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!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh Sue, I know this day is going to come someday for Tara and I just dread it! It so good to hear that it went so well for Murphy. I did just the opposite. I started Tara with a groomer when she was a puppy but due to the fact that she never actually looked like a doodle regardless of the pics and diagrams I gave the groomer. I finally started doing it myself. Do you remember being my mentor? LOL 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm glad it went well....we worry so much about them.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Glad things went well for Murphy and he was not too traumatized by the process.  Libby loves the groomer, but I always feel bad when I leave her.  I guess it is just a "Mommy" thing!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

From the time Beau and Charlie were 10 weeks old, I have brushed them regularly and handled every part of their body!  Then at 4 mos, they went in for first formal grooming - sanitary trim and puppy cut.  After that it has been every 8 weeks to the groomer with me doing the small stuff in between times. After going to the same groomer for 2.5 years, Beau had a bad experience.  When he came home he acted like someone or something was sticking him in the butt area!  He would be walking through the house normally, in the next instant be scooping around the carpet and/or trying to hide behind the chairs in the great room, or just run to his bed! I called the groomer on the 3rd day after grooming, and she said he had been a pill through the whole grooming session and she had not done anything different as far as grooming and she does not shave the anal area.  It was several weeks before he quit acting so strangely.  I have not had the heart to take him back, so I am doing it.  He does not look as even, but he is so much happier.  I can sympathize with you.  I have thought about changing groomers, but Charlie loves the groomer we have now -but then Charlie loves everyone!  After doing Beau for several months, I am thinking about take him back for one more try, but I have not had the heart to do it yet!

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

Cheryl, I think it's the best to start them young, that was smart. It should be a good experience for them, so I hope with time he will come to love it like Oliver.  I did have a little scare last night as when I brushed his ears, he did a quick snap at me. Something he's never done before. I corrected him and let him settle down and continued while talking to him and he was back to his old self when I brush him, but it was a little strange for him. Maybe I'm looking too much into it....but it makes me wonder what his experience was like. I am going to stay and watch him be groomed next time I think.

[cheryl & oliver]

Sue, i have taken Oliver to be groomed ever since he was a puppy, he loves going, lol, and I am not good at grooming..He thinks the groomer is his best friend, they all shower him with hugs, and lots of love, and he thinks it is a spa day for him, lol...