Can you recommend an experienced doodle groomer?

[Joyce Lawrence]

Molly is 7 months old, a chocolate curly fleeced doodle and I have had her to a groomer twice.  Last time, 3 weeks ago, she came out looking like a poodle (even after I gave the groomer  instructions from my breeder and photos)!  I just realized Molly has some bad matting under her ear and i tried for about 30 minutes to come it through...she could tolerate no more.  Poor Molly!  I feel like a bad mother!  Any suggestions?  We live in Milford, NJ, not Flemington, about 20 minutes away (the doodle kisses site did not recognize our zip code). 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I groom but I am too far away! All of my customers are doodles and their owners are also frustrated with the other groomers who can't seem to get away from the poodle look. However, I will say that Molly is in the age group where the puppy coat starts to fall out and is replaced by the adult coat and the matting will get bad for about 5 months--so, it is not you! Lots of times, they need to be cut short in places to get them through the transition phase--I usually shave under the ear (the ear flap covers it) and cut very short just behind the ear to keep the mats down, but the shagginess of the head covers that up.

I would just use scissors behind the ears to get those mats down --if you clip at them with the end of the scissors and cut the mat into pieces, then you can tease it out easier--or just cut the whole thing out. (Also, join the grooming group for more info!) She will have mats in her armpits, in her groin area and near the back end where she sits--so these are good areas to keep up with--snipping out mats then combing. You can also buy a mat zapper--a widely spaced comb that has a razor edge on one side that cuts thru mats and a Les Pooches brush--expensive, but worth it for getting the hairs to stay separated. A steel comb is a must too if you don't have one. If Molly wiggles a lot, get a scissor with blunt safety tips for around the face and ears.

Kemp, a member of DK, has a shot called Doodle Country--(http://www.doodlecountry.com) and he has lots of good grooming tools.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Welcome to Doodle Kisses -

Yes, I would also recommend buying a Les Pouches brush for your doole.  Kemp sells these on Doodle Country.

I also have an Australian labradoodle, chocolate with fleece coat.  When he was in the stage yours is I was brushing everyday to try to keep up with it.  At 11 months old, we had his coat cut back to 1.5 inches and that made it super easy to manage and the daily brushing goes on, but it does not take that long.  He is now 14 months and I think most of his coat is adult and much easier to manage.  Hang in there, it will get better. 

Check out the grooming group - there is lots of helpful info there.  Looking forward to seeing more photos your your doodle.

Linda

[Joe R.]

Sorry I can't help with a groomer recommendation, unless you want to drive to Maryland. But I do feel your pain. It took 4 groomers before we found a keeper. Hopefully someone here in your area can help.