WoofSpark
5 min read

The 5-Minute Daily Routine That Prevents Mats

You don't need 30 minutes every day to keep your doodle mat-free. This quick maintenance routine catches tangles before they become problems.

WSWoofSpark Groomers•Beginner•Updated January 2026

The Quick Version

  • When: Same time each day (after dinner works great)
  • Focus: Hot spots only (ears, legs, underbelly)
  • Goal: Catch tangles before they become mats
  • Bonus: Build grooming bond with your doodle

Full brushouts are essential—but you don't need to do one every day. This quick routine catches the tangles that form in mat-prone areas, making your weekly deep brushing sessions much easier.

Think of it like flossing: a little daily maintenance prevents bigger problems later.

Recommended Schedule

Daily (5 minutes)

  • • Quick spot check of problem areas
  • • Address any tangles found
  • • Bonding time with your pup

Weekly (20-30 minutes)

  • • Full brushout, all areas
  • • Line brushing technique
  • • Steel comb check

Your 5-Minute Routine

1

Quick Spray (30 seconds)

Lightly mist the areas you're about to brush with detangling spray. This protects the coat and makes brushing smoother.

Pro Tip

Keep your spray bottle where you do the daily routine so it becomes automatic.

2

Behind the Ears (1 minute)

The area behind and underneath both ears is prime mat territory. Give each side 30 seconds with your slicker brush, using short strokes from the skin outward.

3

Under the Collar Zone (1 minute)

Slip the collar off and brush the neck area. Friction from the collar causes tangles here faster than almost anywhere else. This step alone prevents many emergency grooms.

Important

If your doodle wears a collar 24/7, this area WILL mat. Consider collar-free time or a rolled leather collar that causes less friction.

4

Front Legs and Armpits (1.5 minutes)

Lift each front leg and check the armpit. Run your brush through the inside of the legs where they rub against the body. Just a few strokes on each side catches developing tangles.

5

Sanitary Area and Back Legs (1 minute)

Quick passes around the back end and inner thighs. These areas tangle from movement and bathroom breaks. Don't need to be thorough—just catch the obvious ones.

Pro Tip

This is also a good time to check for any debris like grass seeds or twigs that may have hitched a ride.

Make It Stick

Same Time Every Day
Attach the routine to something you already do—like right after dinner or before your evening TV time. Habit stacking makes it automatic.
Keep Tools Accessible
If your brush is in a drawer somewhere, you won't use it. Keep your slicker and spray in the spot where you do the daily check.
Treats Make It Better
A small treat at the end reinforces that grooming is a positive experience. Soon your doodle will come running when they see the brush.
Adjust for Your Coat Type
Curly coats may need this routine twice daily. Wavy coats might be fine every other day. Listen to your doodle's coat—if tangles are forming, increase frequency.

When to Do More Than 5 Minutes

  • After swimming or baths — Always do a thorough brushout before the coat dries
  • After dog park or bush walks — Check for debris and give extra attention to legs
  • If you feel tangles — Finding one tangle means there are probably more. Do a full check.
  • Missed a few days — Life happens. Just do a longer session to catch up.

Keep Learning

Complete Brushing Guide

The full technique for weekly deep brushouts

Seasonal Care Calendar

How to adjust your routine through the year

Want the Full Coat Care System?

Download our free guide that includes the complete weekly routine, tool recommendations, and troubleshooting tips.

Get Free Guide