Grooming Your Australian Labradoodle
Keeping your dog looking and feeling their best.
At Red Desert Doodles, we believe grooming is more than just keeping your Labradoodle looking adorable — it’s an important part of their health and happiness. Regular brushing, bathing, and coat maintenance keep your dog comfortable, prevent matting, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry family member.
Australian Labradoodles have beautiful, allergy-friendly fleece or wool coats that don’t shed like traditional breeds — but they do require consistent care. With the right tools and schedule, you’ll keep that soft, silky coat looking gorgeous all year long.
Recommended Grooming Schedule
Every Labradoodle is a little different, but here’s a good general routine to follow:
Brushing: 2–3 times per week (daily during the puppy coat change)
Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo
Professional Grooming: Every 6–8 weeks
Ear Cleaning: Every 2–4 weeks
Nail Trimming: Every 2–3 weeks
Tip: Start early! Introduce gentle brushing, nail touching, and even low-speed blow-dryer noise when your puppy first comes home. Early positive exposure makes lifelong grooming a breeze.
Coat Types & Care
Australian Labradoodles come in two main coat types:
Fleece Coats – Soft, silky, and wavy or curly. Low-to-moderate maintenance; weekly brushing keeps them tangle-free.
Wool Coats – Densely curled, similar to a poodle. Require more frequent brushing but reward you with that plush teddy-bear look.
Both coat types are non-shedding and odor-free when properly maintained.
Puppy Coat Transition
Australian Labradoodles come in two main coat types:
Fleece Coats – Soft, silky, and wavy or curly. Low-to-moderate maintenance; weekly brushing keeps them tangle-free.
Wool Coats – Densely curled, similar to a poodle. Require more frequent brushing but reward you with that plush teddy-bear look.
Both coat types are non-shedding and odor-free when properly maintained.
Tools We Recommend
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some of our favorites:
✓ Slicker brush and stainless-steel comb
✓ Detangling or conditioning spray
✓ Gentle, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner
✓ Ear cleaner and nail trimmers
✓ Blow dryer with a cool or low-heat setting
Paw-some Tip: Check out our Paw-some Products We Love section for links to the grooming tools and products we personally use and recommend.
Grooming Prep & Training Tips
We encourage our families to make grooming a fun, positive experience:
✓ Keep sessions short and upbeat
✓ Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior
✓ Let your puppy get used to being handled (paws, ears, tail)
✓ Brush often, even just for a few minutes a day
✓ Always check for small mats behind the ears, under the collar, and around the tail
Grooming can become a special bonding time — something your dog actually looks forward to!
Professional Grooming
We recommend scheduling professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Share our downloadable grooming guides with your groomer to help them maintain that classic Australian Labradoodle look.
You may also want to print or download our “Grooming Instructions for Your Groomer” card to bring to each appointment — it’s a simple way to ensure your Labradoodle’s trim stays consistent and natural.
Downloadable Grooming Resources
We proudly follow the guidelines of both leading associations.
These guides include coat-specific grooming diagrams, recommended tools, and trimming patterns for the authentic Labradoodle look.
Grooming FAQ
How often should I bathe my Labradoodle?
Every 4–6 weeks is perfect. Bathing too often can strip natural oils, while too seldom can lead to tangles.
What’s the best way to prevent matting?
Brush all the way to the skin using a slicker brush and comb. Focus on problem areas — behind the ears, under the collar, and near the legs.
When should I start grooming my puppy?
Begin brushing your puppy as soon as they come home. Gentle, positive grooming early helps create calm, confident adult dogs.
What kind of trim should I ask for?
Ask your groomer for a “teddy-bear trim” or bring one of our grooming guides to show them your preferred style.
A Final Word
Because our puppies are raised by our family for your family, we want every Red Desert Doodles dog to live their happiest, healthiest life. Grooming plays a big role in that — keeping your Labradoodle comfortable, confident, and ready for snuggles anytime.