I'm Freaking Out...Murphy Has Started The Coat Change

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I was just doing Murph's nightly "belly rub" and found two enormous mats...and they wern't there yesterday.  They are really huge, and there's no way to comb them out.  I have been dreading this day.  Murphy has big problems with grooming since he was a new puppy.  I have come to the conclusion that he has "tactile sensitivity".  My son (who has Down Syndrome) also has this, and he things touching his skin feel very different to him than to the rest of us.  We have to buy him shirts that have absolutely no tags...even cutting them out doesn't help.  As a result, we only comb Murph very lightly and never for more than a few minutes at a time.  I talk to him through the whole thing very softly and lightly pet him. Treats don't work at all, because it's an anxiety thing.  Even then, he's scared, but he will tolerate it.  I don't know if there is such a thing as "tactile sensitivity" with a dog...I've never heard of it, but I do believe that Murphy has this.  There is absolutely no way for me to comb the mats out daily for a few months like I did with Guinness.  It would be torture for Murph, and it just isn't fair to him.  I am going to have to have his coat cut way down, and it breaks my heart.  I'm going to start by cutting these mats out myself, but my guess is he'll be at the groomer's by the end of the week.  I can't even imagine him without this big, fluffy coat.  Anyone been through this with a coat like Murphy's and a Dood who has serious issues with being combed or brushed?

[shelly]

Oh Jane! I am SO sorry! I know how terrible you feel.... the first time this happened and I brought Tori to Petco, they nearly - no exactly - scolded me for not brushing her and I swore I did and these mats happened over night! And the DO!. I thought tori was truly going to to be shaved this time and I prepared myself for it, but my groomer 'saved' her. But I left other places literally crying THREE times... Have whatever you need to calm down and relax ready for when you come home - a glass (or bottle) of wine, bubble bath, massage, and just try to think... we've all been through it and it does grow back - eventually... It's just extra hard when their coat is so long! Try not to let him feel your anguish however hard that will be! {{{{{HUGS and strength to you}}}}}

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear that Murphy's coat reached this point! I SO know what you are going through. I don't know what I cried over more-the endless mats or the haircut! I'll warn you now it is SHOCKING. I thought the groomer was trying to give me someone else's dog!! Except that Tara totally knew ME! And it DOES grow back so FAST! In a couple weeks you are going to be thinking how cute he looks! Shelly is right Murphy really needs for you to be strong and brave right now (even if you are faking it!!!). Our thoughts and happy, calm energy are with you guys...and remember...this too shall pass!!! Doodle hugs and kisses!!

[Leslie J]

Oh, the first doodle cut is so hard... when I picked up Cocoa she looked very puffy and the hair around her head was longer then the hair on her body and oh so fluffy... it almost made her look like the type of lion that appears in illustrations in children's books. Fortunately, once I spritzed her with some water she looked much more like herself! Well, actually a doodle face on a bouncy standard poodle body (a bit "Tigger" like). I love standard poodles and was originally going to get one before I got Cocoa so that was fine with me- heh that's what put the "oodle" in Doodle!

Cocoa is also very tactile sensitive. When she was going through the Daily Mat stage I had to hold the comb and les pooches behind my back or she would run from me. I just couldn't put her through it anymore. It was so worth the cut and not having to spend so much time grooming her when she would rather just cuddle and play instead.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have GREAT NEWS! I'm just back from the groomer, and Murph is still his beautiful, fluffy self (for now anyway). She shaved his whole tummy, but it really doesn't show. She was able to remove the mats that started on his legs without shaving. She really didn't think it was necessary to shave his whole body down right now, because his head, neck and back are fine. She said I need to be checking for the start of mats a few times a day, and combing them out or cutting into them. Thanks everyone so much for your words or wisdom and your support. I know this is just the beginning, and it's going to be a long road. At least Guinness is all through this phase, and he's pretty easy to groom anyway....he just sits there like a little "soldier". Doodles, Doodles, Doodles.....we love them so much, but they're sure not easy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad Murph didn't need to be shaved down! Did she cut him shorter at all? And how did he do with his first grooming?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

No, she didn't cut the rest of him at all. I'll get a picture later. He did better than I would have expected. I was going to stay with him, but she didn't think that would be a good idea. I just couldn't leave, so Guinness and I sat in the car and waited. She said he did a little "thrashing" at first, but then he calmed down. He didn't get aggressive with her at all...no snapping. I was really happy about that. I worried about that "fight or flight" instinct knowing that he was going to be very fearful. He was SO happy to see me, and he hasn't left my side since. He got a few new toys for being a "good boy"....he's been carrying his new football around looking very "manly". It won't fit in Guinness's mouth, so there's been no fighting over who gets to play with it. LOL

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's what his tummy looks like now....thank goodness it's not his whole body.

Here he is with the new football he got for being a good boy...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You know, Jane, for a while I've felt there was something missing from your bedding ensemble, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it until now. Of course! What it needed was a slobbery stuffed brown football as a foil for all those pale colors and soft prints!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I know, it's now complete! Mr. Murph LOVES this football....he won't let it out of his sight.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

He looks great. That photo is pretty funny - a cuddly doodle on a pristine bed with a big 'old football!

[shelly]

WHEW, JANE! Hip, hip HOORAY! I am soooo happy for both of you! For anyone that says, "what are you worried about? It's just a dog...." :-P to them! I bet you feel so much better! Now all Murph needs is a jersey! Just in time for Fall!

[Lorraine Bromley]

That is so cute! He deserved it too!