How to Groom a Doodle Weekly to Prevent Matting
A doodle’s coat is one of the reasons families fall in love with them—soft, cloudlike, expressive, and full of personality. But that same beautiful texture also needs thoughtful care. Curls, waves, and hybrid coats love to hold onto tiny tangles, and if a small knot settles in, it can tighten quickly. What looks harmless one day can become a solid mat just a week later.
A simple weekly routine keeps your doodle comfortable, healthy, and mat-free. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog—turning grooming from a chore into connection. With the right tools, a predictable rhythm, and the Stokeshire method of preventive care, you can maintain a coat that stays soft, airy, and manageable all year long.
Below is our 7-step weekly routine, the same system used across Stokeshire guardian homes, trained puppies, and therapy-track dogs.
Seven Tips to Keep Your Doodle Mat-Free All Week
1. Build a Simple, Repeatable Weekly Routine
Doodles thrive on rhythm—and so does their coat. Setting aside one consistent weekly grooming day is the easiest way to keep tangles from tightening. Their textured coats naturally trap dust, loose hair, and moisture, making them more prone to matting than single-coat breeds.
A weekly rhythm gives you:
Time to catch tiny knots before they become a project
Awareness of where your dog mats most easily (collar lines, armpits, legs)
A calmer dog who knows what to expect
Routine isn’t just maintenance—it’s comfort and predictability for both of you.
2. Always Start With a Bath + Full Blow Dry
A clean, fully dried coat is 90% of mat prevention.
Bathing loosens debris and softens the curl structure, allowing brushes to glide through without tugging. Choose a gentle shampoo that cleans without weighing down the curls.
The blow dry matters just as much. Hybrid coats hold moisture at the base, where mats start. A slow, steady blow-dry stretches the curls, separates layers, and prepares the coat for brushing.
Finish with a light conditioning or detangling spray to add slip and protect the hair shaft.
3. Choose Tools That Work With (Not Against) Doodle Coats
The right tools save time, reduce discomfort, and dramatically improve results.
Our Stokeshire Essentials:
A quality slicker brush for loosening surface tangles
A stainless steel comb to confirm your work and reach deeper layers
The slicker opens the coat.
The comb tells the truth.
Using both creates a smooth, even coat without pulling on the skin.
4. Use the Line-Brushing Method (Your Secret Weapon)
Hybrid coats hide tangles beneath the top layer—so brushing only the surface gives a false sense of progress.
Line brushing solves this:
Part a small section
Brush outward from the skin
Move slowly across the body, section by section
This ensures every layer gets attention and prevents hidden mats from developing.
5. Keep High-Friction Areas Trimmed Short
Certain areas mat faster because they constantly rub together:
Behind the ears
Armpits
Groin
Inside legs
Collar lines
Tail base
Keeping these high-friction spots lightly trimmed makes your weekly routine easier and keeps your doodle comfortable and mat-free.
6. Add Quick Weekly Hygiene Care (Ears, Eyes, Paws)
Even when the coat is well maintained, small hygiene zones can quietly collect buildup that turns into tangles.
Make a quick weekly pass of:
Eyes – wipe away tear stains and residue
Ears – clean folds and lightly trim surrounding hair
Paws – check between toes for dirt or debris
A pack of Grooming Wipes makes this step gentle and effective. They help remove buildup before it becomes a tangle and are perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the week.
These tiny habits make a big difference in preventing mats.
7. Call a Professional Groomer When Mats Become Too Tight
Even with excellent care, some mats become too dense or too close to the skin to safely remove at home. Pulling at them can hurt your dog and damage the coat.
Professional groomers can:
Safely remove stubborn mats
Identify skin issues you can’t see
Even out the coat for easier weekly brushing
Give your doodle a fresh start when needed
Knowing when to call for help protects both your dog and your routine.
Conclusion
Weekly grooming isn’t just cosmetic—it’s comfort, health, and connection. A consistent routine keeps your doodle’s coat soft and breathable, prevents painful mats, and helps your dog feel relaxed during handling.
At Stokeshire, grooming is part of raising therapy-grade, family-ready companions—dogs who look and feel like the best version of themselves.
With simple habits, the right tools, and a little weekly intention, you can keep your doodle beautifully mat-free all year long.