Grooming- first total body groom

[Karen and "Gabby"]

Hi everyone,

Gabby is 8 months and is going to the groomer next week for a full body groom.I am going to request that the groomer scissor cut her coat-- what length is best?  2-3 inches? So far, she has just gotten the puppy trim (feet, face, and privates).  

She has a shaggy/wavy coat - some areas about 4-5 inches in length. I am also noticing some matting that has started under her front legs and on the chest- seems to be where her harness lays when she is on-leash.    

The picture is our dog Gabby on the left (lighter face) and her friend Ferguson.

I woudl appreciate your thoughts 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Hi Karen. Your Gabby is adorable. My only advice is to bring photos that show how you'd like Gabby to look. You can also write out your expectations. I'd be especially clear about your thoughts for her face, tail and ears. For example, don't clip her face/snout and don't cut her tail (if that's what you have in mind). As for that matting you described, I'd recommend that you comb through it completely yourself, so that she arrives at the groomer matt-free. It's better to be too clear than to leave anything to chance. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good advice.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Laurie nailed it! Be very clear what you do and do NOT want. Coat length is a personal preference.

[Ginny Nightingale]

cute pic! The only thing I can add is that Gabby will go thru a transition from pup coat to adult in just a few months--during that time, her coat will mat as the puppy coat sheds out--so going a bit shorter than you would ultimately like will help you get thru these next 6 months--you may have to have her groomed more frequently too--but then things will settle down as her coat matures.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

i would reinforce Laurie's advice about combing out the matts as 1. you dont want the groomer to have to do it and have Gabby be uncomfortable with the brushing as matts are painful...not a good first impression for Gabby. 2. You want to be super vigilant with getting down deep to the base of the hair to be sure she is matt free, so you dont risk the dreaded "shave down because she was so matted". Be sure to tell them to call you first if they even THINK about shaving her.
Length is definitely a personal preference. I love mine 2-4 inches long, but I love them 3/4 " short too. Once the matts start its time for me to cut. Just did one today as a matter of fact. good luck and post pictures when she is done?

[Karen and "Gabby"]

Thanks everyeone for the great advice!!  We will definitely work on getting the matts out before she goes next week.  I bought a flat metal  dog comb to work on the matts-- I We will work again to get her matt-free prior to grooming!!