How to Trim Goldendoodle’s Face

Goldendoodles are fantastic hybrid breed dogs that make ideal family pets. This Golden Retriever and Poodle mixed-breed dog has a wavy coat, which requires regular grooming, whether you visit a professional dog groomer or invest in a kit.

If you’re a new dog owner, you may prefer to visit a professional groomer initially to get acquainted with the standard Goldendoodle haircut style, as well as the standard care process, including dogs nail clippers, ear cleaning, brushing to remove and avoid tangles, nail trim, and trimming your dog’s face.

Fortunately, it’s easy to groom your Goldendoodle puppy’s face, whether you have a standard or mini Goldendoodle breed. A great way to introduce your puppy to trimming their facial hair is to use your grooming scissors after bathing your dog, dog clippers, a slicker brush, and other grooming tools to keep your pet’s curly coat in great shape.

What You’ll Need to Trim Your Goldendoodle Puppy

The first items you’ll need to start grooming your dog at home include a slicker brush, nail clippers, and a steel comb. It’s also essential to invest in a quality pair of grooming scissors or a simple kit, which typically includes clippers, thinning shears, and a brush, among other essential tools.

If you’re purchasing a dog grooming kit and all the items you’ll need for regular care, it’s essential to include the following items:

A complete kit is an excellent option if you’re looking for everything you need to trim and care for your Goldendoodle’s coat.

Step-By-Step Dog Grooming for Your Goldendoodle

Before you begin grooming your dog, it’s essential to set aside time so your pet doesn’t feel rushed or anxious, especially if your Goldendoodle puppy is nervous and takes a while to sit still.

Once your pet becomes accustomed to the grooming process, your puppy will be more relaxed over time, making the experience more pleasant.

1. Gently brush Your Dog’s Coat

Using a steel comb or brush, begin gently brushing your dog’s coat after bathing. Start with your dog’s face, one section at a time, from one side of the face to the other, the area above your dog’s eyes, then under the mouth and neck areas.

If you brush these areas and other parts of your dog’s curly coat regularly, you likely won’t encounter any tangles or mats.

If you find a matted area during the combing process, lift the section, and position the brush or comb with the teeth facing upward toward the fur. Gently pull the mat with the comb, holding the fur section with your hand near the root, to minimize the discomfort. You can also speak calmly and kindly to your dog to help them through this challenging step.

2. Clear Stains Around Your Dog’s Eyes

If you notice tear stains around your dog’s eyes, there are specific stain remover wipes that gently remove these easily. If these stains are heavy, there are specialized products, such as powders or formulated products, that you can find at a pet store or through a recommendation from a professional groomer or veterinarian.

3. Begin Using the Dog Clippers’ Trimmer Attachment

Trim the coat fur on your dog’s cheeks with the trimmer attachment set to one inch. It’s essential to steady your dog and keep them comfortable with one hand while you use the clippers. Take your time, and work slowly, with long strokes down each side of your dog’s face. This step may cause your pet to become nervous, requiring a short break and extra comfort before continuing.

4. Create Your Goldendoodle Haircut

Whether you’re aiming for a Poodle cut, Lamb cut, or another standard style, begin making the first trim with grooming scissors just above your Goldendoodle’s eyes so that they are roughly one inch in length.

If you’re not used to trimming around your dog’s eyes, it’s best to use safety scissors and leave the fur a bit longer or trim it shorter. A shorter fringe will allow you to wait longer between grooming sessions with your pet.

As you trim this area of your dog’s face, avoid cutting your pet’s whiskers, and continue to speak kindly to your dog to help them stay calm during this process.

5. Trim and Blend the Length of Your Goldendoodle Coat

Once you finish trimming above your dog’s eyes, continue cutting the curly or wavy fur around your dog’s ears and face to blend into the shorter hair. This step may vary depending on the specific style you choose for your pet, though generally, it’s done in the same manner, with tipped scissors and a comb.

You’ll want to take your time to avoid cutting fur too short and carefully ensure that the hair around your dog’s face blends into the same length above the eyes and around the cheeks.

Goldendoodle With Face Trim
Image Credit: Unsplash

6. Trim the Hair Around and Beneath Your Dog’s Mouth

This part of your dog’s face should have shorter hair, with no more than a quarter-inch around your pet’s mouth. This part of the grooming process must be done carefully, as it can look uneven or messy if it’s not done well.

As you trim this area of your dog’s face, gently lift your pet’s face to look up, then use clippers to trim from the mouth and neck. Below the mouth, trim the fur to one inch in length to match the rest of your Goldendoodle’s face.

7. Finish Trimming Your Dog’s Fur Around the Ears

While you may have trimmed some areas around your dog’s ears earlier during the process, you’ll want to double-check and trim a bit more to ensure the hair is even. Ideally, this area doesn’t require much work, and your Goldendoodle’s hair around the ears shouldn’t appear to be trimmed.

Maintaining Your Goldendoodle’s Coat

Once you begin using a grooming kit for your Goldendoodle’s coat, the process will become easier as your pet gets more comfortable with this experience, and you’ll have a style to follow and trim. When you start trimming your pet’s coat as a puppy, this process will become a relaxing, pleasant experience for you and your dog. When you maintain your pet’s coat, it’s essential to keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • Be careful to use only quality grooming products for the best results
  • Avoid trimming your dog’s coat too short, as this can lead to an uneven texture
  • If you’re just getting started, stick with a simple, standard trim until you get more comfortable with grooming tools
  • Prioritize your dog’s comfort, and take as many breaks as needed while making the process relaxing and slow.

Many dog owners start with a visit or two to the professional groomer, which can help shape your pet’s hairstyle and make it easier to maintain at home. A good quality professional grooming kit will make the process safe and easy to do at home.

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