Other factors

You may also want to take the size, weight, and design of the clipper into consideration. Haircuts can take anywhere from 5-25 minutes, so they need to fit comfortably in your hand. 

There are also cordless clippers for dogs that don’t like to keep still, low-noise clippers for anxious pets, and clippers with vacuum attachments for easy cleaning. 

How to trim a Labradoodle’s coat

It’s best to leave it to the professionals, but if you’re going to do it yourself, you’ll need to do a bit of research. To trim your Doodle’s coat, find a well-lit part in the home that they can comfortably stand up in. It may be easier for you if it’s on a raised surface, like a table. You may want to put something down on the floor or the table surface to catch the hair and make cleaning up afterward easier. 

Make sure your Doodle’s coat is clean, dry, and brushed through. If they won’t stay still, ask somebody else to hold your dog to avoid sudden movement. Hold the clipper against the fur with firm pressure and cut in long strokes following the direction of growth from neck to leg. 

It’s best to do one side of their body first, and then the other. Don’t go too quickly or you’ll leave lines in the fur, and be sure to reward your dog after their haircut! 

How often should I trim my Doodle’s coat?

As a general rule, Labradoodles should have their coats trimmed every 6-8 weeks, whatever the desired length, as well as daily-weekly brushing and monthly baths. This is because their coats are prone to tangling, matting, and trapping dirt and loose hair very easily. 

When should you start clipping a Labradoodle’s coat?

You should start trimming your Labradoodle’s coat between the ages of 5-6 months. They do not need trimming as young puppies, as their puppy coats are soft and short. At around 4 months old, they’ll grow out their adult coats, and from 5-6 months of age, they’ll need regular haircuts. 

When you clip your Doodle for the first time, show them the clipper and get them used to the sight and sound of it before you attempt to cut any hair. Praise them just for being around it and then try clipping a small section, then try another. Don’t forget to reward them after you trim each section! 

How to look after a pair of clippers

To clean your dog’s clippers, oil them with clipper oil after every use. This prevents a build-up of dirt and hair that could affect their performance. You can also sharpen the blades with a sharpening stone, although this shouldn’t need to be done for a good couple of years. 

Be sure to charge the clipper after every use or change the batteries when you notice a change in performance, depending on how your clippers are powered and store them in a safe place when they’re not in use.