The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Goldendoodle at Home (With Step-by-Step Instructions & Pro Tips)

How To Groom a Goldendoodle At Home: Key Points

• Brush your Goldendoodle regularly to prevent mats. 
• Use the right tools designed for their coat type. 
• Avoid scissors when removing mats.
• Follow a structured routine 

Introduction

Goldendoodles are known for their playful personalities and fluffy coats—but that look takes regular care. Grooming your Goldendoodle at home can save money and keep your dog healthy. This step-by-step guide covers everything from brushing and bathing to trimming and tools—perfect for beginners.

Keep reading to learn how to groom a golden doodle at home with easy, step-by-step tips every beginner can follow!

Understanding Your Goldendoodle’s Coat

Not all Doodle coats are created equal—and knowing what you're working with is the first step to successful grooming.

“With a Doodle, we are dealing with a nice, thick, beautiful coat that needs to be brushed and maintained regularly. What I’m referring to is brushing the coat to make sure you aren’t getting any matting. I would recommend brushing your dog anywhere from once a day to once a week, and I would also recommend combing your dog after you brush them with the same timeframe.” - Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer and Paw Parent Academy instructor

Curly, Wavy, or Straight? Identifying Your Doodle's Coat Type

Goldendoodle coats typically fall into three categories:

1. Curly – Dense, tight curls prone to matting. Requires daily brushing and frequent trimming.
2. Wavy The most common coat type. Moderate matting risk, needs brushing every 2–3 days (if daily brushing isn’t possible).
3. Straight– Rare but easier to maintain. Brushing 1–2 times per week may suffice - though, again, we always recommend brushing daily if possible.

How Coat Type Affects Grooming Frequency & Tools Needed

Curly coats need more frequent attention than wavy or straight. Here's a quick breakdown:

Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat: What Changes to Expect

Goldendoodle puppies have softer, thinner coats. Around 6–12 months, they begin shedding this “puppy fluff” and grow in their adult coat, which may require a completely different grooming approach. Be ready to adjust tools and techniques as your dog matures.

Best Grooming Tools for Goldendoodles

Having the right tools makes grooming safer, faster, and more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Best Home Grooming Tools for Doodles

• A grooming table with grooming arm + loop
• Slicker Brush – Ideal for detangling and fluffing.
• Metal Comb – Use to detect hidden mats and finish grooming.
• Dematting Rake – For safely working out stubborn tangles.
• Dog Clippers – Invest in quiet, high-quality ones like Andis or Wahl.
• Scissors – Rounded-tip grooming scissors are best for safety.
• Nail Grinder – Less stressful than clippers for most dogs.
• Dog Shampoo & Conditioner – Use gentle, sulfate-free formulas.
• Ear Cleaner & Cotton Pads – Keeps ears free from infection.
• Dog Toothbrush & Enzymatic Toothpaste – Promotes oral health.

Natural vs. Medicated Shampoos – What’s Best for Your Doodle’s Skin?

Choose a natural, oatmeal-based shampoo for regular use. If your Doodle has allergies, hotspots, or yeast infections, ask your vet about medicated formulas like chlorhexidine or anti-fungal blends. Importantly, though, never start using any medicated shampoos on your dog until you’ve spoken to your vet about it first, as you do not want to further irritate the skin. 

Budget-Friendly Alternatives vs. Professional-Grade Tools

If you're just starting out:

• Try kits that bundle brushes, combs, and scissors.
• Check for gently-used clippers online.
• Prioritize brushes and dog-friendly shampoo over expensive extras at first.

Goldendoodle Grooming: Product Recommendations (with Pros & Cons)

When it comes to grooming your Goldendoodle at home, choosing the right tools can make all the difference—here are some top-rated products with their pros and cons to help you decide what’s worth the investment.

• Chris Christensen Slicker Brush
• Pro: Best for removing tangles, lasts years
• Con: Pricey
• Andis ProClip Clippers
• Pro: Quiet, powerful
• Con: Initial cost
• Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush
• Pro: Affordable, easy to use
• Con: May not reach deep mats
• TropiClean Shampoo
• Pro: Natural ingredients, pleasant scent
• Con: Not medicated

How To Groom a Goldendoodle at Home: Step-by-Step

This section walks you through the full grooming process, from brushing to bathing to trimming.

Step 1: Pre-Groom Prep - Brushing & Dematting

Before any water touches your Doodle’s fur, brush thoroughly to remove tangles.

• Use a slicker brush to go section by section (a.k.a. “line brushing”).
• Follow up with a metal comb to catch hidden mats.
• Gently use a dematting rake if you find any large tangles.

Step 2: Bath Time - How to Properly Wash a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles need regular baths to keep their curly coats clean, soft, and free of tangles. Here are some key things to keep in mind in order to do it right:

• Water Temperature: Lukewarm, not hot.
• Dog-Friendly Shampoo: Lather from neck to tail, avoiding the eyes and ears. Importantly, never use shampoo products meant for humans.
• Dog-Friendly Conditioner: Optional but helpful for detangling. Again, never use conditioners meant for humans.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Leftover shampoo causes irritation.

Step 4: How to Trim a Goldendoodle’s Face, Paws, and Sanitary Areas Safely

What You’ll Need To Trim Your Doodle

• Scissoring conditioning spray in a mister bottle, to help your tools glide through the hair with ease.

• 1 clipper with a #30 cutting blade for the body, head, and legs.

• Snap-on/guide combs for your clippers—commonly used lengths for Doodles are ½”, ⅝”, and ⅞”.

• 1 trimmer for sensitive areas like between the eyes, paw pads, ears, and sanitary zones.

• 3 shears: straight, curved, and chunkers (great for finishing the face or tail).

Once your tools are ready, start slow and stay calm. Grooming your Goldendoodle safely means being patient and working in sections. Always mist the coat lightly with scissoring spray before trimming—this reduces friction and helps your tools move smoothly through the hair.

Face:

• Use rounded-tip scissors or a small trimmer to gently trim around the eyes.
• Clear away any hair that blocks your dog’s vision.
• Use your clippers around the rest of the face, when not dealing with sensitive areas.
• When using clippers on the top of the head, move the clippers straight back, towards the back of their neck.
• Comb the eyebrows upward and snip just enough to open up the face.
• Avoid overcutting—leave a natural, balanced look.

Muzzle:

• Hold your dog’s chin steady while you trim.
• Tidy up the jawline, lips, and under the chin.
• Use curved shears or chunkers for a soft, rounded finish.
• Leave a bit of length for both protection and style.

Paws:

• Flip each paw over and inspect the pads.
• Trim the hair growing between the paw pads using a trimmer or rounded scissors.
• Remove any excess fur that sticks out around the paw edges.
• Aim for a rounded, teddy bear-like shape to reduce slipping and collect less dirt.

Sanitary Areas:

• Use your trimmer—not scissors—for safety.
• Carefully clip around the groin, anus, and inner thighs.
• Hold the skin taut to avoid accidental nicks.
• Go slowly and gently—this area is sensitive but important for hygiene.

Nail Trimming & Ear Cleaning – Health Essentials Often Skipped

Nail trimming and ear cleaning are often overlooked in home grooming routines, but neglecting these areas can lead to discomfort or even health issues for your Goldendoodle.

“Along with our grooming schedule on the body, we want to maintain things like their ears and nails. I would recommend paying attention to these areas at least once a week. We want to make sure that the ears and the nails are being maintained continuously healthy.” - Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer and Paw Parent Academy instructor

• Use nail trimmers and/or a grinder at least once per week.
• Avoid cutting the quick (the pink part inside the nail).
• Clean ears with vet-approved solution or pet ear wipes once a week.
• NEVER use Q-tips inside the ear canal.

Signs Your Dog May Need Anal Gland Expression

If your dog is scooting, licking their rear excessively, or showing signs of discomfort near the tail, impacted anal glands might be to blame. These small sacs, located on either side of the anus, are normally expressed naturally when your dog poops. But if they’re not emptied properly, they can become full, impacted, or even infected.

Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Scooting or dragging their butt on the ground.
• Excessive licking or biting at the base of the tail.
• A strong, fishy odor from the rear.
• Swelling or discomfort near the anus.

Many vets perform this service during routine appointments, and for most paw parents, it’s safest to leave it to a professional, especially if you’re unsure or your dog is showing signs of pain or swelling. Therefore, if you see any of the above signs and/or have any reason to suspect your dog may require anal gland expression, contact your vet for further assistance.

Grooming Puppies vs. Adults – What Changes?

Start early! Even if it’s just brushing or paw-handling, get your puppy used to being touched.

• Shorter sessions (5–10 minutes) with treats.
• Let them hear clippers and dryers turned on (but not used).
• Use puppy shampoo that’s extra gentle.

Infographic: Goldendoodle Grooming Schedule

Keeping a consistent grooming routine is key to your Goldendoodle’s health and comfort—use this easy reference chart to stay on track.

What Are Some Popular Goldendoodle Grooming Styles?

Goldendoodles come in all shapes, sizes, and coat types—which means there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to haircuts. Whether you're going for low maintenance or high style, here are some of the most popular grooming styles for Goldendoodles:

Teddy Bear Cut

The Teddy Bear Cut is a favorite for its fluffy, rounded look that keeps your Goldendoodle looking like a plush toy. The fur is trimmed to an even length all over the body (usually around ¾ of an inch), with special attention given to the face—rounded cheeks, a soft muzzle, and visible eyes for that signature “teddy bear” appearance.

Puppy Cut

Despite the name, the Puppy Cut isn’t just for young dogs. It refers to a uniform trim across the entire body, usually around ½ inch, that mimics the softness and simplicity of a puppy’s coat. It’s low maintenance and practical, perfect for active dogs or warmer seasons.

Kennel Cut

The Kennel Cut is one of the shortest grooming styles and is ideal for hot climates or busy owners who want minimal upkeep. The entire coat—including the face, body, and legs—is clipped short (typically under ½ inch), making brushing and bathing much easier. This cut sacrifices fluff for functionality.

Lamb Cut

This stylish cut features a short body trim paired with longer, fluffy legs—giving the appearance of a miniature lamb. It’s a good option for owners who want to reduce matting on the torso while still showcasing the soft texture of their Doodle’s coat on the legs and feet.

Poodle Cut

Inspired by the traditional Poodle look, this style keeps the body short with accentuated areas of volume—like a rounded topknot, puffed tail, or sculpted legs. It’s a more advanced cut that requires precision and regular upkeep but can look elegant and show-ready when done properly.

Expert Tips – Pro-Level Advice for a Salon-Quality Finish

Here are a few next-level tips from grooming pros:

• Desensitize slowly – Let your dog sniff and hear tools before using them.
• Use paw balm – Helps prevent cracked pads in winter.
• Avoid trimming wet fur – It can lead to uneven cuts.
• Try calming treats or CBD if your dog is anxious.
• Work in short bursts – Especially if your Doodle is young or fidgety.

Conclusion: Keep Your Goldendoodle Healthy, Happy, and Beautiful

Grooming your Goldendoodle at home might seem overwhelming at first—but with the right tools, knowledge, and patience, it’s completely doable. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also help build trust and comfort with your dog.

Learn To Groom Your Goldendoodle at Home with Paw Parent Academy

Grooming a Goldendoodle can feel overwhelming, especially with all that fluffy, curly fur. But with the right guidance, you can master it from the comfort of your own home—no salon trips or stressful appointments required. Whether you’re brand new to grooming or looking to level up your skills, we've got you covered.

Grooming Your Goldendoodle At Home FAQs

How often should I groom my Goldendoodle at home?

Brush daily, bathe every 4–8 weeks, and trim every 6–10 weeks depending on coat type.

What is the best tool for grooming Goldendoodles?

A slicker brush paired with a metal comb is essential for preventing mats.

What’s the best brush for a Goldendoodle’s coat?

We recommend the Chris Christensen Slicker Brush for deep, safe detangling.

Should I brush my Goldendoodle wet or dry?

Always brush dry to avoid breakage and pulling.

Can I groom my Goldendoodle without clippers?

Yes, but scissors alone will take more time and may not be ideal for full haircuts.

How do I prevent matting in my Doodle’s fur?

Brush regularly, use detangling spray, and never bathe a matted dog.

What age should I start grooming my Goldendoodle puppy?

Begin introducing grooming tools and routines as early as 8 weeks.

Is it okay to use human shampoo on a Goldendoodle?

No—human shampoos can irritate your dog’s skin. Always use dog-specific formulas.

What’s the difference between a teddy bear and kennel cut?

• Teddy Bear Cut: Fluffy, rounded face with even-length body.
• Kennel Cut: Shorter all over for easier maintenance.

How to trim a Goldendoodle’s face?

Use rounded scissors and start slowly. Trim around the eyes, chin, and mouth for visibility and cleanliness.