Help, I need grooming advice!

[peggy cordes]

We live in Southwest Florida where it is still quite warm.  We had a few nice weeks, but this week is so humid, everyone has their A/C back on. 

I have been taking my 8 month old Goldendoodle, Zen, to the dog park several times a week, because its the only thing that keeps him from doing laps in my living room.  It is soooo humid at the park, even at the crack of dawn, that he is panting as soon as we get thru the gate.  The other dogs don't seem as bothered by it, so I think its his thick, long coat.  He plays for a while, then goes and gets a drink and lays in the shade to cool off.  Then he's up for round two, then three, then four, all with a break in the shade in between.  FYI - The shady spot also happens to be the muddy spot, so my car is needing a bath now, too!  The other (shorter haired) dogs keep going, despite the heat so I have decided Zen needs a haircut.

The weather should start getting really nice here soon, so I was going to try to wait until spring for his first grooming, but he's just too hot.  So tomorrow, we are off to the doggie day spa. Since he's my first doodle, (and my first dog that needed more than a good brushing) I have no clue what to tell them I want done. I assume there are different "styles" and I don't want him to look too goofy.  I have a friend that has a schnauzer, and he said he tells the groomer he wants a schnauzer cut, but I don't know if there is such a thing as a doodle cut!?  I feel very inadequate right now, so I would appreciate any and all advice, tips, or no-no's you can offer.  I am hoping that Zen and I get thru this tomorrow without either one of us looking like too much of a fool!

Thanks,  Peggy

 

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I always cut him down to 1" all over. I find that having the same length on him all over makes him look less... froo froo in the end. Darwin always feels GREAT after a haircut like this!