If you own a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, Sheepadoodle, or another curly-coated mix, you’ve probably discovered one thing quickly…
Keeping that beautiful coat looking fluffy takes the right tools.
After years of grooming my own dogs, and as a professional groomer, I’ve found that some products make my life so much easier. And some just don’t work. Not having the right tools is a sure way to end up with a shaved pup.
This guide contains the grooming supplies I recommend most often. Every product here is something I would feel comfortable using or recommending to my own clients.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Before You Buy Anything…
No brush can remove severe matting.
The best grooming tool is actually a consistent brushing routine.
If you’re not sure you’re brushing correctly, read this guide first:
What Is Line Brushing (And Why Every Doodle Owner Needs To Know)
Learning this one technique will make every brush on this list work much better.
My Favorite Slicker Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush
Why I recommend it:
- Reaches deep into curly coats
- Removes loose hair
- Helps prevent mats
- Gentle when used correctly
My Favorite Metal Comb
2 Pack Dog Combs with Rounded Ends Stainless Steel Teeth
Never skip the comb.
If the comb doesn’t glide through the coat after brushing, your dog still has tangles hiding underneath.
The comb is how professional groomers check their work.
Detangling Spray
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangler
Never brush a completely dry doodle coat.
A light mist of detangling spray helps reduce breakage, decreases pulling, and makes brushing much easier.
High Velocity Dryer
Dog Grooming Blower with Heater
If you only invest in one expensive grooming tool, make it a quality high velocity dryer.
It helps:
- Blow out loose undercoat
- Straighten curls for easier brushing
- Find hidden mats
- Dry your dog much faster
- Reduce future tangles
This is the closest thing to professional grooming equipment you can own at home.
Nail Clippers
Millers Forge Steel Pet Nail Clipper
Regular nail trims help your dog walk comfortably and reduce the risk of injuries.
Styptic Powder
Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder
Everyone accidentally trims a nail too short eventually.
Styptic powder quickly helps stop minor bleeding and is something every dog owner should keep nearby.
Ear Cleaner
Virbac EPIOTIC® Advanced Ear Cleanser
Many doodles are prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears and hair growth inside the ear canal.
Cleaning ears regularly can help reduce wax buildup and moisture.
Shampoo
Bark2Basics Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Choose a gentle, moisturizing shampoo designed for dogs.
Healthy skin grows healthier coats.
Conditioner
Bark2Basics Oatmeal Dog Conditioner
Conditioner is one of the most overlooked grooming products.
It helps:
- Reduce tangles
- Moisturize the coat
- Make brushing easier
- Leave the coat softer between appointments
Grooming Table
Why I Recommend a Grooming Table (Even More Than Fancy Grooming Tools)
This might surprise you, but one of the best grooming “tools” you can buy isn’t a brush at all—it’s a grooming table.
When I got my first long-haired dog, I thought my dog simply hated being brushed. Every brushing session turned into a wrestling match. He bit the brush, rolled over, tried to play, and refused to stand still. I dreaded brushing him, so I often put it off until his coat became matted.
Looking back, I realize the problem wasn’t the brush—it was that my dog had never learned that grooming time was different from playtime.
A grooming table creates a consistent routine. Dogs quickly learn that when they’re on the table, it’s time to stand quietly and cooperate. Over time, many dogs become calmer because they understand what’s expected of them.
This doesn’t just make brushing easier—it improves almost every part of your grooming routine.
A grooming table can help with:
- Brushing and line brushing
- Nail trims
- Ear cleaning
- Drying after a bath
- Checking for mats, burrs, or skin issues
- Teaching your dog patience and handling skills
When your dog is standing comfortably at a working height, you’re also able to groom more effectively. You’re not chasing them around the living room or bending over the floor, and your hands are free to focus on brushing correctly.
If your dog constantly bites the brush, thinks grooming is a game, or won’t stand still, don’t assume they “hate being groomed.” In many cases, they simply haven’t learned what grooming time looks like yet.
A quality grooming table can completely change your home grooming routine. In my opinion, it’s one of the best investments you can make if you’re committed to maintaining your doodle’s coat between professional grooming appointments.
46-in Dog Grooming Table for Large Pets
My Amazon Storefront
If you’d rather see everything in one place, I’ve organized all of my favorite doodle grooming products inside my Amazon storefront.
➡️ Shear Grace Amazon Storefront
Final Thoughts
Buying expensive grooming products won’t replace regular brushing—but having the right tools makes grooming much easier for both you and your dog.
Start with a slicker brush, a metal comb, and a quality detangling spray. Build your grooming kit over time as your budget allows.
And remember, the best brush in the world won’t prevent mats if it never gets used. A few minutes of brushing several times each week can save your doodle from painful matting and expensive shave-downs later.
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