Puppy Grooming Advice Needed

[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. Is there anything else I can tell them the next time we go in to make sure they don't hack at her face. I gave them photos. Told them I just wanted it trimmed and blended with the body. 

BEFORE:

AFTER:

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

LOL...He had a party at the dog park :)

[BG and Gavin]

I think Abby looks really good.  Except for the bridge of her nose, I think they did a nice job.  What a gorgeous face she has!

[Tom, Sydney, Hailey and Bailey!]

Hi Kim, I know it can be very stressful going to a new groomer, but I think Abby looks awesome. Cute as a little button. We've had a similar experience with the bridge of the nose being shaved, that was the worst. We too are trying our hand at grooming especially since we just adopted (from DRC) our second doodle. Just hug Abby and show her off proudly. Doodle hugs!

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

Abby looks wonderful

 

[Tessa, Ellie and Wheezy]

I think she looks adorable...........you have a beautiful doodle!!!!......I like her cut and I also like the hair out of the eyes....I think doodles have the cutiest eyes and they have so much expression with them I feel like they talk to us...

 

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Abby still looks very cute - at least in the pictures.  I don't want the eye area shaved either but Ned's first groom had the same shave.  I think she looks cute even though I share your pain - we just got our doodles cut and, for the first time ever, requested short - well, they came out short and choppy and I hate it.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have to say I think she looks adorable as well.  From the picture it doesn't even look like the nose was shaved but I understand how pictures can be deceiving.  The only way that I know of to guarantee that you always get what you want from a groomer is to learn to do it yourself.  It really isn't that hard. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think she looks great and not like a poodle at all.  Poodles have their legs shaved and a poof on the top of their head and longer ears.  Then their tails are very different (especially if they are docked).  Looks like a doodle to me!  I love her legs.  Maybe cut the ears a little shorter and the top of the head will round into them very quickly.  I really like this cut.