At San Digeo Golden, one of the most common questions we get from new Golden Retriever families is: “How do I groom my dog at home?” Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful, flowing coats—but that beauty comes with responsibility. Grooming is more than just keeping your pup looking nice; it’s essential for their health and comfort. You can abolutely groom your golden retriever at home like we do and avoid the costs associated with professional grooming!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Golden Retriever grooming and how to build a positive grooming routine from puppyhood.
🧼 Why Grooming Matters
Golden Retrievers have a double coat—an insulating undercoat and a weather-resistant outer coat. Without regular grooming, this coat can become matted, uncomfortable, and more prone to skin infections. Grooming also helps with:
- Reducing shedding
- Preventing painful mats behind ears, under legs, and around the tail
- Keeping ears clean and healthy
- Spotting skin issues early
- Strengthening your bond with your dog
🛁 Getting Started: Build Positive Associations
We begin grooming gently and positively when our puppies are still with us. We recommend continuing that at home. Use calm praise, short sessions, and treats to help your puppy learn that grooming is a safe, pleasant part of life.
✂️ Basic Grooming Schedule
Here’s a simple weekly grooming routine to follow:
1. Brushing – 3 to 4 times a week
Use a slicker brush or a pin brush to go through the coat and remove loose hair, especially during shedding season (spring and fall). Focus on:
- Behind the ears
- Feathering on the legs and chest
- Tail and hindquarters
2. Bathing – Every 4–6 weeks
Golden Retrievers don’t need frequent baths unless they get into something messy. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to preserve natural coat oils. Consider a deshedding conditioner during fall and spring when shedding peaks.
3. Force Drying – After Bathing
After a bath, it’s important to dry the undercoat thoroughly. A force dryer (also called a high-velocity dryer) is a powerful tool that blows water out of the coat rather than heating it. This prevents moisture from being trapped near the skin, which can cause hotspots or mildew odors.
- Always start on a low setting and gradually increase.
- Use one hand to lift or part the coat as needed to dry close to the skin.
- Avoid blowing air directly into the face or ears.
If you don’t have a force dryer, towel dry thoroughly and consider using a human hair dryer on the cool setting—though it’s less effective at reaching the undercoat.
4. Trimming – As needed
Trim feathering around the ears, feet, and tail to keep your Golden looking neat. Never shave the body of your Golden Retriever. Their double coat protects them from heat and cold, and shaving can damage it permanently. You can, however, gently use clippers to shave the long hairs off the bottoms of their feet even with the pads.
5. Ear Cleaning – Weekly
Dogs are prone to ear infections, especially ones that love playing in water! Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton pad to gently clean the outer ear canal. Never insert anything deep into the ear.
6. Nail Trimming – Every 2–3 weeks
Use a dog nail clipper or grinder. If you can hear your dog’s nails tapping on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
7. Teeth Brushing – Several times a week
Dental health is often overlooked, but it’s vital for your dog’s long-term health. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush.
🐾 Tools We Recommend
Below are links to our favorites for at-home grooming. These are not affiliate links and we do not receive any sort of compensation or perks for sharing these recommendations with you. These are just items/products we use and love! We purchase most items at SDGA Pro Shop in San Diego, though many items are available online from Amazon as well!
- Slicker brush
- Booster Bath (large) with steps
- Nail trimmers or grinder
- Force dryer (high-velocity dryer)
- Ear cleaner and cotton pads
- Dog shampoo, conditioner, and mixing bottles
- Canine toothbrush and toothpaste
- Grooming scissors (with rounded tips for safety)
- Grooming table
- Clippers (for feet only)
✨ Grooming Is Bonding
Grooming isn’t just about appearance—it’s about care and connection. When done consistently and kindly, it becomes a bonding ritual your Golden will come to enjoy. Start early, keep it positive, and take your time.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or consult a professional groomer familiar with Golden Retrievers. We’re here to support you through every stage of your pup’s life.