learned my lesson

[Sally]

Hi all, just joined. I have a 5 month old Aussie LD named Duncan who went to the groomer for the first time yesterday. I knew he needed his nails clipped, ears cleaned and a little trim but had no idea that my daily brushing wasn't getting to his mats that were forming right at the base by the skin. So I ended up leaving with an unrecognizeable doodle. I cried all day yesterday as my poor Dunkster looks so small and skinny and well....naked!!! I have now learned my lesson and am already armed with the right tools and instructions on combing/brushing because I never want my boy to lose his "shag" again.

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

Awwww.....I'm sorry he had to get shaved....I know the feeling. I am constantly fighting mats with Shiloh. It will grow back in no time!

[Kathy Spyker]

Poor thing!! At least it happened at the right time of year and not winter. He will grow out very soon..He's still cute!!!

[Leslie and Halas]

He's still a cutie, but, boy, does he look different! It cracks me up how skinny some of these doods are underneath all of that fur. It will grow back, and now you have a clean slate to start your brushing on.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

It really is surprising how different they look under all that fur. Still a little cutie. We have a 5 month old as well. I am doing the grooming myself cuz I used to cut hair (humans) and figure how hard can it be. Well, let me tell you, it's not easy. I understand why groomers get so much $$$. So if they are matted it has to be kindest to cut them really short.
yes, now you have a clean slate. Good luck

[Sharon, Boo & Cricket]

Hahaha!! I never thought about it that way! :)

[Ivy Bates]

That's why I tell my customers to comb as much as possible. Brushing doesn't get down to the skin if you aren't doing it right. Now you have a clean slate so start combing and just remember it always grows back. Before you know it he will be back to himself. Warm weather is coming anyway.

www.doodlestyle.com

[03pilqobzlvp7]

I always comb Duff (several times a week), but when his hair is long, it's pretty difficult to get through it. He has a really soft, but dense coat. I like his summer cut a lot. I shave him down to 1/2 inch and keep his head a little fluffier. He is so comfy and still so cute that everyone wants to squeeze him. We can see his eyes so clearly and they just melt me.

[Carolyn & Mike Kalish]

Hi Sally,
OMG...the exact same thing happened to us yesterday too! We have a 14 month old Aussie LD named Spencer. We have been dealing with mats and his puppy coat needing to be combed 'out'. I have been trying so hard to keep up with the tangles and mats. It took our groomer 3-days to comb him out...she is very gentle and gives him lots of breaks...but that is not the issue...I NEVER thought she would cut his beautiful wool coat so short. She did not even leave his Doodle face...we did not recognize our dog...I have tried to give our groomer pictures of what a Doodle should look like and I know she tries....but this was awful. We had not idea Spencer was so small and skinny...so we know exactly how you feel. I am going to get the Les Pooch brush and try my best like you to never let this happen again. I miss my curly Doodle!!!

[Sally]

awww. Spencer looks great both ways. I love his curls. Duncan's puppy coat is more wavy. I'm excited to see how his adult coat comes in. His coat was darker but since shaved i see it's coming in lighter.
It took a couple days but now i can look at him without feeling pitiful. He's still the same clown inside. Thanks for sharing.

[Carolyn & Mike Kalish]

Hi,
Thanks for the helpful tips...do you like the Les Pooch brush in that it actually works better then the other brushes...does it matter what type of comb...do I need a certain tooth size?
Thanks for the encouraging words...our Spencer Doodle just looks like a different dog...but we LOVE him no 'mat'ter' what!! :)

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

What a difference! I had to get Yankee shaved once because of mats and I was traumatized. He wasn't very happy either. I find it easier to take care of his adult coat than the puppy coat. I now get him cut short (not shaved) in the summer. He just gets so hot. The first day is the worst....you won't notice that much in a couple of days. Chalk it up to a learning experience.

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

I'm curious about what type of comb to get also. Shiloh was pretty matted up too....especially his ears....he has the long haired poodle ears and last night I had to cut all the hair off of them, they were so bad....made worse by Fenway constantly playing with his ears. He looks ridiculous now....I am trying to get an appointment to get the rest of him shaved down now to match his ears....I'll post a pic of my poor pathetic hairless eared baby after he gets a full groom. But please let us know what comb to buy....I never want to have to do this to him again.