Grooming/Trimming

[stephanie lockwood]

I have a goldendoodle puppy.  He's 5 months old and his hair is getting really long.  We've heard that we should bring him to a groomer but also heard conflicting reports that they need to be at least a year before they get their hair cut.  We'd love to get him groomed much sooner...he's not a fan of the heat and summer is here! 

Is it okay to get him groomed and have him shaved? We've heard it should be kept at last an inch long and just use scissors around his face. Are these both true? We're supposed to bring a picture in when we go to the groomer in so any info would be appreciated. :)

Thanks!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have a 5 month old puppy too--born on New Year's day --and by coincidence, i cut his hair today! I am a labradoodle groomer, so I did it myself. His hair was abourt 3 inches long and I cut off 2 inches. He is MUCH more comfortable now.

I do not know why anyone would say that they shouldn't have their hair cut. They should be getting to know the groomer and should at least have a trim to get them used to it. The puppy coat will start to fall out and be replaced by an adult coat at 8 months or so, and they can get really matted--so cutting it short now and keeping it brushed will help with the transition.

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

Stephanie, a lot of these questions can be clarified for you in the Grooming Group. I really don't know why it is suggested to wait one year. I trimmed both mine by 3-4 months. Altho I did use a scissor. I agree with the scissors around the face, especially thinning shears for a more natural softer look. Otherwise it looks too blunt or choppy. There is also a reference in the Grooming group for where you can go to print out a picture to take to your groomer. Good luck and post some before and after pictures please? We love to see the transformations.

[Adina P]

It is NOT too soon to take him to a groomer.  In fact a shorter hair cut through the summer will probably save you the heartache of matting and having him shaved anyway.  Most people do NOT want to shave their doodle, but there's no 'problem' with getting your pup shaved.  There's no rule for what you should or should not do, it's up to you to find what you're happy with and find a groomer who will actually give you what you want.  I always go shorter than 1 inch on my dood's summer cut.

[Martha & Cooper]

I agree with the others here.  In my opinion, there is no set age to go to the groomer.  I think as soon as they have had all their shots, go and get them used to it, even if it is just for a bath and "puppy trim".   My dog, Cooper started early and it really helped.   I always schedule him first thing in the morning so he gets in and out and doesn't have to wait all day for other dogs to get finished.   As for using scissors on the face, for some dogs it is a good idea.   When they used a razor on Cooper's face, it made him itch and cut him down too close.   I ask that my groomer use scissors now.   I like the look better.   In case you haven't seen this link for a "Doodle cut"  here is one that I have printed and taken to the groomer:

 

http://idog.biz/Pictures/Professional%20Groomer%20Inst.pdf

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks for posting this Stephanie. I've been debating the same thing for my 5 month old. Sophie Bear was so hot in the park yesterday. I wonder how hard it is to do it oneself?? Sophie is really squirmy and not a fan of any grooming type stuff. She perfers to be dirty and messy :o) . I found a woman in my town that does grooming from home and is willing to teach me how to do it myself. I'll be doing some digging around in the Grooming Group to learn some techniques.

 

Good Luck!

[Adina P]

It's really not hard to do yourself.  It won't be as 'pretty' as when a good groomer does it, but it's FREE (once you've paid for the tools) AND as you get better you will be able to groom her to fit YOUR ideals---which is sometimes hard to get from a groomer.  Squirmy pups can be fixed by getting a grooming table or simply putting your pup on some kind of raised platform...a lot of dogs stand or sit more still on a raised surface.  And training helps too--a sit stay or stand stay will keep her still once she's good at it.

[Martha & Cooper]

It's great that you have found someone willing to teach you!   As for Sophie being squirmy, that is normal at 5 months and the groomer expects it.  I take Cooper for a walk before I take him to the groomer and get him good and tired.  LOL!   Also, he behaves better for her too on that grooming table, Adina is right about that.   I also think they know what they can get by with, with us owners and are on a little better behavior with someone they don't see as often.   At least that is true for Cooper.   I have peeked in on him getting groomed and he stands there like a pro.   When I brush him at home, he will lie down, roll around, etc.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

As long as they have their shots they should get used to the groomer even if it's not for a cut.

I've never heard of the year thing either. Good luck to you-mine may be shaved Monday at her brush out appointment.

[stephanie lockwood]

Thank you all so much for your help.  His haircut went great and he is much happier!! :)  Thanks!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Have you got a photo of his new hair do?  Would love to see it.

[Connie & Bocelli]

My ALD is 13 weeks old and I took him to the groomer yesterday to get a bath and a trim around his eyes, paws and butt hole :-)).  I want him to get used to the groomer at a young age.  I had her use a scissor and not a clipper and he looks great.