Bad Hair Cut :(

[Candy & Hudson]

We have had Hudson home for about a month now and he needed a few things done. I noticed the fur between his paw pads was getting really long, also the bum fur was.. well.. getting in the way of doing his business! I have a friend (not a good friend, more of an aquaintance) who owns a grooming business, and since Hudson is not done his shots I thought I would get her to come to my home and do some grooming for me. Right away she told me that she couldn't just shave the problem areas (stomach/bum/paws) and leave the rest, as it would look terrible. I assumed this meant she would blend them into his coat? She told me to trust her and that he would look great. She asked that I leave the room (it was making Hudson more nervous with me there) so I did... and when I came back in my fluffy adorable labradoodle had been completely SHAVED! He does not look like the same dog. I held it together, paid her, and when she left I couldn't help but cry! I am not one for confrontation so when she asked if I liked the length I just said 'its ok..'. Hubby is not impressed that I paid $80 for something I am completely unhappy with. I had asked her if she had groomed labradoodles before, I just don't understand why she would want to shave him down so short?! I will try to add a pic when I get one. I have seen many pics of dogs going through coat change who get matted and need to be shaved, thats what he looks like. Even his head poof is gone. Going to go cry now....

[Frannie & Callie]

Hudson is adorable no matter how long his hair is (or isn't!)

[Sharon & Monty]

Our first groomer was a bit gruff and grouchy, Monty had lots of mats, I insisted they be combed out, no shaving. She had Monty at shop for 8 hours, charged me $90, he looked fabulous, but wouldnt look at me for two days. I'm sure it was too stressful for him. Onto the next *recommended groomer. He only had a couple light mats in neck area and one hip and his coat was not very long. I showed her pictures of how he was done the first time, she said she didnt need them, she would keep his coat as long as possible. when I went back, I found a pink dog! She shaved him so close we had to keep him out of the sun! Lucky for her she had gone home for the day! I was literally sick to my stomach. At least we got a bargain this time for $68. I'm taking the blame. Monty does not like being brushed and just gives me a hard time. So now I'm setting up an old metal desk, bought some professional brushes, a clamp on thing to keep him standing on desk. I'm still scared of using a razor, but I've been trimming his eyes, feet, toes and hopefully someday I can do it all. I know this, if my hairdresser dismissed me when if I ask her to cut my hair a certain way and she decided I would look better with a shaved head, I'd sue her. What is it about groomers, are they all weird?

[Paul & Michele]

Don't worry it will grow out fast. This happened to Molly 3 times and I had enough, I went and bought a good pair of clippers,blades, and combs for it and figured out how to do it myself w the help of doodlekisses. Now I trim Molly and bailee. It's alot better. I got my clippers thru petedge.com. good luck.

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

Candy, the grooming group has some great suggestions for describing how you want your doodle cut and even some links to pictures. Even though he looks different, he is the same ol Hudson, and I bet he feels so good and cool. My Murphy always seems happy to be shed of all that hair when I cut him. Just my opinion though. You can take a picture now of what you DON'T want for next time too.

[Candy & Hudson]

Heather, your so right. She did mention she was trained for grooming 'show dogs' and she seemed offended when I tried to explain how I wanted his legs and feet to stay 'poofy'. I am so sorry Veruca had razor burns, I am definately lucky that at the very least it was a positive grooming experience for him, he seems to kind of like the new do ;) Me and hubby are already giggling at his long poodle legs and goofy looking face and moustache... hehe

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It will grow, but I know that doesn't make you feel any better right now. :(

[HeatherA]

Candy I've gone to two groomers and had two bad experiences! I can completely relate. The most recent time, we paid $75 and they shaved Veruca SO close - she had several razor burns on her sani area. She did have some matting behind her ears, on her legs and neck by the collar.. but I paid out the nose and they did a TERRIBLE job. Veruca was so stressed by it she threw up in cage twice afterwards. I was so upset. It was much more then looks (though that was upsetting.) I've read some groomer forums and there is a lot of negativity about Doodles and their owners. It blew me away! Groomers don't seem to understand liking the shaggy dog/benji look. They treat you like you're a poodle owner in denial that you have a poodle and you should want them shaved close and sculpted. I ran into the same problem when I had Bichons, I preferred them in a puppy cut or teddy bear cut and groomers treated me like a moron for not wanting a show coat kind of look. I don't get it? If I tell a hair stylist I like to wear my hair natural and wavy, they don't freak the heck out.. groomers act like you've grown a third head.

[Leigh & Allie]

I promise, promise, promise.......give it three weeks. Two weeks and you will see the light but three weeks and Hudson will be as cute as ever. And just think you will not have to pay $80 for a LONG time again. DH got her cut for the second time about 4 weeks ago. She looked like Dobie from Star Wars. I was sooo upset. Now she looks like a teddy bear. I promise you will be fine in just a few weeks.

[Christine & Shelby]

I am so sorry to hear about this.... I just had my Shelby shaved down really close - she was terribly matted due to her coat change. While she looks different, she is still my cute, adorable Shelby. She is super soft and is growing out already! Hudson will be a shaggy doodle in no time!

[Candy & Hudson]

I just got home with Hudson, and I must say that while we were out and he was being his cute little self, I came to the conclusion he IS still the same sweet little fellow and it will grow back. Thanks everyone for your comments, you made me smile :) I am glad to hear how fast the hair grows too, its getting cold here! lol. I know this was only one experience but I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up some grooming supplies and try it out myself the next time! Whats the worst that can happen.. He'll look like this again! :)