Puppy's First Haircut - Came out more Poodle then Doodle

[Jen Raimondi]

Hello! 

We recently took our 6 month old puppy Maxi for her first haircut at the groomer. They did a very nice job, except Maxi came out looking way more poodle than we had hoped for. Mostly in the face/head/beard. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips of what they ask for when getting their puppy's groomed so that they still have their cute teddy bear face? 

[Laura and Angus]

I would take in a picture of what you're looking for and say, "We'd really like to keep their hair longer on the face/head." I would think it probably helps groomers get a visual of what you're looking for if you bring in a picture...that's what I do with my own personal hair dresser and it definitely helps there!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You could purchase a doodlekisses calendar and give it to your groomer.  Get the one with multiple pictures on each month.  Point out the one you would hope your dog will look like when done.  Be realistic on what your dog's  coat is like.  No matter how hard we try, Ned has a bit of a poof on top - it is his more poodley coat.

[DonMarie and Picco]

That's a great idea!  Doodle coats are so different, definitely different than poodles and I don't think all groomers know what to do!

[Laura and Angus]

Good thinking!