How to help your doodle or poo feel comfortable with grooming

To keep those super-soft curls in top condition, doodles and their fellow curly crossbreeds require regular brushing, bathing, clipping - and a good deal of patience. The challenge is not just to get your dog to accept being groomed, but to help them enjoy it too. The good news is that it can be learned. With some patience, preparation and a bit of clever planning, grooming can become a bonding moment instead of a battle. Here’s what you need to know.

Start early - and make it positive from day one

While your doodle or poo is still a puppy, you should start introducing them to being touched all over their body. Not just on the back, sides, and chest, but also their paws, behind the ears, under the tail and around the eyes and mouth. These are the areas that are often overlooked and can later become difficult if your dog never learned that handling there is okay.

Gently massage the paws, softly hold the ears, run your fingers through the coat and praise them along the way. Pretend you’ve found something interesting in the fur and give that spot a little extra attention before moving on. Make it part of your daily interaction - almost like a quiet cuddle session with lots of gentle contact.

Once your puppy is relaxed about handling, you can start introducing the brush and comb. Show them the brush, let your dog sniff it, and reward them with a treat whenever they stay calm and relaxed.

Short sessions - and plenty of breaks

When you start brushing properly, think in micro-sessions. Shorter is better. Two minutes a day with a good, positive atmosphere is far better than forcing your dog through fifteen minutes that leave you both frustrated.

Start by stroking with your hands as usual, then use the brush once, followed by more hand cuddles. Gradually, you’ll build up to brushing more than stroking. Work in small areas and stop while things are still going well. Use treats, and remember to praise - even if you only manage a quick brush over the chest. If you always finish on a positive note, your dog will remember it as something pleasant, and there’s likely to be less resistance next time.

A great trick is to combine grooming with something enjoyable: a chew, some wet food, or soft cheese on a lick mat.

Calm, predictability and pacing

Dogs, especially sensitive ones, pick up strongly on your emotions. If you’re impatient, stressed or irritated, it transfers quickly. Grooming should therefore only happen when you have the time and headspace, so you can project the calm you want your dog to feel.

When you’re ready for a grooming session, your puppy should be too. Choose a time when they’ve been out for a walk, had some stimulation, and are now nicely settled. That way, you’re both starting from a calm place.

Avoid surprising your dog. Use your body language and voice to show what’s about to happen. Bring out the brush calmly, let your dog see it, and begin gently. You don’t need to talk constantly, just be present and relaxed.

Pay special attention to areas where dogs often feel vulnerable, such as their paws, bottom, tummy, ears and around the eyes. Here, slow movements, frequent breaks and lots of praise are especially important.

Get your dog used to tables and dryers early on

Most doodles and poos need regular clipping, often on a grooming table. You’ll do both yourself and your dog a big favour by teaching them to stand calmly on a raised surface at home. This could be a non-slip mat on the washing machine, a utility-room counter, or a small table.

Start with very short sessions. Lift your dog up, stand together for a few seconds, give them a treat, and lift them down again. It’s not about clipping; it’s about learning that nothing scary happens here.

If you dry your dog with a hairdryer or blower, introduce the sound and sensation early. Start with a low heat and gentle airflow, keep your distance, and offer treats. Gradually help them learn that this is something they can simply relax through.

Make it a partnership

Even though many doodles and poos are professionally groomed, the groundwork is done at home. A groomer can do a lot, but if your dog has never learned to be handled or stand still, the experience can be very stressful for both dog and human.

The most important thing is how you view the situation. Instead of thinking, “Let’s just get this over with,” try thinking, “We’re working together on something that’s good for you.” You don’t need to win against your dog, you need to earn their trust.

If something feels difficult, stop. If your dog becomes anxious, take a break and do something else. Come back later and praise even small attempts. It’s not about grooming the entire dog in one go, but about building a solid foundation so it can eventually become a pleasant moment for you both.

The Curly Universe

Want to learn more about doodles, poos and other poodle crosses? We’ve created a Curly Universe where you can learn all about popular doodle and poo mixes, including grooming, trimming, coat care and much more.