When to Start Grooming?

[StaceyW]

Ollie is closing in on 5 months - he is very hairy and adorable - I try to brush him out every other day and so far - no mats. I remember reading that their coats change around 8 months - is that when he will need to get a haircut? I am attached a picture I took yesterday (if I figure out how to do it) so you can see his coat. Thanks!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think he looks really cute just the way he is. If no mats, I wouldn't get him groomed. My puppy is also five mos and I just get him trimmed around the face (to keep hair from his eyes) and around his "privates" so I know he's clean. I did have one bad experience with the face trimming where they shaved him. Since then I only let them do scissor cuts and I stay with him to make sure they don't take off too much and spoil that "doodle face".

[Brewster's Mom]

If you can find a place that does it (I know Petsmart does) you could always take Ollie for a "Puppy Package" - bath and brush, nails, glands, and a trim around the face, feet and tail just to clean things up. It will get him used to being handled for when he has to have regular all-over grooming. I did this with Brewster and he did great! In fact, I need to take him in again soon! :)

[Karen & Lucy]

What a cutie. I would keep the brushing and just watch out, b/c just overnight he will be matted when he starts to blow his puppy coat. That was how Lucy was. I bragged about how great her coat was and not mats and then , BANG, just overnight ther it was. She was 11 months at the time.

[Sharon, Boo & Cricket]

What a cutie pie! :)
Brewster's Mom's idea of a "puppy package" is great. Getting him used to the experience is always a good thing.
And I would definitely get him trimmed before he turns 8 months. They're usually pretty hairy by 6-7 months old, and once they blow their puppy coat its "game over"! ;) Better to have him trimmed somewhat short when he's 6 months, than to have him totally shaved (due to matts) at 8 months. :)