Mats, Mats, and more Mats (Grooming Questions)

[Shannon R.]

My doodle was shaved the first time I took her to the groomer because she was so matted. I was not happy with how she looked. We have been brushing her and using de-matting tools on her since. She was just at the groomer mid-January for a trim/bath. Since then, she has become very matted again, despite our brushing. I feel like she gets to a certain length and we can't keep up. We were on vacation for a week so she didn't get brushed and I feel like there's no going back now.

It's time to go to the groomer again but I do not want her shaved. I have a couple of questions....

1) Does your groomer shave your doodle if they have mats or do they try to get them out? I didn't take her when she got shaved but from what my husband said, it seemed they weren't even willing to try. Just wondering if that is normal or maybe I should try another groomer?

2) Do you have any good tips for keeping the mats away? I feel like we really tried to stay on top of it but it still didn't do any good (it did for awhile and then got out of control again).

3) Do you think there is anything I can do before I take her to the groomer so they won't shave her?

Thanks!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned at his shortest.

At his longest and that was more work than it was worth:

The length we usually keep him.

[Julie and Charlie]

Charlie hates being brushed and combed, so he gets a haircut to about 1-1.5 inches every 8-12 weeks. He only really needs a quick brushing toward the end of that time. It works for us, and he's more comfortable. I think he's cuter with longer fur, but it is what it is! Sometimes everyone's preferences have to be taken into account.