Help, I need grooming advice!

[peggy cordes]

We live in Southwest Florida where it is still quite warm.  We had a few nice weeks, but this week is so humid, everyone has their A/C back on. 

I have been taking my 8 month old Goldendoodle, Zen, to the dog park several times a week, because its the only thing that keeps him from doing laps in my living room.  It is soooo humid at the park, even at the crack of dawn, that he is panting as soon as we get thru the gate.  The other dogs don't seem as bothered by it, so I think its his thick, long coat.  He plays for a while, then goes and gets a drink and lays in the shade to cool off.  Then he's up for round two, then three, then four, all with a break in the shade in between.  FYI - The shady spot also happens to be the muddy spot, so my car is needing a bath now, too!  The other (shorter haired) dogs keep going, despite the heat so I have decided Zen needs a haircut.

The weather should start getting really nice here soon, so I was going to try to wait until spring for his first grooming, but he's just too hot.  So tomorrow, we are off to the doggie day spa. Since he's my first doodle, (and my first dog that needed more than a good brushing) I have no clue what to tell them I want done. I assume there are different "styles" and I don't want him to look too goofy.  I have a friend that has a schnauzer, and he said he tells the groomer he wants a schnauzer cut, but I don't know if there is such a thing as a doodle cut!?  I feel very inadequate right now, so I would appreciate any and all advice, tips, or no-no's you can offer.  I am hoping that Zen and I get thru this tomorrow without either one of us looking like too much of a fool!

Thanks,  Peggy

 

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Do not pass go! Go straight to the Grooming Group here on DK where there is tons of great advice and pictures to take to your groomer.  There are lots of stories of Doodles coming back unrecognizable having been shaved down by groomers who either couldn't be bothered or because dogs were so matted they had no choice.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Funny and so true Nicky!

[peggy cordes]

Thanks, I will

[Jennie & Emma]

Take an inspiration photo with you.  My puppy won't need her first grooming for a few months, but I have been saving pictures of doodles with haircuts that I love.  There are lots of photos on this website or breeders websites.  I always take photos to my hairdresser too.

I did take her a few weeks ago to Petsmart for a sanitary trim and eyebrows and I took a photo of the face cut that I like and he did a pretty good job with her.

Petsmart also had rolodex of typical dog cuts and they had one for doodles.  Fluffy face and tail and shaved down body if I remember correctly.

Remember the groomer is there to help you and wants to make you happy, if you need suggestions just ask her, but don't feel bad about giving her specific details about what you like or don't like.

Good luck, put up before and after pics.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

go to the grooming group, get the checklist. i did a similar discussion a few months ago and it really helped. I'll see if I can dig it up for you.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

ok, here's the after discussion: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/sophie-bear-gets-groomed 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

here's the 'before' discussion. I got so much great advice!

[peggy cordes]

Thanks everyone,

I spent the better part of the last 2 hours on the grooming blog reading and printing out pictures.  I am trying to take pictures today, since his coat still changes alot and the last pics I have are a month old.  He is not in the mood to sit still right now, especially since I spent 2 hours on the computer and not paying much attention to him, but I will try to get them and post before and afters.  Wish me luck!

 

[Leslie J]

Nicky is so right... so many doodles (Cocoa included) have had dreadful haircuts at the groomers!!! Really, really be make sure the groomer understands what you want. 

In Cocoa's case, the groomer nodded and agreed to do what we wanted and I thought I was quite clear.When we came to pick her up Cocoa showed up with hardly any hair on her body and a ton of hair on her head and tail.  I hardly recognized her...she looked like she was a combo animal.. lion head, dog body, and fox tail.  Thank God hair grows back!!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

exactly. and maybe try to stay with your doodle the whole time.

[peggy cordes]

Good idea.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

A picture speaks a thousand words.....  just make sure that the picture you give the groomer is of a doodle that has similar hair type to your doodle.  I made the mistake with my own hair, I cut a picture out of a magazine of this fantastic hair cut but my hairdress burst my bubble by saying the hair style was great but mine might not look exactly the same because I have very fine straight hair and the hair cut I was showing her was of a girl that had the most beautiful full, thick hair :(  Good luck and show some pics of the new doo on Zen :)