Doodles are incredible dogs—smart, loving, and endlessly charming. But let’s be honest: their coats can be a challenge. Every week, groomers hear the same line from frustrated owners:

“I brush her every day! Why are you shaving her?”

And every week, groomers face the same heartbreaking reality: the coat is matted all the way to the skin, leaving shaving as the only humane option. So why does this happen? And how can we bridge the gap between groomers and owners?

The Problem With Over-Brushing

When owners say they’re brushing daily, they usually mean they’re brushing on top of the coat. The strokes feel productive, hair comes out, and it seems like the right thing to do. But here’s the issue:

• The mats form at the skin, where the hair shaft meets new undercoat.

• Brushing with pressure pulls and irritates the skin, making the dog uncomfortable.

• Without using the right technique (line brushing), the brush never reaches those hidden tangles.

This creates a false sense of success. The coat looks fluffy on the outside, but underneath, tight mats are forming.

The Groomer’s Frustration

From the groomer’s chair, this misunderstanding creates stress on both sides:

• Owners feel like their efforts are dismissed.

• Groomers feel like the “bad guy” when they recommend shaving.

• Dogs end up scared, uncomfortable, and in extreme cases, in pain.

This cycle is one of the biggest points of tension in the grooming industry today, especially with doodles.

The Owner’s Perspective

It’s important to acknowledge: owners want to do right by their dogs. They spend money on brushes, they dedicate time, and they truly believe they’re preventing mats. But without guidance, their efforts don’t match what the coat needs.

This miscommunication leaves owners feeling accused (“you just want to shave my dog”) and groomers feeling misunderstood (“it’s too matted to save”).

The Solution: Educating Early and Often

The good news? This problem is 100% preventable with the right education.

• Teach Line Brushing: Owners need to learn how to brush section by section, pulling the brush gently through the hair shaft without scraping skin. Show how to finish off the brushing with a wire comb.

• Start Young: Puppies should be introduced to brushes, face handling, and paw handling as early as possible. A positive start builds lifelong cooperation.

• Partner With Owners: Groomers, breeders, and trainers should work together to set realistic expectations. Maintaining a long doodle cut is possible—but only with proper brushing and regular grooming visits.

Happy Clients, Happy Groomers, Happy Dogs

When owners understand the “why” behind proper brushing, everything changes.

✔️ Dogs learn grooming isn’t scary.
✔️ Owners stop feeling frustrated or judged.
✔️ Groomers can spend time styling, not shaving mats.

The result? Beautiful coats, healthier dogs, and stronger trust between groomers and clients.

Final Thoughts

Doodles are amazing companions, but they require commitment. Over-brushing, surface brushing, or waiting too long between appointments sets everyone up for failure. With the right education and communication, though, groomers and owners can finally get on the same page.

Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: happy clients, happy groomers, and most importantly, happy dogs. 🐾