Grooming appointment tips

[Doodle Grooming]

Ernest is 1 year old, and is going in for his first real grooming this week.  He's been there for baths before and usually they say his coat is in great shape because I brush him almost every day.  Last time, they did have to shave a couple tiny spots to get mats out, but it wasn't a big deal and he has so much fur that you couldn't even tell. When I called to make his grooming appointment, they asked what shape his coat is in.  I said that it's pretty shaggy, but I do brush him often.  They forewarned me that unless I have been very meticulous in my brushing, that he may need a shorter cut or a shave with puppy shears (how short would that be?).  Is this true?  I really try to be thorough with my brushing, and I would think that if he does have any mats at his appointment that they could do what they did last time, and just shave those little spots and give him an overall nice trim instead of just shaving him down... yes? no?  I'd like to avoid a shave, as I know that some fur is good to have for an insulating layer against heat and cold.  I wouldn't mind him being a little shorter though as beach season is coming up.  So what should I say to them when I go in to avoid coming back to pick up a doodle with no fur?  Also, if worst comes to worst and he gets shaved, will the fur grow back the way it was, or is it coarser/curlier?

 

Thanks!

[Brenda Silva]

I would ask if I could watch or find another groomer. Establish a relationship with your groomer.  If you brush so often a mat here or there shouldn't  have to be shaved out?? It takes a bit extra work to get mats out and to groom doodles with a longer coat which would make a groomer want to shave a mat or cut the hair short.  It takes longer to cut a doodle in a long cut because they need to use scissors.  Good luck.  My sister did the same thing..kept her doodle brushed, left her with a groomer for her first trim.  When she came back the groomer said the same as your groomer is saying and shaved her girl....how it grows back remains to be seen.  I took my guy in the same time ..different state, different groomer.  I asked to stay and watch.  The groomer didnt do anything different than what I asked till she consulted me.  She will have a client from now on out and I feel I can trust her to groom....this is my experience.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

The big question is did you comb to the skin? If you did, you should be able to get a longer cut.

In general, it is better to shorten the coat to about 2 inches at this age and

in general adult coats are curlier than puppy coats.

No one size fits all when it comes to grooming. There are 3 main coat types and coats that are inbetween  those types.

[Brenda Silva]

Yes, Ive found that just brushing doesnt get all the mats.  I comb our guys out with a steel comb making sure Im down to the skin.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I have never had experience with a groomer, but I have heard others suggest going over the coat with the groomer when you drop him off so that you can both feel the coat and agree on whether or not there are any mats that will need to be addressed. That way you never end up with the surprise "I found mats so I had to shave him" when you pick him up. 

I have read that shaving does not change the coat texture on doodles like it does with some other breeds, but since he is in the age range for coat changing, it may appear to grow back differently. 

[Teresa Joyce]

Hi Melissa,

The best way to know if Ernest is mat free is to use a metal comb from the skin through the coat. There is no magic potion for groomers to remove mats. It can also be very uncomfortable for your pup and many groomers (myself included) will not put the pup through the ordeal.  You could ask the groomer to call you if they feel that Ernest needs to be cut shorter than you would like so you can discuss it and pick him up if you are uncomfortable.  At the end of the day, most groomers want to do what is best for your pup. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Fingers crossed for you an Ernest!  Hope he comes back looking just as adorable as he is now!  Will look forward to pics later.  Sorry I didn't comment, but I'm just seeing this now.