My 1st ever attempt at clipper cutting Lucy

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I'll be posting pics over in the Grooming group too, but I just had to share this in the general forum. I've been gearing up to do my own grooming for Lucy and Oscar, but I've really had a case of cold feet in getting started. I was so afraid and intimidated by the thought of taking a clipper to my dogs. The professional groomer for my 2 was very supportive in my endeavor to do my own grooming and gave me the numbers of clipper combs she uses on the different parts of their bodies, as well as the blades she uses for the best cut. I really was ready as far as equipment goes. I was just mentally hesitant. Long story short, after giving Lucy a bath yesterday (I hadn't planned on clipper cutting her) I made a sudden decision to give her a cut. She waited patiently on the grooming table while I gathered all the stuff. I just dove in, remembering what I'd seen in doodle grooming videos. I followed my groomer's attachment comb instructions and switched them out for the different parts of the body. Lucy has a wooly coat, so it was really very easy. What do you all think for my 1st attempt?

 

 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lynda! I'm curious, when you do  you that first cut, do you use a skip tooth blade? I've read those are best for 'rough' cuts. I don't do a first cut, and with their coats as short as I keep them I don't see a need for one, but I  am curious... Also, do you do a lot of scissor work? Lucy's groom took no more than 3-1/2 hrs all told. I'm wondering if there's something I may be missing (or it may be I've just chosen to skip a step or 2).

[Bonnie and Kona]

It takes me 1 1/2 hours each to clip my big standards. That doesn't include bathing, brushing/combing or drying. I use a 3 3/4 skip tooth blade on their bodies. I wish I knew how to use a clipper on the legs. Yours turned out perfectly. I'm scissoring their legs.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I think the trick in using a clipper on the legs, is first having a really curly doodle whose hair stands out straight. I see your 2 are far less curly than mine, so scissoring makes perfect sense.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for the reply Debb. Owen is very straight and Kona much less curly than Lucy. That makes sense to me.