Grooming Hudson

[Jerry Bussard]

Our puppy, "Hudson", is now 6 months old and his hair is about 3 inches long. We took him to a local groomer (who was highly recommended) for his first cut. The groomer said that since he's never been cut before, she would prefer not to "put him through" a full grooming as it would involve a clipper cut to about 1/2 inch. She said that once he is comfortable with going there, she would scissor-cut his hair to about 1 to 2 inches.

 

My question is, does that sound normal to you?

 

Any reply would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Does he need a cliipper cut?  Enjoy the puppy coat while you can!!  I would say you have found a good groomer!  Check out more at http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/doodlegrooming

 

[Jerry Bussard]

Thanks for the reply. I feel comfort in knowing we have a good groomer!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have to agree that I think you may have just stumbled onto a great groomer.  Many of us here have looked and looked for a groomer that would scissor cut our doodles because we wanted them left a little longer than the clippers will allow.  The fact that she wanted to start slow with Hudson, as well as her desire to scissor cut him are both excellent signs to me.  I would still be very specific about what you want him to look like when she grooms him though.  With Doodles and Groomers, you NEVER want to ASSUME anything.  Good luck to little Hudson on his 1st grooming.  Of course we need to see some pictures please!

[Jerry Bussard]

Well, that's good to hear! I agree that you can make no assumptions with groomers and this breed.

By the way, I think my wife and I met you and Lucy & Sophie at the Jeffersonville, Ohio outlet mall in July. We had just purchased our little puppy and you told us about this web site. Great site; thanks so much.

Yes, I'll send some photos later!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Hey there ... welcome.  Glad to see that you found the site.  There is so much information here.  Hudson is so adorable.  I just saw the pics you posted.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say underneath all that puppy hair there is a curly little fellow.  It is possible you will have some interesting times during the coat change.  If you haven't found your way to the grooming group be sure to check it out and read up on the coat change and how to get through it without a shaved down doodle.  Hudson's coat looks really thick from his pics and you want to be sure you are getting him combed all the way to the skin as he goes through the change.  Have you had Hudson to the outlets shopping yet?  We were planning to go last week-end, but just ran out of time.  Maybe this week-end if the weather is good we might try and get up there.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I definitely agree.

[Ginny Nightingale]

That sounds good--just make sure you keep combing out the puppy coat as it transitions or you will have many mats and the groomer may have to shave him. The scissor grooming sounds great, but there are 1 and 2 inch combs for clippers, too and you can clip them to that length with those. That may be less expensive, if cost is a concern.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I would listen to her, keep the puppy coat as long as you can, the hair changes. (ask Myla) If she's willing to scissor cut your doodle go for it, Say no to clippers whenever you can! LOL!

[Janice Hammond]

I think you lucked out. I finally have a groomer who scissor cuts Sadieand it is the best cut.

[Marianne K]

Our mini goldendoodle is almost four years old. The grooming lady told us the same thing for the first cut. However, after that, she cuts  much more off than 1 to 2 inches and she uses a shaver, not a scissors. She does use the scissors on the detail parts of Dandy, such as by her eyes, etc.  She is a straight hair doodle, but we have to get her groomed every six weeks, as she does not shed at all.  That seems really short however for the hair. Dandy has layers of longer and than shorter as it progress to the front. Hope this helps.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

We recommend starting puppies with a groomer at 10 weeks for just a bath and blow out, potty patch, nail trim and pad cleaning.

 

This allows them to get used to the groomer, the grooming table, blow drier and all the noise in the salons.

 

They generally don't need their first official haircut till they are 6 months old.

 

I think your groomer is right on in her advice.