How to Groom Your Bernedoodle at Home

The Bernedoodle's beautiful coat is undoubtedly one of the breed's most attractive features, but it also requires dedicated maintenance to keep it healthy and mat-free. While professional grooming remains important, mastering at-home grooming techniques can significantly reduce costs, strengthen your bond with your dog, and keep your Bernedoodle comfortable between salon visits.

This comprehensive guide will teach you professional grooming techniques that you can confidently perform at home, ensuring your Bernedoodle always looks and feels their best.

Understanding Your Bernedoodle's Coat

Before diving into grooming techniques, it's essential to understand the unique characteristics of Bernedoodle coats. Unlike purebred dogs with predictable coat types, Bernedoodles can inherit varying coat textures from their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents.

The three main Bernedoodle coat types are:

• Curly Coat – Most similar to the Poodle parent, these tight curls are typically the most hypoallergenic but require the most maintenance to prevent matting
• Wavy Coat – The most common type, featuring loose waves that offer a balance between appearance and maintenance requirements
• Straight Coat – Resembling the Bernese Mountain Dog parent, this coat type sheds more but mats less frequently

Essential Grooming Tools

Investing in quality grooming tools makes the process easier and more comfortable for both you and your Bernedoodle. Here's what every Bernedoodle owner should have:

Brushes and Combs

• Slicker brush – The most important tool for Bernedoodle grooming, used for daily brushing and removing loose fur
• Pin brush – Gentler option for sensitive areas and finishing touches
• Metal comb – Essential for checking for mats and working through tangles
• Dematting comb or rake – For safely removing mats without cutting

Bathing Supplies

• Dog-specific shampoo – Look for gentle, soap-free formulas suitable for your dog's skin type
• Conditioner – Helps detangle and adds moisture to the coat
• Absorbent towels – Multiple towels for thorough drying
• Blow dryer – A pet-specific dryer or human dryer on cool setting

Trimming Tools

• Grooming scissors – Rounded-tip safety scissors for face and paw trimming
• Thinning shears – For blending and reducing bulk
• Electric clippers – Optional but useful for body maintenance
• Nail clippers or grinder – For regular nail maintenance

The Daily Brushing Routine

Regular brushing is the foundation of Bernedoodle coat care. A thorough brushing session prevents mats from forming, distributes natural oils throughout the coat, and allows you to check for skin issues, parasites, or injuries.

Step-by-Step Brushing Guide

1. Start with a visual inspection – Look over your dog's coat for any obvious mats, debris, or skin issues before you begin
2. Work in sections – Mentally divide your dog into sections (legs, body, chest, head) and work through each systematically
3. Use the line brushing technique – Part the coat and brush small sections at a time, working from the skin outward. This ensures you're reaching down to the skin rather than just brushing the surface
4. Pay attention to mat-prone areas – Focus extra attention on behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, groin area, and where legs meet the body
5. Follow with the metal comb – Run a comb through each section after brushing. If the comb catches, there's still a mat or tangle to address
6. Finish with praise and treats – Always end grooming sessions positively

Dealing with Mats

Even with regular brushing, mats can occasionally form, especially in active Bernedoodles who love swimming or playing in the bush. Addressing mats promptly prevents skin irritation and more severe matting.

For minor tangles:

• Apply a detangling spray to the affected area
• Use your fingers to gently separate the fibres
• Work the slicker brush through the tangle in small strokes
• Finish with the metal comb to ensure the mat is fully removed

For more stubborn mats:

• Hold the base of the mat close to the skin to prevent pulling
• Use a dematting comb to carefully work through the mat, starting at the outer edges
• If the mat is too tight, carefully cut it out using blunt-tipped scissors – cut parallel to the hair growth, never perpendicular

Bathing Your Bernedoodle

Most Bernedoodles need bathing every 4-8 weeks, depending on their lifestyle and coat type. Over-bathing can strip natural oils and lead to dry, irritated skin, so resist the urge to bathe too frequently.

Pre-Bath Preparation

Always thoroughly brush your Bernedoodle before bathing. Water tightens existing mats, making them nearly impossible to remove once wet. A thorough pre-bath brushing ensures the coat is tangle-free and allows shampoo to reach the skin effectively.

The Bathing Process

1. Use lukewarm water – Too hot or cold water is uncomfortable and can cause stress
2. Wet the coat thoroughly – Bernedoodle coats are dense; ensure water penetrates to the skin
3. Apply shampoo – Work from the neck backward, avoiding the face initially. Massage into the coat, reaching the skin
4. Rinse completely – Shampoo residue causes irritation and dulls the coat. Rinse until water runs clear
5. Apply conditioner – Focus on the body coat, avoiding the head. Leave for 2-3 minutes before rinsing
6. Carefully wash the face – Use a damp cloth or tearless shampoo around the eyes and muzzle

Drying

Proper drying is crucial for Bernedoodles. Leaving the coat damp, especially in dense areas, can lead to skin infections and rapid mat formation.

• Remove excess water by gently squeezing the coat with towels
• Use a blow dryer on medium heat, keeping it moving to prevent hot spots
• Brush while drying to prevent tangles and achieve a fluffy finish
• Ensure the coat is completely dry, especially in areas like armpits and the groin

Face, Ear, and Paw Maintenance

Face Trimming

The hair around your Bernedoodle's eyes and muzzle grows quickly and can obstruct vision or collect food debris. Using rounded-tip scissors, carefully trim hair that falls into the eyes and tidy the muzzle area. Always trim with the growth direction and keep your dog calm and still during this process.

Ear Care

Bernedoodles, particularly those with curly coats, can grow hair inside their ear canals, which traps moisture and debris, leading to infections. Check ears weekly for odour, redness, or discharge. Hair inside the ear canal may need to be plucked – your vet or groomer can demonstrate this technique.

Paw Pad Trimming

Hair between the paw pads can cause your Bernedoodle to slip on smooth floors and collect debris. Carefully trim this hair flush with the pads using rounded scissors or clippers. Also trim the hair around the paws for a tidy appearance.

Nail Care

Regular nail trimming is essential for your Bernedoodle's comfort and mobility. Overgrown nails affect gait, can cause pain, and may lead to joint problems over time.

Trim nails every 2-4 weeks, or when you hear clicking on hard floors. If using clippers, cut at a 45-degree angle, avoiding the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail). For dark nails where the quick isn't visible, trim small amounts gradually. Nail grinders are an excellent alternative that many dogs tolerate better than clippers.

Creating a Grooming Schedule

Consistency is key to manageable Bernedoodle grooming. Here's a suggested schedule:

• Daily – Quick brush and mat check (5-10 minutes)
• Weekly – Thorough brushing session, ear check, eye area cleaning
• Every 2-4 weeks – Nail trim, paw pad check, teeth cleaning
• Every 4-8 weeks – Full bath, thorough grooming session
• Every 6-8 weeks – Professional grooming for haircuts and detailed work