To maintain your Cockapoos coat in good condition requires regular brushing and care. Their coats can vary between being curly like a poodle , wavy or straight.
Grooming is an essential part of owning a Cockapoo and is an important consideration when deciding if a cockapoo is right for you. Their coats are high maintenance and require regular grooming or will result in matts if not properly cared for. It is painful for them to endure long drawn out dematting sessions, so keeping on top of their coats helps prevents this.
Not only does grooming them help their condition of the coat by spreading the natural oils it also gets rid of debris, dead skin, knots and matts which can be uncomfortable for your dog. It is also an opportunity to check your dog for fleas and ticks and their general condition. Also grooming helps build up a bond between you both.
Brushing and de-matting
It is best to start early with a grooming regime so that your puppy gets used to it. You can do this is small stages spending a little time and then building up. It is very hard to keep a wriggly puppy still for long periods. Have some treats on hand to reward as you go along and constant reassurance will make the puppy feel more relaxed.
When puppies coats start changing into their adults coats (around 7-10 months of age ) you may find the texture is coarser and will tangle more. You will need to start having a more structured grooming regime to keep those nasty knots at bay.
Puppies often require a hygiene trim, keeping their fur cut short around their anus , helps prevent poo from clinging to their coat, which they can find upsetting and the cause of many a bum scoot! Trimming around the eyes may also be needed, always use safety scissors with rounded ends and pull hair away from eye and gently snip or ask a groomer to do it , if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
When brushing your Cockapoo's coat it is essential to brush thoroughly and not just brush the top but right down to the skin. Start off with a pin brush or slicker brush (see pictures below) and brush through the whole coat, you may find sectioning it off easier, lifting the coat up with brush and brushing through the section, getting down to the skin.
Next use a comb that will pick up any knots missed by the brush. Start off with a wider toothed comb for a general comb through and then go down in size to work on areas that need more attention. With Cockapoos pay attention to the ears, beard, legs and armpits as this is when you are most likely to find matts and knots.
Be careful not to yank but go carefully as if you catch a knot in the comb it is painful for them. Work out any knots by firmly holding the patch of coat that you are combing in your hands i.e. the coat between skin and the knot. Then try and separate the knotty bits and comb to break them down and remove. This helps prevent yanking the knot which is painful as you are not putting too much pressure on the hair root. If knot is really big or very matted then snip out with scissors. Some people also use de-matters/matt breakers which are like a bladed comb. ( see picture below) these slice through the knot, but need to be used with caution and care as can easily cut the dog or your own fingers.
You can also buy de-tanglers and de-matting sprays that are sprayed onto coat to assist in helping untangle knotts and matts. Word of caution - Ensure that you safely spray, as if you get some products on your floors they can be like an ice- rink especially if they contain silicon.
Cockapoos can suffer with matts and knots particularly around the collar area, behind the ears, legs and in the armpit area. One way to help reduce around collar area is said to be to wear a rolled leather collar.
Ears and eyes need to be checked regularly and cleaned, claws will need to be clipped and the area between pads checked for foreign objects or damage to the pads .You can buy trimmers to cut the claws from most pet shops and online, but only if you feel comfortable and able to do yourself, If not a groomer or some vets will do this for you. Trimming around the eyes may also be needed, as hair can grown close to eyes and causes debris to be trapped, eye infections as discharge can build up, plus can restrict vision like it does for humans. Always use safety scissors with rounded ends and pull hair away from eye and gently snip or ask a groomer to do it , if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Finding it hard to groom your dog or they don't like it?
Have a look at Anne Rogers website for some great advice :
For Adult dogs:
http://pawsitivedawgs.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/grooming2/
For Puppies :pawsitivedawgs.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/grooming1/
Ideal Starter Kit: Slicker brush, wide toothed, medium toothed comb and rounded end scissors for the face.
Nail clipping
Info from a groomer :
If your dog doesn’t like having their nails clipped try distracting them with treats and start with rear legs first as it sometimes helps them to accept it. If you use a nail grinder remember that the nail gets hot so don’t overdo it - if they’re very long, a little bit taken off regularly will be better than a lot at once. The quick will grow with the nail and taking a bit off regularly will help it recede so you’re less likely to catch it. The quick is where the blood supply and nerves are so it’s very painful if you catch it and will make your dog afraid of the process. If you do catch it, you need to stop the bleeding - Most groomers have blood stoppers but I have seen that some say cornflour works - hold the end of the nail against it. If it’s a heavy bleed - please contact your vet.
Info from a groomer :
If your dog doesn’t like having their nails clipped try distracting them with treats and start with rear legs first as it sometimes helps them to accept it. If you use a nail grinder remember that the nail gets hot so don’t overdo it - if they’re very long, a little bit taken off regularly will be better than a lot at once. The quick will grow with the nail and taking a bit off regularly will help it recede so you’re less likely to catch it. The quick is where the blood supply and nerves are so it’s very painful if you catch it and will make your dog afraid of the process. If you do catch it, you need to stop the bleeding - Most groomers have blood stoppers but I have seen that some say cornflour works - hold the end of the nail against it. If it’s a heavy bleed - please contact your vet.
Bathing
Ideally use a dog shampoo as dogs have a differnet ph level to their skin to humans which is more alkaline, and human shampoo can cause irritation or dry skin. If you do decide to use a human one, look for one that has a neutral ph level of 7 and doesnt contain harsh chemicals or synthetic perfumes, ideally ones that have natural ingredients like lavendar and /or aloe vera.
There are now shampoos and products that can help you keep your dog's coat clean and tangle free without removing the natural oils within it .
There are plenty of shampoos and conditioners on the market so choose which is best suited to you and your dog. Some people like a shampoo that lathers up and some prefer low foaming shampoo. Some shampoos require that you dilute them first. You can also buy solid bars like soap.
For a freshen up in between, you can buy dry shampoos, and even perfumed sprays that smell like baby powder for example, which you can give your dogs a quick squirt all over for that salon finish.
Ideally use a dog shampoo as dogs have a differnet ph level to their skin to humans which is more alkaline, and human shampoo can cause irritation or dry skin. If you do decide to use a human one, look for one that has a neutral ph level of 7 and doesnt contain harsh chemicals or synthetic perfumes, ideally ones that have natural ingredients like lavendar and /or aloe vera.
There are now shampoos and products that can help you keep your dog's coat clean and tangle free without removing the natural oils within it .
There are plenty of shampoos and conditioners on the market so choose which is best suited to you and your dog. Some people like a shampoo that lathers up and some prefer low foaming shampoo. Some shampoos require that you dilute them first. You can also buy solid bars like soap.
For a freshen up in between, you can buy dry shampoos, and even perfumed sprays that smell like baby powder for example, which you can give your dogs a quick squirt all over for that salon finish.
Try using a bath scrunchie to make the shampoo last further
For aiding quick drying of your Cockapoo many owners find the micro-fibre towels and super absorbent towels like Easidri towels ideal.
A useful towel, bit like a chamois leather, and can absorb a lot of wet, making drying easier and quicker.
You can use a hairdryer after towel drying either a human one or invest in one designed for dogs which are an investment buy. Handy for those who prefer to do home grooming, such as the Dog Blaster range. Do watch the heat settings and ensure you don't focus too much intense heat on one area.
If using an ordinary towel it is better to blot and pat dry rather than vigourous rubbing which can cause knots.
A useful towel, bit like a chamois leather, and can absorb a lot of wet, making drying easier and quicker.
You can use a hairdryer after towel drying either a human one or invest in one designed for dogs which are an investment buy. Handy for those who prefer to do home grooming, such as the Dog Blaster range. Do watch the heat settings and ensure you don't focus too much intense heat on one area.
If using an ordinary towel it is better to blot and pat dry rather than vigourous rubbing which can cause knots.
Fox Poo: If your Cockapoo is a fox poo roller, wash them in shampoo, then rub in some tomato ketchup, including the collar and then rinse well. Do not shampoo again.The Ketchup apparently neutralises the smell.
Here's Bailey owned by Lynsey who is quite happy to be blow dried with the hairdryer:
Groomers
An alternative to grooming your Cockapoo yourself is to take your dog to a professional groomer. Try and choose a groomer on a recommendation. If you are out walking and see a dog that has been groomed well, ask the owner where they go, or you can ask the vet receptionist as they often know of groomers too. Check the groomer out, are they insured? do they cut one dog at a time or many? have they groomed a cockapoo before?.
Choosing a groomer is important, so that you get the one both you and your dog feel happy and secure with, knowing your dog will be cut well and dog is in safe hands.
Groomer's prices vary depending upon your area and groomer.
It is good to get puppies used to going and often groomers start off with a bath and tidy up initially, especially round the eyes and bottom ( hygiene trim) to get your puppy use to the noise and being handled, as it can be a scary experience for a young pup.
Before going to the groomer decide on the length of coat and the style that you want for Cockapoo. The more information you can give your groomer the better, as can be hard for groomer to interpret what you are wanting to achieve if you are too vague. A picture does help too, especially if you find it hard to get across what you mean.
Don't forget that if it does not go exactly how you wanted it to, your Cockapoo's coat will grow back, so don't panic.
Sometimes a groomer has no choice but to clip off a coat if it is really matted as they will no longer spend a long time trying to get out matts as this is both stressing and uncomfortable for the dog. Groomers do not like having to shave off coats, it's their profession and they like a happy dog and happy customers, and a lovely groomed dog which shows off their skill, but sometimes they have no choice. Discuss beforehand with groomer what are their methods of dealing with matts. You can also ask them to show you how best to brush and comb your dog when you are grooming at home.
Alternatively many owners are now do home grooming themselves. Your best bet is to do research using books and also www.youtube.com have many demo videos. Alternatively see if a grooming salon near you does training.
Some owners have been going on short one-two day grooming courses where they have learned how to cut and groom their own dogs. Check out your area to see if any are available.
An alternative to grooming your Cockapoo yourself is to take your dog to a professional groomer. Try and choose a groomer on a recommendation. If you are out walking and see a dog that has been groomed well, ask the owner where they go, or you can ask the vet receptionist as they often know of groomers too. Check the groomer out, are they insured? do they cut one dog at a time or many? have they groomed a cockapoo before?.
Choosing a groomer is important, so that you get the one both you and your dog feel happy and secure with, knowing your dog will be cut well and dog is in safe hands.
Groomer's prices vary depending upon your area and groomer.
It is good to get puppies used to going and often groomers start off with a bath and tidy up initially, especially round the eyes and bottom ( hygiene trim) to get your puppy use to the noise and being handled, as it can be a scary experience for a young pup.
Before going to the groomer decide on the length of coat and the style that you want for Cockapoo. The more information you can give your groomer the better, as can be hard for groomer to interpret what you are wanting to achieve if you are too vague. A picture does help too, especially if you find it hard to get across what you mean.
Don't forget that if it does not go exactly how you wanted it to, your Cockapoo's coat will grow back, so don't panic.
Sometimes a groomer has no choice but to clip off a coat if it is really matted as they will no longer spend a long time trying to get out matts as this is both stressing and uncomfortable for the dog. Groomers do not like having to shave off coats, it's their profession and they like a happy dog and happy customers, and a lovely groomed dog which shows off their skill, but sometimes they have no choice. Discuss beforehand with groomer what are their methods of dealing with matts. You can also ask them to show you how best to brush and comb your dog when you are grooming at home.
Alternatively many owners are now do home grooming themselves. Your best bet is to do research using books and also www.youtube.com have many demo videos. Alternatively see if a grooming salon near you does training.
Some owners have been going on short one-two day grooming courses where they have learned how to cut and groom their own dogs. Check out your area to see if any are available.
Grooming guide if you fancy a go yourself:
Selection Of Cockapoo Cuts
Taking a picture of a cut you like will help explain what look you are wanting to achieve. Do bear in mind that their coats can be different and like our hairstyles may not be exactly the same as the picture.
Here is a selection of popular cuts from our club members dogs:
Taking a picture of a cut you like will help explain what look you are wanting to achieve. Do bear in mind that their coats can be different and like our hairstyles may not be exactly the same as the picture.
Here is a selection of popular cuts from our club members dogs:
Teddy Bear Cut is one of the most popular cuts asked for, but can be subject to each groomers interpretation therefore discuss with your groomer what you are wanting . Usually the fur is trimmed short around the body and left longer on the legs . Around the head and ears are trimmed to flow naturally with the line of the ear flap. Some examples:
Before and After
Freshly Groomed :
A Lamb Cut is similar to a Teddy bear cut but usuallly shorter, as it's name suggests resembling that of a lamb.
Darci's cut was achieved using blades 7f on the body and 5f on the legs
A Cocker Cut resembles the cut of a Cocker Spaniel. Hair is left longer on the body and legs and head, but trimmed around the eyes.
Groomers may use clippers, some use Scissors or combination of both. For example scissor cut the body and legs but use small clippers for more smaller areas such as the face and for hygiene trims.
An example of a scissor cut
An example of a scissor cut
Shaped Short Scissor cut ,showing body and side view :
Puppy Cuts : Groomers can give you pups a basic trim, some may do a little tidy up, others may take more off their length.
Tick Removal
If your Cockapoo goes through woods and heathlands then they can be more prone to picking up ticks. It is always good to check through your dog's coat and ears for ticks as part of your grooming regime.
Ticks can easily be removed by a "Tick Twister" tool. For more information on ticks and removal please check out our page : Ticks
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