Hattie's first haircut-I gave up!!!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Okay, well, here is how it went. Took Hattie out to the garage and put her on the grooming table. Even though the treats kept coming she would eat them before I could find or clip a nail under all that hair. Then she would begin wiggling again! I finally gave up and took her to Petsmart. They used the dremel and ground her nails and used the thinning shears to trim around her eyes. I was so nervous and told them once to slow down because she was nervous and upset. I ran out to the store area to grab treats so as to lessen any trauma for her and when I got back they were done with her feet and she was fine. lol!!! So anyway, it was a better job than I could have done myself! It is almost impossible I think to do this alone unless you have an older dog. I hate being single sometimes! So here is before and after of sweet Hattie Doodle who is turning into a such a big girl!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Such a doll!

[Amanda & Riley]

looks great : )

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

They did a good job... I had a feeling this was going to be hard!  Hattie looks great, they didn't take too much off.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I recently took my two to have their nails clipped. It's not that I can't do it but it's hard, especially with Calla. They clipped, they didn't dremel. But even though I have a dremel it is not something I can do myself. And I'm not about to train the doodles for years so I can do it. But when I groom, I don't treat til I'm done. Just easier that way. Hattie is little yet. You may find it easier to groom her one part at a time and to hold her down. Just grip her muzzle when you want to clip her face. Talk soothingly but firmly....

[Lynda Kamrath]

She looks great.  Don't worry so much about it.  If the toenails are difficult for you, start with something else.  How about the feet without the toenails?  You need to trim the hair from between the toes and then trim the hair on the feet so that it just touches the ground.  In this way, she will get used to having her feet handled.  Toenails are rather a big job for someone without experience.  A little bit at a time is a great way to go.  My boys lie down and I hold up one foot at a time to trim between the pads.  Then they stand to clip around the bottom of the foot.  Keep trying different things and she will get used to the grooming.  Maybe hide the treats and give her one when she is finished.  If my boys know that treats are within reach, they will try to get them also.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

She's so beautiful!!! I love both the before AND after shots!!! She looks like a happy doodle!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Every chance you get, play with her feet.  If she is sitting with you on the sofa, just play with her feet.  Get your fingers between her toes.   This will help her get used to having her feet handled.  I think they are tickleish.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Please do not think this might be easier if you were not single. There is no way on this earth that my husband would help me clip the dogs toenails! What I have found is the less of an audience they have the better. Start with the back feet and try to make sure she cannot see what you are doing. I also think it is important to have her good and tired when you are doing this. When she is an adult dog and used to this you won't need to worry about the details, but until then.... Hattie is adorable.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

SOOO cute!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

She looks MARVELOUS....pretty Hattie.  I don't think I could do it either....even with DH's "help".

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

She looks so good. I love to trim mine in between ao the nwver really look like they just got a fresh cut but are still neat and trim. They mustve really listened to you cuz she looks perfwct. It does take time for u both to get used to grooming. Dont give up, 

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Hattie looks just perfect!...Shaggy-neat; not freshly-groomed!  Wonderful pictures, as well!