Personality Changes after grooming

[Beth Martin]

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced that their doodle's personality changes after grooming.  Harmony went for her first "big girl" cut on Saturday.  Because her adult hair was growing in and becoming a hassle for her puppy hair she had to be shaved real close (I personally cried when I saw her because it was such a difference).  She has become more mellow since Saturday.  It is like the puppy in her went with her hair.  I am hoping it is just for a few days and she will go back to being herself.  Has anyone else experienced this with their doodle?

[Kathy]

yes but don't worry about it.  casey gets this way too - i think it's because she feels much smaller after all her fluff has been cut off.  harmony will be back to herself in a matter of days!

 

don't worry about the close shave, either.  i get my dogs clipped very close a couple of times a year, always before the summer.  in a month she will look less like a rat and in any case she will be much more comfortable in the heat.  it's just hair - it grows back.

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

Dogs and cats can be surprisingly aware of how they look. I had a friend with a large, fluffy dog. Once, the groomer cut his hair really short on his hind end, and he didn't want to go for walks for a week! He just kept his back to everyone and would sit down if there were other dogs around.
It probably just feels pretty weird for her. Have you ever had long hair, and then cut more than a few inches off? It must feel strange to not have all that hair moving around when she walks. Like a person who gets their bangs cut to short.
Try brushing her a couple times a day, lots of pets and touching, and she'll be back to herself as soon as she gets used to her new do!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Dogs are incredibly intuitive and doodles especially. If you cried, she is in mourning too, but not knowing what's wrong. She is mirroring your feelings. If you perk up I bet she will too.