I did something I thought I would NEVER do!

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

As most of you know, I have been grooming my doodles their whole lives. Murphy is 7 and Bella is 5 and neither have ever been to a groomer. I started mostly because Murphy is such a nervous Nellie and we just knew he would be so upset, so I didn't want to stress him with the whole experience.

I've always enjoyed my time with them and since I was a hairdresser, years and years ago, it was never that intimidating. Hair always grows back and besides, they are both pretty forgiving when I make mistakes.

Anyway, the last year it has become increasingly harder and harder for Murphy to tolerate the whole process and since he is very sensitive in his hind area and on his tail, it had become a real battle to get him to just stay in a standing position. So I usually end up holding him up under his belly while clipping with the clippers. Tiring and frustrating!!!

So last week it was time to cut. Mats were getting out of hand and he looked like a small bear. I brushed out the mats in two sessions, trying to decide how I was going to do this again.  After hours of brushing and combing, I just gave in and took him to a groomer my daughter has used for 8 years.  

He started shaking the minute the groomer came over to touch him and I felt horrible as he looked back at me when the groomer took the leash and led him away. It was such a sad look and I almost changed my mind right there. So after much instruction and making sure he understood that Murphy is a very nervous dog with very sensitive areas, I left with a heavy heart.  

Luckily it only took about 3 hours, which I thought was pretty good considering the trouble I expected him to have, but he said he did well (what else could he say?) He was cut perfectly and he left the tail untouched like I asked him too if Murphy got too upset.  He was happy to see me ofcourse and seemed relaxed, but ready to leave. Whew. I felt like I was leaving my 5 yr old at his first day of kindergarten.  

Now it's Bella's turn. But she loves being groomed and touched so I think I will keep doing her. I bet she'd even let me paint her toenails!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I've always done the grooming for my two. I think Maci loves it, like its her spa day (she's a diva).
Yogi tolerates it well, but I did notice somewhere that they use the strap on the bracket to hold
their butts up. I never thought of that before. That's my plan next time, to use it for his butt because he does
want to sit frequently during the clipping.

[Diane and Alma]

After years of bringing Alma to various groomers, and trying mobile ones, I finally found a groomer she loves.  The lady has her own stand-alone, tiny building that she runs her business out of.  She brings her 3 dogs with her - a great dane and 2 others that roam around.  She lets all the dogs wander if she knows they get along.  She crates if necessary.  The atmosphere is amazing and Alma doesn't shake or appear nervous at all.  And the groomer likes Alma too.  She tells me that Alma is so easy and gives me a discount.  But really, she just has a way with dogs.

I have a friend who uses a mobile groomer.  He stays with his dog during the appointment.  

I hope you can find someone who Murphy trusts and likes.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I do my own grooming too but found a way around Piccos urge to sit.  I put the strap around his hips instead of his neck and it keeps him standing.  It's just a little problem to move it to get his hips clipped but I don't have to fight him to stand.   I take Picco to the groomer once in a while for a good cleanup/cut. I can do his butt I can't do that sanitary cut on him, I'm so afraid I'm going to nick something important!  He hates going (I have to drag him in the door) and acts like he's been tortured when I pick him up!  I know they don't, very good reputable groomers.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

They make it hard, don't they?? I wish I had your nerve to do my own grooming. Maybe one day.  Finn is always excited to go see the groomer but starts to shake when I leave so I make my goodbyes brief. The groomer told me, "Don't worry, he's upset now but he's my dog 5 minutes after you leave :) He follows her everywhere and sleeps by her feet while she grooms the other dogs. I've snuck in just to watch this :)  That's good that you found Murphy relaxed.

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

Yes, I would have to invest in a proper grooming arm and straps next. They always scared me but I can see the necessity in this case.  I didn't know about the one under the belly, but that would solve a lot of problems. Thanks.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sue ... You can buy the grooming arms that the restraints attach too that will clip onto whatever surface you use.  They just have a clamp on the end.  You can also have the strap (restraint) whatever you call it that goes under the belly as well as one for the neck so that they can't sit down.  I have one for our table but don't use it except if I'm grooming someone elses dogs (which is very rare).  I just let Lucy lay down because of her CCL surgery it is hard for her to stand very long.  I just do one side then flip her over and do the other.  We do the belly that way as well.  Is she perect NO, but she is happy.  Hopefully his experience was really ok and he will learn to enjoy it.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am glad that Murphy's experience was alright.  I cut hair so badly that my daughter grew her bangs out when she was about 6!  I love my groomer.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm god it went well.

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

Oh Linda, If that had happened to one of mine, I know I'd be very reluctant to try again, too.  And if Murphy had a bad experience I would just suck it up and keep trying different things. Although I don't know what else at this point. Grooming has become such a chore with him and even though he has never really liked brushing or combing, he now squirms or just lays down the whole time, in between trying to jump off my table. 

I'm amazed the groomer got him done in such a short time, but then I never had the table and neck restraints to help him stay still. I am going to watch next time, just to see if I can learn some tricks. I'll share if I find any gems of grooming wisdom.

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

Yes Ricki I do remember our discussions. I was very happy to see Murphy come out so good as I do remember many posts on here of the horrible cuts our doodles have had. But honestly, Murphy has been such a struggle I just had to let it go and hope for the best, if I was not going to do it myself.

I figured as long as he was ok, it didn't matter anymore.  This groomer does a lot of doodles and listened very well. I think when you get to that point with Tara, you will know and be ready to just deal with the outcome rather than both of you be stressed by doing it yourself.