Your Goldendoodle loves going to the beach as much as you. Perhaps even more. But sand can be a problem, especially when it gets in the eyes. As you perform your grooming routine for your Goldendoodle dog, he or she should be accustomed with being bathed and handled around the face. Beginning this process when your doodle is a young puppy is best.
A gentle cloth without any soap is recommended for cleaning around the eyes, mouth and facial area. When bathing your Goldendoodle, make sure to use shampoo from the back of the head and beyond. I wouldn't even recommend tearless shampoo for the face because even that can have irritants that could cause your doodle distress if it gets in his or her eyes.
Like living rays of sunshine, your Goldendoodle brings you warmth, comfort, joy and beauty into your life. All Goldendoodles require coat maintenance; even more so when he or she goes with you to the lake or the beach. There are some things you are going to want to bring with you when you take your Goldendoodle to the beach or the lake. Essentials in case sand gets into the eyes.
1. bottle of water or two
2. Some paper towels
3. trash bag
4. bottle of saline solution
5. bag of fresh fruit (preferably sliced apples)
6. doggie bowl
7. first aide kit
8. Slicker brush
9. Toys for playing
A slicker brush is great to use on your Goldendoodle's coat because it helps remove dead hairs. Be sure to brush out your Goldendoodle's coat before he or she gets wet. This help prevent matting which can tighten and multiply. If matting tends to be a problem for your Goldendoodle, purchasing a matting comb will help. Usually these type of combs have removable teeth. They slice right through matted hairs which allows you to brush your doodle much easier. Be careful to use short strokes in the direction of which the hairs grow. Never twist matted hair and pull since this can cause injury to your doodle's skin.
If sand gets into your Goldendoodle's eyes while at the beach, immediately flush the eyes with a bottle of saline solution. Water works okay in a pinch, but saline solution is best. Flush the eyes as best as possible and with a few paper towels, you can wipe the sand away from the hair along with using a bottle of water. As a treat that won't spoil, take along some sliced apples. A first aide kit is always best to have on hand in case your doodle steps on something sharp.
You can encourage your Goldendoodle to have a "soft mouth" by using training bumpers rather than a ball. The lake or the beach is the perfect play for playing "fetch" and your Goldendoodle will enjoy this outdoor experience. If you find yourself contemplating spending the entire day at the beach or lake with your Goldendoodle, make sure you bring along plenty of sunscreen for yourself and keep an eye on your doodle's skin. Believe it or not, even dogs can sunburn.
Some Goldendoodle owners shy away from the beach or lake experience only because they know their doodle's coat behaves like a magnet for all things sand...leaves...twigs. But you will find that your Goldendoodle will enjoy a beach or lake excursion because they have such a wide open area for running and playing. Many people think that a Goldendoodle is a natural in the water, but all dogs must be taught how to swim. If you start with a kiddie pool when your doodle is a young puppy, you can graduate to bigger and better things as your doodle becomes more confident in the water. Taking a frisbee along with you can be quite an experience.
When your Goldendoodle asks for something such as food, play or whatever, ask your doodle to do something for you, first. Then reward him or her by granting his or her request. "Rewards" should be tasty and wholesome. Many dogs enjoy chomping on fresh sliced apples...even dried bananas. You can even supercharge your doodle's dry food by placing some of it in a bag along with highly flavored treats. Place it in a jar over night. The resulting "trail mix" will generate more interest than his or her own plain, every day doggie food. When at the beach or lake, your Goldendoodle can be the star providing you've taught him or her some basic obedience.
The main thing is to have SAFE fun and make sure your Goldendoodle isn't out in the sun for too long. The sun is very bright at the beach and too much sunlight exposure can cause early cater acts in your doodle's eyes. Keep your doodle in a long, retractable leash if you are not sure he or she will respond quickly to your commands.
Bring an umbrella and a nice big blanket and have tons of fun!
**About the author: Dee Gerrish, of Goldendoodle World, has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. More information about the Goldendoodle can be found at http://www.goldendoodelworld.com
