Incentive to Learn To Groom!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well, Sophie needed a bath.  It is Therapy Visit Day and if we were going it was a must.  I've been thinking now for a couple weeks that she needed clipped as well and had just been putting it off.  Well, this morning I was getting ready to give her a bath so we started by brushing her out.  That turned into well just let me trim up her face and eyes.  Then, well to make a long story short I thought I'll just run the clippers through her.  One hour and 44 mins later, she was brushed out, clipped, trimmed up, bathed, complete with the leave in lemon conditioner and her face has been combed out and dried.  I will now let her air dry a little bit while I do my chores and then finish her off in time for our Therapy appointment at 1:00.  Being able to keep her at a manageable length rather then letting her grow out so much between groomings because of cost makes life so much simpler.  I highly recommend giving it a shot if you haven't tried it yet!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am definitely going the DIY route.  I have been practicing on my Maltese and my ex's Long haired mini Dachsund for the past four years and am ready to step up to the big Doodle group.  I brush brush brush, comb and bathe (in the sink at the moment!)  I do ears, clip nails, am pretty nifty with a thinning shears and plucking hair out of ears as well as cleaning teeth.  I have not yet tried anal glands or a clippers though I have clipped lots of horses.  I think I will take a lesson from a really good groomer who gives day courses with your dog and I will be good to give it a go.  I may eat my words or post some dodgy shots of my new dog but hey I am going to give it a good try.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

We groom both of our guys too and I can't imagine it any other way.  It may not look perfect when we are done but they are still traffic stoppers on our walks so it must not be too bad!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I was afraid at first and had to let DH agree for me to get the "dead fuzz" off Chloe plus she has monkey butt so it's time again!

I bought some clippers and DH gave me a crazy look but I dod ok, not perfectly even, but I figure it will always grow back! My problem is with Myla, she still has to get brushed out at the groomer every 3 weeks. Her hair is so thick it makes me sad because I wish we could do more with her.

It takes time and guts but I'm sure anyone could do it!!!

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

 

Here are Murphy and Bella after their home grooming this weekend. Two doodles + 4 hours = approx. $150.00 savings. Most importantly, I always get the look I like, and it is really fun to spend so much time focused on them. I do a little training and treats and massage and tell them how beautiful they are. It's really worth a try and I agree Jennifer, I think anyone can do it. You just have to not be afraid of it not being perfect at first and give yourself permission to keep practicing. It gets better.

[Dori & Rua]

Murphy & Bella look great.  You really did a nice job.  And who doesn't like to save that kinda money!  Last Saturday, my stylist gave me a pair of Wahl clippers with colored guides (human clippers) and a pair of her old scissors.  I have a pair of blending sheers and some rounded scissors for trimming around the eyes.  I also have Wahl clippers that I used on my DH (fortunately he goes to the barber again).  I am gearing up to start to do some grooming (really need to trim around her eyes and her behind)!  I tested the Wahl clippers out by just turning them on and touching them to her body.  She is just fine with them (I did get her groomed at the end of January so she has been clipper cut).  The clippers are REALLY heavy so I will most likely buy dog clippers (which look like they don't weigh as much) once I determine whether this is something I will keep doing.  Like you said, you will get better with practice.  And as I told my DH when I used the Wahl clippers on him the first time, it will grow out!  LOL

 

I think one of the key things for me will be to not be afraid and to act with confidence so Rua doesn't pick up on any nervousness or hesitation on my part.

[Jena ~ Dublin]

 

Dori, just be careful with the WAHL clippers.  I am by NO MEANS a professional groomer,I tried this too the blades weren't sharp enough to go through Dublins hair (soft fleece puppy) and it pulled really bad.  I ended up purchasing the Oster Ultra Edge clippers with #10 and #5 blades & the guides. (Kemp's recommendation from Doodle Country.com) I am so happy I did.  I started clipping Dublin and boy it went so much faster and the blades are REALLY sharp.  It's expensive (Petsmart had them on sale for $147) then the #5 blade and the guides were extra so REALLY worth it.  One time expense but will pay for themselves after 2-3 shaves between Dublin & Chetti (our Lagotto Rogmagnolo), I could justify it.   Good Luck and I hope this helps.

[Cindy Mierzwa]

I groom Murphy(goldendoodle) and my Sophia (standard Poodle) myserelf also. Murphy get fully groomed every othe andr week and Sophia weekly. However they both get comb out daily on the grooming table. Good conditioneers make it so Murphy can be left long with no matting. I used the same grooming tools I use on my standard Sophia. There are times I find Sophia sleeping on the grooming table waiting and wanting to be groomed!

[Jena ~ Dublin]

Cindy, what type of conditioners do you use?  Leave in or wash out?  Spray or cream / gel?  I have been trying to find out what would be good.  They are too expensive to try it and see.

[Cindy Mierzwa]

Ice on Ice is a professional line...you can find it on line. The other I like is Pet Silk's. I use Andis Clippers with a 10 blade and a large snap on comb. The Top knot area I scissor useing a blending shear. Also if you have a fine haired doodle...baby powder can help from matting also.

[Jennifer Tramell]

What good timing for this discussion.  My DH & I have our anniversary on Sat and I was considering leaving the kids and taking overnight trip to Chattanooga.  I was feeling guilty about getting a nice hotel but now I realize that I have paid for that hotel room with last weeks home grooming. Charlotte began matting and needed a shavedown (and, boy do I miss her curls), Webster was hot and wanted (yes, wanted - he climbed up on the grooming table twice!) a summer cut (he's loving it!).  I'm not saying they are perfect - but I guess they bought me a mini-vacation :-)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Loving all the home grooming pictures.  Everyone is doing a great job.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So do you use something like this:

 

Or scissors??

 

I can definitely set up an area in my basement - we have lights, plugs, etc...and Peri loves the basement (she follows us down there to explore).  I am thinking I need to do this and save $$!  The money saved can go to my FENCE.