Doodle Best Products & Gear
Essential tools, harnesses, bowls, beds, and safety gear that work well for doodle coats, sizes, and energy levels.
What are the must-have grooming tools for a doodle?
- Slicker brush for daily detangling.
- Steel comb to check down to the skin (post-brush).
- Dematting tool for small tangles (use gently, in sections).
- Detangler/conditioning spray to reduce breakage.
- Nail trimmer + styptic powder; ear cleaner for floppy ears.
Harness or collar—what’s better for walking?
A front-clip harness helps manage pulling and protects the neck fur/skin. Use a flat collar for ID tags; avoid harsh corrections that can stress sensitive doodles.
What size crate and bed should I choose?
- Crate: tall enough to stand, long enough to stretch, with a divider for puppies.
- Bed: supportive foam or bolstered sides; breathable covers for warm doodles.
- Washable, removable covers = easier coat maintenance.
Best bowls and feeders for doodles?
- Stainless steel for hygiene and durability.
- Slow-feeder designs for fast eaters and mental engagement.
- Non-tip bases; silicone mats to catch water from beards/curls.
Toys that hold up and tire the brain?
- Food puzzles, snuffle mats, and treat balls for mental work.
- Tug toys with clear rules; soft fetch toys for indoor play.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep novelty high.
Travel & car safety essentials
- Crash-tested crate or seat-belted harness.
- Collapsible bowls, water canteen, and a travel mat.
- Spare leash, ID tag with cell number, and updated microchip.
Raincoats, booties, and visibility gear—worth it?
- Raincoat: keeps curls cleaner and reduces post-walk matting.
- Booties: protect from hot pavement, ice, salt; try gradual intro.
- LED/reflective collars or harnesses for dawn/dusk walks.
How do I get the right size/fit for gear?
- Measure neck, chest, and length; check brand size charts.
- Choose multi-adjustable harness points for growing pups.
- Check fit monthly—coats and weight fluctuations can change sizing.
What’s a good “new doodle” starter kit?
- Slicker brush + steel comb + detangler spray.
- Front-clip harness, flat collar with ID, 6-ft leash.
- Crate with divider, washable bed, stainless bowls.
- Food puzzle, snuffle mat, 2–3 durable toys.
- Nail trimmer, ear cleaner, poop bags, enzyme cleaner.
Budget vs. premium—where should I spend more?
- Spend more: harness/lead safety, crate, core grooming tools.
- Save: basic stainless bowls, simple toys you’ll rotate often.
- Quality tools last longer and are kinder to coat/skin.
How often should I replace gear?
- Brush pins bent, scissors dull, or comb teeth loose → replace.
- Frayed leashes/collars or cracked buckles → replace immediately.
- Wash or swap beds/covers every 1–2 weeks to control odors/mats.
Choose gear for your doodle’s size, coat type, and activity level. Test new items in short sessions and reward calm, cooperative behavior.
Doodle Dogs Best Products And Gear
Due to their high-maintenance, curly, and thick coats, doodles require specialized grooming tools to prevent painful matting and keep their fur soft and healthy. Here are some of the best products and gear for doodle dogs:
Grooming Essentials
- Slicker brush on Amazon.com: A quality slicker brush with long, bent tines is the most important tool for a doodle owner. The long pins help reach deep into the thick coat to remove tangles and loose hair. Brushing should be done daily or at least three times a week, as matting can happen quickly.
- Top pick:
We Love Doodles Slicker Brush on Amazon.com
Is a highly-rated option with an ergonomic handle for comfortable grooming.
- Metal comb on Amazon.com: A durable steel comb is essential for working through stubborn mats, especially around delicate areas like the face, ears, and paws.
- Dematting tools on Amazon.com: For more severe knots, a dedicated dematting tool or rake can help break up mats that a brush can’t handle.
- Detangling spray on Amazon.com: Use a leave-in detangling spray or conditioner to help loosen knots and make brushing easier and more comfortable for your dog. Brands like TropiClean and WildWash offer natural options.
- Grooming scissors on Amazon.com: For touching up your doodle’s fur at home, a kit with curved, straight, and thinning scissors is a wise investment.
- Quality shampoo and conditioner on Amazon.com: Use a moisturizing, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep your doodle’s coat healthy and prevent dryness and frizz.
- Nail clippers on Amazon.com: To avoid discomfort and potential long-term issues, regular nail trims are necessary.
Toys And Chews
- KONG toys on Amazon.com: These are durable, washable, and can be filled with treats like peanut butter or yogurt to keep your doodle busy. You can freeze them in the summer for a cool treat.
- Fetch toys on Amazon.com: With their retriever lineage, many doodles love a good game of fetch. Durable rubber balls like the
Chuckit! Ultra Ball on Amazon.com
or dog-friendly rubber frisbees are great choices.
- Tug toys on Amazon.com: A durable rope toy can satisfy a doodle’s instinct to pull and wrestle while promoting dental health by flossing their teeth.
- Chew toys on Amazon.com: For aggressive chewers, durable toys made of rubber or nylon can help satisfy their chewing instinct. Safe, long-lasting options like
Yak Cheese Sticks on Amazon.com
or
are also recommended.
Training And Walking
- Adjustable harness on Amazon.com: A harness is ideal for doodles who tend to pull on the leash, as it distributes pressure more evenly across their chest rather than their neck.
- Crate with divider on Amazon.com: For puppies, a crate with a divider allows you to adjust the size of the space as they grow. This helps with potty training by encouraging them not to soil their bed.
- Leash on Amazon.com: A lightweight leash is recommended for puppies to help with initial leash training. You can graduate to a stronger lead as they grow.
- Potty bells on Amazon.com: This is a simple, effective tool for teaching your doodle to communicate when they need to go outside.
- Puzzle toys on Amazon.com and treat dispensers on Amazon.com: These provide essential mental stimulation for the intelligent doodle breed by making them “work” for their food or treats.
- Training treats on Amazon.com: Since puppies have sensitive stomachs, use small training treats sparingly, cutting them into smaller pieces.
Safety And Accessories
- Car restraint on Amazon.com: For travel, a crash-tested harness on Amazon.com or a seat cover for the backseat on Amazon.com is important for your dog’s safety.
- Dog bed on Amazon.com: Many doodles prefer high-sided beds that offer a sense of security. Look for one with a durable, washable cover.
- Stainless steel bowls on Amazon.com: These are easy to clean and sanitize. Look for bowls with flared or rubber bottoms to prevent spills.
- Paw protection on Amazon.com: Consider booties if you live in a cold climate where ice and salt can harm your dog’s paws. Paw balm can also be used to soothe and protect their paw pads.
I’d Like To See Some Examples Of Durable Fetch Toys
: A highly popular fetch ball known for its durability and high bounce. It is made of natural rubber with an extra-thick core, is buoyant for water play, and comes in high-visibility colors.
: Made from KONG’s ultra-durable black rubber, this ball is designed to withstand the most powerful chewers. It has an unpredictable bounce to keep dogs engaged and is puncture-resistant.
: This solid rubber ball is designed for aggressive chewers and is backed by a “Lifetime Guaranteed” policy. It floats and bounces well, and is made from FDA-approved, recyclable rubber.
: These are known for their safety and durability. The balls feature a unique, multi-axis groove system to help with breathing if a dog were to block their airway. The black version is their most durable, offering a lifetime guarantee.
