I messed up my doodle's do!

[Amy, Kokomo & Killian]

I am a new doodle owner (Kokomo is 7 mo. old goldendoodle).  She has only had a puppy trim and never a full groom.  She was supposed to be groomed last week, but I was under the impression that (1) they would brush her, wash her then trim her and (2) they were not going to shave her.  So, when I arrived and they said she was full of mats on her hind legs...they were going to use a #9 clipper I panicked!  I told them that if I brushed her I could get the mats out.  They said they had no time to do that (I walked out) and they would have to shave her.  Her coat is nice and long with tight curls.  So, over the weekend, I pushed Kokomo's hair back from her face to see that she had strands of fur stuck to her eyeball.  I felt so bad for her and imagined how uncomfortable that must be, so I got the scissors and began cutting...I got carried away and chopped the top of her doodle 'do super short!  Now what do I do????  She looks ridiculous and still needs an all-over bath/trim.  I have no idea who to call or what to ask for! Thanks for the help.  Here is a before picture.  I have not taken any "after" pics.  She is going to be spayed on Thursday and I really wanted her clean before she went in for surgery.

[Amy, Kokomo & Killian]

Nancie - she really isn't matted.  The brush goes through her coat fairly easily with little fur lost.  All I needed to do to the "mats" on the hind legs was hold her leg still and brush up and back.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

The brush does not tell you what you need to know. You need to get a comb thru her to tell if she is matted.

[Donna K & Quincy]

The wisdom is the difference between a good cut and a bad one is two weeks. It may not be as bad as you think. It may just look that way because the rest of her is longer. If you post a pic of what she looks like now you may get some good instructions on how to even things out. The first time I tried scissoring Quincy I almost panicked half way through but I kept going and he didn't look totally bad when I was done. Good luck.

[Amy, Kokomo & Killian]

Thanks Donna - I posted one above (cell pic -- not good quality).  A side view is really what looks bad.  It is like she has a "Bump It" under the back of her head and the rest is as though she was buzzed.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So just even it out a bit, trim the "Bump It" and you'll be surprised, really in two weeks a lot does change.

[Shelly Gouvas]

First time I scissored cut Jake did it pretty short.Was cutting his matted puppy coat and I was so nervous.But continued  our cut and it came out nice.I was so surprised everyone said Jake looked great!

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Amy you really need to comb her after brushing to make sure all the mats are out and even then some can get missed. I comb Quincy more than brush him and I use two combs with teeth spaced differently. I use the wider tooth first and then one with the teeth closer together. If you don't have them really brushed and combed before you bring them to the groomer you are likely to end up with a shaved doodle. I don't think they like to spend the all the time it takes to get any mats out, plus if they bathe them first that only makes the mats worse.

[Amy, Kokomo & Killian]

THANK YOU!  That's what I needed -- direct instructions.  I am a newbie and definitely not doing it right.  Thanks.

I have combs, brushes, blunt scissors, etc.  and I only used the brush until this past weekend when I broke out the scissors.  I did use the comb on her when she was little -- she wanted to eat the brush but didn't mind the comb.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So true. I have taken mine home without baths after being rejected unless they can be shaved. So I'm still doing it all myself.

[Lauria Orr]

Amy,

I think Kokomo is stunning...wow, what a beautiful dog.  As others have said, the coat will grow back so quickly, you will be amazed. I cannot see the area you are concerned with, and like you said, you need a different angle to capture that. I think she looks beautiful and the nature of her coat will hide a multitude of imperfections. Finding a groomer who will not automatically shave her will be important.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I too have cut Coopers head fur too short, and it looked so odd against her long body fur. it really does grow out fast. And Kokomo doesnt look too bad.

I groom Cooper myself, but as i like her with long fur its usually just a trim. I did cut her down from 6 inches to 2 inches one summer, and I did it a little at a time. I took several days and trimmed small amounts so that i didnt cut too short. its so easy to get scissor happy! The doodle coat is very forgiving though - and after all they are supposed to look a little shaggy!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Don't worry about it.  THeir hair grows out very quickly.  And it does take some practice to get what you want.  I hold my hand over the eyes when I am cutting in that area because you never know when they may move unexpectedly.  We have always groomed our dogs so my information to you is just take your time.  It is also important that your puppy gets used to being handled by you.  Eyes and ears need to be kept clean and the toenails and sanitary area trimmed.  I always check the pads (and between the pads) after a walk with my boys.  Don't worry about it, just consider yourself a grooming novice.