Done. Whew!

[Sandy]

I know he doesn't look much different, but I swear I just spent an hour cutting Toby's hair.  His feet still need trimming, I know.  Overall he tolerated it really well.  Perhaps I should use shorter combs next time - I used the one inch on his body, and cut with the grain.  I used 5/8 inch on his legs and sanitary area, going with the grain.  I scissor trimmed his face and feet.  Oh yeah - I also did his legs with the 5/8 inch.  Yesterday we did a brush out and bath, so all told I have spent about 2 hours with this grooming session, which I think is par for the course.

[Sandy]

In case you can't tell, picture two is the after.  I suspect I'll have to do him again in a month or so, because he really doesn't look much different.  At least we have our feet under us now.

[Bonnie and Kona]

The difference is obvious and impressive!

[Melissa]

He looks great!  2 hours isn't bad at all!  I groom Buddy shorter and he is also a mini and it probably takes me 3 hours including the bath time.  Great job!!!

[Linda and "Toby"]

He came out GREAT! :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

OMD You did a fantastic job! He is soooo cute! Congratulations! WOW.

[Sandy]

Thanks to all three of you.  The groomer always cut him much shorter - I suspect so I could "get my money's worth"?  I like him a little longer, so I'm happy with it.

 

Funny thing - last time the groomer did him, she said "I wouldn't blame you if you started going somewhere else.  I know I'm expensive."  Who says that?  I'm thinking she didn't want to do my baby anymore.  That's fine - I'll do him myself!

[Susan and Sasha]

Hi Sandy...

Way To Go Girl!!

Toby Looks Great!!!!

You must be so proud of yourself...and you did it in such a short time too...

Actually...you did make it seem easy...did you have any trouble at all...or...was it as easy as it seemed?

How did you like working with the scissors?  It looks like you did a really good job with them.

How did you do his paws? 

Did you scissor or did you shave and scissor?

Toby looks nice and even...and his face and legs look really good!

I just have to say it again...Great Job!!

Thanks for the pics...

[Sandy]

I'm  not so much proud as relieved that I didn't mess it up.  :)

It actually was much easier than I thought it would be.  Yesterday we did a good brush out and a bath (which he loves).  His hair was nice and soft today.

I only scissored the top of his head and around his paws.  The rest I did with clippers. The top of his head is quite  curly, so any mistakes are easily camoflauged up there.  :)

All I've done on his paws so far is scissor around the edges, and trim the hair on the bottom so the it's even with his paw pads.

[Stella]

Sandy, he looks great!!  Well done you! 

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

Good job Sandy!  The nice thing about Doodles is they are a little curly so it covers any unevenness or imperfections.  It was easier than I thought it would be to use the clippers.  Aren't you glad you got this first time out of the way? Also your Toby and my Tura both don't look like they got a haircut...too short or too puffy, they look natural which I like.   I'm sure we will both get better every time.  I'm glad I have a small blunt nose scissors to do pads and around the eyes.  Also, my pup was very patient and stood pretty well and when she laid down I did her feet.  OK I'm rambling but Yea for us, we did it!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Yeah Sandy...great job!  I can see the difference in Toby's face for sure.  I can see his eyes!  ha ha   I think you were wise to start with the 1" attachment because it was your first time and you needed the confidence to know you could do it.  By leaving Toby a bit longer you could have gone shorter if there were too many mistakes.  This way, you now know what to do so you can always go back with a shorter attachment when ever you want and give him a shorter haircut.  By starting a little longer you now have the confidence to do more!  I think 2 hours is really good.  More par for the course is 3-4 hours!!  How did Toby do for you?  Did you get lots of kisses?  You should be so proud of yourself!

[Sandy]

Next time the weather will be warmer and I'll likely try 3/4 inch.  Toby did well, considering it was our first time.  Lots of kisses, and several treats.  I'm no pro, but I think the job is at least adequate.  :)