Chris Christensen for Doodles!

[C&L]

I had thought Chris Christensen items were overpriced and probably overrated but I had to see what the fuss was about and so I ordered my first CC brush.  It is called the Big K Slicker Brush in Large.  It was so good that I decided to order a T-Pin brush with 27mm pins as well. Can't wait for that to arrive in the mail. 

My reaction: OMG where have you been all my life? It was the same reaction to getting my first Dyson vacuum cleaner. Overpriced but totally worth it.  The slicker brush is simply amazing and destroys my previous PetSmart slicker brush.  The teeth on this brush is a lot longer and give your doodle that fluffy show dog look. The downside is that it cost $60 on amazon.  But it substantially shortens the brushing time. CC products really are fabulous. 

Other great tools: (I've also added the following items to my grooming set)

1. Flying Pig force dryer- a lot faster than using my hair dryer.  I'd recommend any force dryer with an adjustable knob.  Mine was $124 from amazon but I wish I got the CC Kool dryer but simply don't have the $400 in my budget because I've been buying too much dog stuff.  

2. I have a medium pin brush from Bass, who makes nice quality bamboo brushes.  I won this in this year's dog Halloween contest. The CC 30mm pin brush has great reviews and it is only $30 on amazon. 

3. Grooming arm. This was great for making your dog sit still. I also used a pillow to make him stand. 

4. Andis 2 speed clippers with metal combs.  Much more durable than Wahl.  

5. Andis $5 steel comb.  I've had this for a long time. 

6. Equinox thinning shears.  This is useful for having natural lines. 

7. Conair 7" dog shears with safety tips. 

8.  T pin brush.  I find that it is great to go over doodle's coat with a pin brush first prior to using the slicker brush.  It would be a lot easier with a T-shaped brush is easier on your hands. 

9.  Small triangle slicker brush for the face. It is a bit dangerous to use a regular slicker brush on the face because it is too big and you can get the eye. 

10.  CC White on White shampoo (really whitens) and I've used oatmeal conditioner I've previously had. 

Grooming your own doodles is quite an investment. He has been getting a lot of eye irritation and had an eye infection.  The vet previously recommended me to shave him and I waited and waited because my bf loved his fluff.  I decided this was probably best for him as of right now.  Here are some photos of the 4-hour grooming expedition. This is actually my first experience with clippers and force dryers. 

After the bath. The groom station setup

The best brush on earth.  Chris Christensen Big K Slicker brush in Large. 

You can see I've brushed him on his left front leg and a bit on his other parts. I had not yet touched the face, where his hair is a lot more clumpy.  This was after 3 min of brushing. 

Almost done brushing him with slicker brush. It gave him a lot of volume. I loved his fro. 

I began shaving him the next day.  Poor doggy. 

Almost done.  I did trim the unevenness off but this was his final photo.  A Goldendoodle neighbor could not believe he is the same dog. lol My bf misses his hair and can't wait for it to grow back in 6 months. 

[DonMarie and Picco]

I love doing my grooming myself!  It's a great bonding experience.  I bought a plastic folding table and a good grooming arm, set a bathmat on the table for slippage. I have Andis clippers too with an assortment of combs.  I have not invested in an expensive brush (have furminator slicker brush) but I hear so many good things that I might someday make the investment.

I'm like you, bath and brush one day, grooming next. But I always have to touch up a day or 2 later because some curls hide and pop out later.  This just isn't me!  I take him to the groomers once or twice a year and same thing, tufts of hair pop out later and I'm chasing him with the scissors!

You dog is cute and I love the fuzzy picture!

[C&L]

haha it took me actually three days.  first day bath and brush.  second day more brushing and some clipping. third day finish clipping. He went around with half a beard for a while. hehe

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

The picture of his "fro" is too cute! Love it!

It looks like you are going for more of a "poodle look" on the face, yes? It's all personal preference, and the beauty of doing the grooming yourself is that you can do what you want! :-) Using the thinning shears around the eyes will help with airflow to prevent infections in the future.

With time, you'll get faster. The first time I did Winnie it took me 7+ hours stretched out over 2 days. Now, I can do a full groom from start to finish in 2.5 hours. 

If you like Chris Christensen products, try the Ice on Ice spray. I LOVE this product! Sprayed on after towel drying, it's a great detangler and it also helps dirt to slip off the coat in between grooms.