first cut question

[kristi simmons]

I feel like I need to get Sophie her first cut....since I've never had a doodle, or a poodle, what are some things I should tell the groomer I want especially around the face?  I apologize if this question has been asked a million times already...I"m new on here and am still trying to muddle my way around LOL!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

thank you for asking this

[Sue Amos & Mulligan]

My advise would be to check out pictures of other doodles on this site that you like print the picture and take it to your Groomer. Also keep min 1" length all over so that she keeps her cute doodle look and make sure you groomer is experienced in grooming other Doodles.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I always take 'The Doodle Do' instruction sheets with me to the groomers, http://www.asdcompanionlabradoodles.com/Groomer%20Inst.pdf

but there's no guarantee they'll follow it. Seems I've had a real difficult time with my current groomer, trying to get Lucy back without a 'poodle poof' on top of her head. No matter how many pics I take and how much I describe rounding the top of the head with the ears (with no definition between the 2) she just can't seem to do it. I end up whacking away at the top of Lucy's head as soon as I get home, trying to get the poof off. And if I don't specifically tell her to cut Lucy's body 1/2" and her legs 1", I get her back cut all over to 1/2".  I'd like to find a groomer that LISTENS and DOES what I ask, and remembers what she did last time so I don't have to go through all the details EACH time, but at least this current groomer doesn't leave me horrified with the results (as has been the case with past groomers... I shudder to remember them). Once you start going to groomers you'll understand what I'm talking about. We've all been there. Good luck!

I just reread this, and I really sound like I'm venting! Sorry, that wasn't my intention.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I am simply relaying my experience with groomers. I'm sorry if you find it offensive. The fact is, based on my experience (and if you read similar DK Doodle Grooming discussions you'll find there are many of us with the same experience)  good groomers ARE hard to find. And by good I mean ones that will listen to what you ask and deliver on what they promise. I think its fair to give a new doodle owner realistic expectations about what to expect. That said, I actually LOVED how my 1st groomer groomed Lucy (her first 3 clipper cuts). The nightmare didn't start until that groomer went out of business, and I realized how good I had had it. 

HOW do you FIND a good groomer? Trial and error is the ONLY way I know of.  Certainly you can ask a doodle's owner who it is that grooms their doodle if you happen to see one (or know one) with a clipper cut/face detail you like. I always do that anyway if I like the groom or not, just to know who to avoid and who to give a try. Usually, though, the doodles I come across at the local dog park all have the same small handful of groomers from the same area. I drive a bit out of my way now, simply because I've exhausted my local area's selection. Oh, BTW, I am a picky customer, and I'll be the 1st to admit it.

[Jane Smith]

I have to agree with Debb.  And I didn't read in her post that groomers were stupid. 

 

I went through the same trial and error with groomers.  Several did not follow my directions to not touch her tail or her snout.  When I picked her up she had NO hair on her tail and her face was cut short like a poodle.  I about died.

 

I now have a great groomer who even calls me if she has a question about something.  I think the new owners just need to be prepared that it may take a while to find one you mesh with. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

The head is the biggest problem.  You don't want your doodle looking like a poodle, so have them round the top of the head and the ears are also rounded into the face, not long like a poodle ears.  Then the feet.  You don't want them shaved like a poodle's feet.  The legs should be rounded into the feet and longer hair than on the body.  Cut around the bottom of the feet so they just touch the ground.  Pictures are great.  Take a few with you and leave them with the groomer.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There are so many discussions in this group that have hair cutting suggestions and looks. The first thing I would do is click on view all discussions and look at the titles and click on the ones that might have some cutting instructions.  This would get you hit or miss on the information you want, but you will learn a lot.  I would take the instruction sheet and if you don't want to print out pictures at least save some to your laptop (if you have one) and take them in for the groomer to see or a doodle calendar is a good way to take pictures to show a groomer.  I would tell the groomer you DO NOT want your pup shaved and if they find a bunch of mats and think she should be shaved, they are to call you before proceeding - then you can decide what you want to do.  I prefer a scissor cut, fuller legs. In your profile pic of Sophie, her coat looks very much like Ned's did as a pup. Here is a link to my puppy album of him which might give you some ideas for hair. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/albums/neds-first-year

[kristi simmons]

Valerie

I wish I would have seen your post sooner, I take her in the morning.  I'm getting just a "puppy first cut" which from my understanding is just a shampoo, trimming up the private areas the ears and eyes.  If you'd like to add anythiing for tomorrow or even for future cuts please do so!  Did you happen to look at the "doodle do" instruction sheet Deb and Lucy posted above?  Being a groomer yourself, I just wonder what your thoughts are on it.

Thanks SO much for everyone's great advice!  What a great resource this site is!

Kristi

[kristi simmons]

awesome!  Thanks so much for repsonding this morning Valerie!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I FINALLY got the cut I was hoping for with Lucy's last groom. There DOES seem to be hope after all! Here's pics: