Puppy Grooming

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

So, Abby (who will be 8 months old this week) went in for her second grooming Saturday. The first grooming visit a few months ago was more of a trim than an actual cut. The experience was great for both myself and Abby. However, the groomer was a little overpriced and farther away from my home than I would like. 

I live in Florida, where we are having a hotter than usual spring. Abby has been panting all the time, even when inside in air conditioning. So I finally made the decision to have her cut short for the spring/ summer. But this time I took her to a groomer who was closer to me, well recommended and a bit cheaper.

I am very nervous when it comes to taking Abby to the groomer. I am very specific. I take in photos and tell them exactly what I like and don't like. The groomer's response after my lengthy explanation was "I completely understand and don't worry, I won't let her look like a poodle." Well, when I went to pick her up, I was shocked to see her head and face (my favorite feature of my little girl) was cut like a poodle. They did the top of head poof that I specifically said I did not want. The pigtail like ears I said not to do. They also shaved the bridge of her nose between her eyes and when I say shave I mean down to the skin. I told them not to cut her nose at all. I was so disappointed, even Abby felt less cute as normal. I know that sounds odd, but while she was happy at the groomer's and loving on everyone, she got mopey as soon as she got home. She laid around all weekend, mostly in her crate (which is rare when I am home with her). I feel so badly. 

I know this may be dramatic. And I know it will grow out. But I am beating myself up for not only going to a new groomer, but getting her groomed at all. I miss my fluffy faced little girl. And I hate that her personality has changed with this new hairdo. I am hoping it is just a phase. I know nothing bad happened at the groomer's. They didn't even put her in a crate while she was there. They said she was very well behaved.

Here are some photos, in hopes of helping those of you who have to take your pups in to the groomer.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

Here's a better face shot so you can see why I am not happy with it.

[Stephanie]

As a dog groomer I think most groomers always assume people want that part of the face shaved.  I do many many Doodle clients so I always ask specifically.  I only take thinning shears around the eyes and most of my doodle-clients love it.

Either way, your doodle is still beautiful!  Luckily it will grow back quickly.  I think all groomers should join this forum and find out what doodle owners really want!  I love doing them.

[Lauren & Buddy]

Kim,

I am sorry you had to go through this!! I just went through a similar experience with Buddy and at first I was sooooo upset! And, btw, she does NOT look like a poodle! She is still a super cute doodle girl!!! LOL :)

I know, at least for me, it took about a week to get used to it and now I am finding that I kind of like the short hair. It's been really hot here this week too and I know that Buddy seems very grateful to not have all that extra fluff. I also find that I'm appreciating his slim, athletic body. He seems so much more agile!

I did make up my mind that I am going to try to do most of the grooming on my own from now on so that I don't have to feel that way again...but at least I have decided that he is still his super amazing self even without all of his beautiful fur!

Hopefully you will find that you have the same feelings after you get used to it a bit.

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

Funny you should say that Lauren. I think I am going to groom Abby from now on too. I used to groom my Jack Russell, but that was kind of a no mess up thing. I was scared to do it on Abby. But now that I see what they have done to her face, I would rather take a shot at it myself. I still don't understand the point of shaving down to the skin between her eyes. That is what makes her look poodle-like to me.

I agree though, it is nice to see how trim she is without all the fluff. And I know she appreciates being cooler. I just wish she was her happy self again instead of so mopey. Poor thing.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Kim, apart from the shaved face which I personally do not like either, Abby looks lovely and still doodly!  Her face will grow back very quickly.   Perhaps you can use this as a starting point for grooming her yourself.  It really is not that hard especially if you read lots of the posts here and do it bit by bit.  The important thing is to make sure you have the right tools for the job and that you brush and comb Abby daily right down to the skin so you don't end up with mats.  Lots of us are self grooming and the great thing is that if we make a mistake it's ours lol  

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

I totally agree. I would like to start self grooming. She was just a bit too long for me to contend with. I agree, the body is nice and so are the legs and neck. I am just not happy with the face (which honestly could be much worse). I do have a question about grooming. Most clippers only come with a one inch guide. What if you want their hair longer than that. How can you stay even and keep it long. Is that where scissor cutting comes in?

[Linda K Gregory]

I understand what you mean by the face, but you will be surprised how fast it will grow back.  She is a cutie!!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

OMD!  I think she looks absolutely adorable either way!  She doesn't look like a poodle at all to me!  I know when they first get groomed, it is a shock, but honestly, she is sooo cute!  You'll get used to it & it'll grow back!  I'm sorry you're disappointed.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

She is precious.  She is still cute and looks like a doodle but I can certainly understand your disappointment and frustration.   What is with groomers that when you very specific they say they understand and turn around and do the opposite of what you told them.   I know I will eventually need to take Hurley to a groomer but for now his trainer has a doggie spa day every other Sat.  She does everything but actually cutting or shaving.  I do need to get him in to have the fur around his pads cut more than what I cut it but when I do I am going to stay and make it very clear that I just want the hair around his pads trimmed.  

Maybe there is a need for a grooming niche - just for labradoodles.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I just got a chance to check out the pictures. She is soooo cute and precious.  I just want to hug her.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I read through the comments from people about grooming their own doodle.  I would like to do that but am very nervous about it.  How do you keep the doodle still?   Hurley stays pretty calm when I brush him, which is everyday.  He tolerates the bathing, which is every other week to 3 weeks.   How do you keep your doodle standing and free of much movement while grooming him/her?  What are the best tools to use to trim my doodle?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I groom my two and I have a regular grooming table that has the arm that you can attach to them to make them stand if needed.  I personally don't need to use it for mine.  In obedience training they learned "stand", so that is really all I have to tell them.  I also use my other hand under their tummy if they are getting a little tired and figety.  For a lot of it they can even lay down.  Like when I'm working on their face and head.  If you don't have one or want to buy one you can always just find some sort of raised surface to put them up on.  Many times that is all that is required to get them to stand still.