08/05/2026
A well-maintained standard doodle or poodle takes me about 2 hours to complete start to finish (bath, blowdry, cut, etc.)...a poodle/doodle that has not been maintained at home or by a groomer takes 3-4 hours.
What does "well-maintained" mean?
In a perfect world, we would all be able to take about 10 minutes per day with our pups and do what's called "line brushing" with a good slicker brush. It prevents and untangles small mats, it helps stimulate the natural preventative qualities of their skin, and it can also be a bonding experience with your pup.
In the real world, you get home and have to cook supper, do laundry, take care of the household, run family members here and there...
Just a suggestion: take a few minutes to work on just a certain area of your pup...behind the ears, under the front arms, the tail, these are all areas that mat easily, so start there. Then the next day, focus on a different area...take the amount of time you can spare to help keep your pup healthy and happy.
A few minutes a day can spare your furbaby a longer, more eventful grooming appointment. If this isn't possible then consider:
***more frequent full groom appointments, 4 week appointments can help
***shorter, more frequent appointments (every 2 weeks)-only bathe, blow-dry and brush out without the trim and extras; these appointments are shorter and can help maintain their coat when life is just too busy.
We do NOT like being the bad guy for your pup...I say it often "our type of spa day does not bring about the same feelings for your pup's spa day". They typically don't like being groomed but what you do at home can ease the pain and anxiety they feel when they come to see me!
I appreciate it and I know your pup will too!