I know this has been discussed to death but I can't find it--blade size confusion

[Carol Jagger]

Anderson Cooper, our mini golden doodle, went for his first grooming at around 8 months, and it was a disaster. Shaved face, etc. Unrecognizable when we picked him up. I've decided to try the grooming process myself, and am ordering an Andis 2 speed clipper from Amazon.  My confusion is what blade to order. I'm sure the experts will tell me that I need more than one size, but since I'm a novice, I'd like to start with one and work my way into it.  Is the 3 3/4 the best if you want to leave your Doodle a bit longer? Also, I'm thinking that I need some good quality scissors for trimming, etc. Anyone have an opinion about what those should be. Thank you to all the people all this site that know so much and share their informtion..............over and over again..........to all of us Doodle Rookies!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I use the 3 3/4 skip tooth blade on the body of the dog. It leaves a coat a little longer than an inch. The clipper comes with a 10 blade if I'm not mistaken. I use that to do the sanitary trim and trim in front if their ears. I scissors the legs, face, tail and ears. Good luck. Give yourself plenty of time. It's a learning process.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

If you prepare the coat really well, ie brush, comb, wash, blow dry while brushing, AND your doodle is not too curly you can use a 3/4 ht blade or blade extensions that come in 3/4 in, 1 in and 1 1/4 inch lengths. If your doodle has a curly dense coat, the 3 3/4 skip tooth blade is better. The scissors need to be a good quality 7 1/2 inch to start and a pair of blending shears will be your best friend when learning. You also need nail clippers and ear pulling powder. Have fun!

[Michele & Kallie]

Thanks, Barb. I appreciate all your advice. How important is blow drying? Do you need the high speed blowers or can a people one be used with similar results. So far we've just air dried, since I wasn't sure what the benefit of the household blow dryer might be. Kallie doesn't have her adult coat yet, but I have been using a 3/4 ht on her body since I wanted a longer coat look..