Learning to groom own dog

[Jeanine Bandini]

I want to groom Wally myself but have no idea how. I just contacted a grooming school in Greensboro NC (about 45 minutes away from me) and one of the groomers there will teach me how. She charges $95 an hour. Any opinions if this is a good idea or not necessary? Also wanted to let people near Raleigh NC know about this as I have been searching for a way to learn grooming.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

I wish I could find someone here to do that.  The local grooming school only takes on full time full pay students at

$5,000.00 per course.   Sorry, that is not for me.  All I am looking for is a short, basic course that covers a bit more

than the on-line videos cover.

[Cheri & Bonny]

I would think that in an hour, maybe two, they could teach you enough to do it yourself.  That and just give yourself permission to make mistakes -- doodle coats are very forgiving!  I just jumped in last December after one too many bad cuts and have been getting better all the time.  There is also a ton of info here so look through the discussions and print out things to bring with you to the training so you can focus on the things that are important.

[Lynda Kamrath]

We have been grooming our poodles and doodles for thirty years and love doing it.  You just need to pick a look that you like and start from there.  Of course equipment is a big consideration and I would suggest to start simple.  Get your doodle used to being handled also.  A good trimming clippers (6 mm blade for the face, and 1 mm for between the toes) can be used on the face, the tummy, sanitary area, and feet (between pads).  We do the rest of our dogs with a scissors.  It just takes a lot of practice and patience.

I am thinking of cording my ALD as he has the perfect coat for cording.  His coat is now grown out enough to start the cording, but that is a whole new thing for me.  So, as long as you have the time, take on the challenge.  It will be well worth your effort.  Doodles do not have a specific look, so do what you like.