Please help to save the beards...

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Since summer is upon us and the heat is on, my doodles seem to be permanently drinking from the many sources of water containers scattered throughout the house and garden. Every time they drink, they love to share-the-wealth by placing they very water-soaked chins on our laps...which gives one quite a shock when there is shorts involved:) My husband is so tired of 1) the trails of water they leave behind on the floor and 2) the permanent wet chins, so he wants to "SHAVE" their beards which he thinks will cure the problem....!!!! My question is; has anyone come up with a better idea for their doodles that will alleviate this ongoing problem? I love their darling beards but the only time they are dry, is first thing in the morning when they have been sleeping all night and not drinking. We do have "burp" clothes by every drinking source, but would have to pay a person a full time job to keep their chins dry.....Advice needed please........:)

[Heather & Brinkley]

Brinkley stands in his bowl when drinking also!

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

They look great but it is not the speed they drink, just the quantity and also the way they just walk away dripping all over the floor...Thanks for sharing.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Nicky...that is what Gracie Doodle has done since day one.  She is now 4 years old and if there is a bowl big enough she has her feet in it.  If she drinks out of a bucket then the entire head goes in like she is bobbing for apples.  She also likes to lay down and tip the entire bowl toward her getting her chest wet as well.  She had a big rounded stainless steel bowl outside and that is the one she tips.  Inside I now use a bowl that you buy for traveling or motor homes.  It can't tip over and it also releases the water as they drink so there isn't a huge amount of water showing at one time.  She still drips as she walks away though.  This is just part of having a Doodle!!!

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Thankfully, neither of them climb or play in their water but their chins certainly look like they do...

[Jane Smith]

I went and bought indoor/outdoor door matts and put them the long way under their water bowls.  This certainly made a difference with the floor right by their bowls.  My cousin has taught her doodle to wipe his face on a big towel she keeps by his bowl and it's funny to see him rub his face in it each time he drinks.

 

I do not like the no beard or short beard look.  Makes it look like the chin was cut off and it's more of a poodle look.

So, teach them to wipe their face, or wipe it for them.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Love this idea...doodles wiping their own faces. Sadly, I think mine are way past that...and just rely on us to wipe their soggy chins...The mats are a great idea too...I am going to try that one.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jane how on earth did she teach her doodle to wipe after every drink???OL!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I do loooove the beards!!! It's so adorable...however, the shaved down face is so much easier to maintain, and keeps cleaner. Maybe trim it down just a little? There's no need to shave it right off.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

I am going to trim to 1/2 - 1 inch and see how that goes...Thank you.

[ClarkP]

I LOVE the bearded look.  But yes, it's sometimes messy.  It depends on the dog though.  Boca's beard is always dry.  Rosco... not so much.  It was a bigger problem when he was younger and then we started using Buddy Bowls - a non-spill bowl.  It did make quite a difference but didn't eliminate the problem completely.  You can see the ones we used here:

http://www.amazon.com/Buddy-Bowl-44oz-Original/dp/B0044M0FIM

Your local pet store might have them.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for the tip, Clark.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am trying to figure these bowls out - is the opening smaller? A look from the top might be helpful for them to sell.