, and can also help remove the animal’s seasonal coat.  Regular brushing will help to maintain a knot free coat and prevent mats.

 

In the last 15 years, Poodle mixes, known as Doodles are becoming more and more popular. The choice is expanding with many poodle crosses small and large, here are just a few of the many doodle breeds - Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Maltipoos and more.

A Doodle is any kind of dog that’s an offspring of a Poodle and another purebred dog or Poodle mix. A Doodle will tend to have fur that grows in soft, tight curls.  Doodles come in a variety of colours.

Not every Doodle breed is the same, and will vary in energy levels, size, and mental needs. Temperament will also vary from dog to dog.

Generally Doodles should not shed, have considerably less dander and cause less allergies.

Grooming doodles

Puppies go through a coat change somewhere between 6-12 months where they will shed their puppy coat and the adult coat will start to grow through. Grooming practices should be established from about 12 weeks old.

Due to the nature of a doodle coat matting at any time, regular brushing is highly recommended.  Depending on coat type brushing could be daily. Harnesses, Dog coats and wet weather can easily knot areas of the dogs fur especially if not regularly brushed in between professional grooms. 
Specially made products like our glide spray will help to ease knots.

Get in touch if you have any questions about grooming your doodle.

1. Puppy grooming should be introduced at a young age. As soon as the puppy has received its 2nd vaccination, a friendly visit to the grooming salon is advisable to be familiarised.

 

2. If the owner has time, it is always good to let the puppy visit the grooming salon for a 10 min acclimatisation i.e. listening to the sounds of the drier, water, smells, perhaps gently hold a vibrating clipper on the back of the puppy, to feel the sensation, perhaps a brush of a leg but that is it and of course lots of attention and cuddles with treats if allowed - remember always ask first. It will also give you an insight to the condition and coat style.

 

3. Before accepting any puppy/dog for its appointment, a disclaimer must be completed and signed by the owner - this will supply a brief history and contact details and advise the groomer of any allergies or ailments, likes or dislikes.

 

4. Keep treats available if a puppy needs some reassurance and praising.

 

5. Puppy grooms should be on a regular basis of 4 - 6 weeks depending on the puppy coat.

 

6. On an introductory groom (approx 1 hour) nails and sanitary will be tidied.

 

7. Bath the puppy in a gentle shampoo i.e. a hypoallergenic one (e.g CT aloe and avocado) - although all of our shampoos are suitable for puppies from the age of 12 weeks.

 

8. Once towel dried, gently dry the puppy with a stand dryer if available to fluff dry, trying not to make the dryer too powerful or a blaster on the lowest fan and lowest heat setting and remove the nozzle so it is a gentle breeze.

 

9. As the puppy grows, the groomer will advise when the puppy will require its first full groom i.e. a full style through cutting, this will also depend on how often a puppy owner can brush their dog and keep it free of knots and matting. This can be done in a home environment as well but always remember to secure the puppy to a bath with a suction pad or similar and a Happy Strap is ideal - no pressure on the neck.

 

10. Brushing should be short periods and as soon as the puppy is unhappy, stop. Remember the puppy should want to be brushed and be relaxed and enjoy it, not be scared and run as soon as it sees you approaching with a brush. Do not rush towards your puppy with a brush as this could turn into a nervous experience as not all puppies enjoy it, it should be a slow gentle experience

Need help deciding what products are best for puppies? We can help, please contact us to find out how.