How to Groom a Golden Retriever

Getting Your Pup Comfortable with Grooming

Before diving into a full grooming session, train your Golden to feel comfortable with being handled. Start by gently touching their head, ears, mouth, and feet. This builds trust and makes future grooming stress-free for both you and your dog.

Once your dog is at ease with handling, establish a regular grooming schedule—daily brushing, weekly touch-ups, and monthly baths. A structured routine helps maintain their coat’s health and ensures your pup always looks their best.

Grooming Essentials Checklist

Before you begin, gather all the tools you’ll need. Being prepared makes the process smooth and enjoyable for both you and your pup. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Pin brush for removing tangles and loose fur
• Metal comb with medium-to-wide teeth for stubborn knots
• High-quality canine shampoo and conditioner to keep the coat soft and shiny
• Towels and a cool-air dog dryer for drying after baths
• Grooming table or a sturdy outdoor table for ease and stability
• Thinning scissors and blunt or sharp scissors for trimming
• Canine toothbrush and toothpaste or dental wipes for oral hygiene
• Nail clippers or Dremel tool for trimming nails safely
• Veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution to prevent infections
• Flea and tick preventative to keep your pup pest-free

Caring for Your Golden Retriever’s Coat

Golden Retrievers boasts a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal changes. Regular grooming not only keeps them looking their best but also helps manage shedding and maintains coat health.

Brushing for Shedding and Smoothness

During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing with a pin brush is essential to remove loose fur and prevent it from taking over your home. Brushing once a week is sufficient for regular shedding. Avoid bristle brushes, as they don’t penetrate the thick coat effectively.

If tangles occur, lightly mist the coat with water or apply a conditioning spray to ease detangling. Pay close attention to feathering around the ears, chest, legs, and tail, using a comb to gently work through knots. Back-brush the body with a pin brush to loosen undercoat debris, then finish by brushing in the natural direction of hair growth.

Bathing for a Fresh Coat

Always brush your Golden Retriever before a bath to remove tangles and loose fur. When bathing, thoroughly wet their coat and apply a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner to reduce static and keep the coat silky. Because their double coat retains shampoo, rinse thoroughly—twice, if needed—to avoid residue buildup.

After the bath, towel dry the coat and allow your Golden a few minutes to shake off excess water. For faster drying, use a canine hairdryer in a cool setting, blowing air against the natural direction of the coat to lift and dry the undercoat. Follow with brushing to restore the coat’s smooth finish.

Maintaining the Coat’s Natural Integrity

Golden Retriever coats, whether straight or wavy, are designed to protect them from water, dirt, and burrs. To preserve this functionality, avoid shaving or clipping their coat. Trim feathering on the body, legs, and tail sparingly with thinning scissors if they’re not a show dog.

By following a consistent grooming routine, you’ll keep your Golden Retriever’s coat healthy, shiny, and functional—just as nature intended!

Nails and Paws

Start handling your Golden Retriever’s feet early to get them comfortable with nail trims and paw care. Responsible breeders often begin this process when puppies are just days old. Although Golden Retrievers’ compact, round paws generally toughen up through outdoor activity, regular attention to their nails and foot pads is essential.

Nail Trimming
Keeping nails short prevents painful snagging and tearing. Trim your dog’s nails monthly using dog nail clippers or a Dremel tool. If your Golden participates in shows, weekly trims are ideal.

Paw Maintenance
Trim the hair between the foot pads regularly to maintain traction on slippery surfaces. Use sharp canine scissors for precision or blunt-end scissors for safety if you’re new to grooming. Additionally, check between the toes for debris like foxtails or grass barbs and remove them promptly to avoid irritation.

If you prefer professional help, schedule grooming appointments every four to six weeks for coat, nail, and paw care to keep your Golden looking and feeling their best.

Oral Care 

Start early by gently opening your dog’s mouth and touching their teeth and gums to get them accustomed to the process. This makes future brushing with a canine toothbrush or dental wipe much easier.

Brushing their teeth at least three times a week helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. During your regular vet visits, ask about your dog’s oral health and whether professional teeth cleaning might be necessary to keep their smile healthy.

Ears, Eyes, and Skin

Golden Retrievers’ floppy, well-coated ears are prone to infections, especially if they enjoy swimming. Check their ears weekly for debris, redness, or signs of infection. Clean as needed using a vet-approved ear cleaner and dry the inside of their ears thoroughly with cotton balls after swimming to prevent moisture buildup.

While Goldens generally don’t have issues with dry skin, they are highly sensitive to fleas, which can cause allergies and hot spots. Keeping them flea-free with regular preventatives is vital for maintaining healthy skin and overall comfort. A vigilant grooming routine ensures your Golden stays happy, healthy, and itch-free.

Special Grooming Needs for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers may need extra care when it comes to their grooming, especially as they face challenges like allergies, matting, or aging-related issues.

For dogs prone to allergies or skin issues, using hypoallergenic shampoos and maintaining their natural oils through regular brushing can help soothe irritation and keep their coat healthy.

Matting, particularly common in double-coated dogs, requires extra attention with detangling tools and thinning shears to gently work through knots without damaging the coat.

As they age, Golden Retrievers may experience mobility impairments, eye problems like cataracts, or conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. Grooming sessions become an opportunity to check for signs of discomfort, redness, or infections while adapting routines to their changing needs. With patience and consistent care, you can keep your Golden comfortable, clean, and happy at every stage of their life.

Health Benefits of Regular Grooming

A consistent grooming routine goes beyond keeping your Golden Retriever looking fabulous. Regular brushing and inspections help you spot potential issues, like lumps or skin irritations, early. Routine nail trimming and ear cleaning can prevent discomfort and infections. And let’s not forget, grooming sessions strengthen your bond with your dog, turning care into quality time together.

Trimming Techniques for Golden Retrievers

Keeping your Golden Retriever’s coat tidy doesn’t mean compromising their iconic, natural look. Focus on key areas like the feet and tail to maintain a polished appearance while preserving their coat’s functionality.

Use thinning shears or scissors to trim fur around the paw pads, which improves traction and prevents matting. For the tail, trim carefully to keep its signature feathered style while ensuring it’s neat and well-shaped.

To handle matted fur or areas prone to tangles, use an undercoat rake or de-matting comb to gently work through knots before trimming.

Always brush the coat with a grooming brush beforehand to identify problem areas and ensure an even trim. With the right tools and a light touch, you can keep your Golden looking their best while maintaining their coat’s protective qualities.