Doodle Grooming

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Hi All
My name is Barb and I am just getting around to joining this group. I raise Australian Multigen Labradoodles. I am a professional groomer and all I do is groom doodles. oops! and my miniature schnauzer. I have started a new group today about grooming. Over the next while, I plan to add lots of info about grooming and I would love input. See you at the Grooming Group. Gemstone Labradoodles

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Can't wait to get your input. I think Ned's groomer does an ok job on him but I am always trying to figure out better ways for his at home grooming which he HATES.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I plan to tackle the issues one at a time. Tip for dogs who hate grooming. I first teach my dogs to stand on a box for 1/2 an hour. I do my grooming on a table, and the dimensions are similar to the training box. I start brushing the rear and when they get tired of that, they sit. I start brushing the chest and when they get tired of that, they lie down. After a while I coax them to lie flat...eventually they go to sleep. Much of the wiggling that goes on during grooming is about the dog being uncomfortable. I am careful not to put pressure on joints. I will put a rolled towel between their legs to protect their elbows and knees. Each dog has a 'tug' threshhold and I try and not go beyond that level. It increases their confidence that I will not hurt them.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What do you mean by pressure on the joints? I have heard those words but don't actually know what is meant.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Think of it this way. If you were sitting down and you had your feet up on a footstool, and someone came along and sat on your knees, it could be not only excruciatingly painful, but dangerous for your knees. Dogs suffer the same discomfort if we bend, pull or press on their joints in that fashion. People are told to use a pillow between their knees when lying of their sides to help alleviate back pressure. I do the same for my dogs. When they are lying down as I brush them, I put a rolled towel between their legs so their elbows and knees won't feel strained.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks. Are doodles/poodles more prone to this discomfort or all dogs? My mom keeps telling me something about poodle joints that she learned but she is 86 and doesn't always get her facts right.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

All dogs...but doodles are the only ones I groom lying down, so it easier to press the joints in an uncomfortable position.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Oh wow I can't wait for all your tips. What a great idea.