Pippa's First Haircut....Yikes.

[Lia & Pippa]

Hello doodle loving friends!

So today was a big day for Miss Pippa. She had her first grooming experience. She is almost 7 months old and it was time.

Looking pretty scruffy as you can see.

I was really resistant to get her cut because she is so stinking adorable and soft. She finally convinced me it was time though because she is always soooo hot. I feel terrible about how uncomfortable she has seemed this summer with the very high temperatures.

So we decided to head to the groomer at the daycare that she goes to. I left out some written instructions (in hindsight I should have printed out the "doodle doo" form but I didn't want to seem too high maintenance). I did want a decent amount taken off since the whole point was for her to be comfortable but it is a little sad to see her all trimmed down. Somehow when doods get groomed they always seem to look a bit poodleish in the beginning. I'm hoping her face fills in quickly (although I'm sure it is nice that she can see now).

The weird band on her left leg is where they shaved her for her spay last month - that isn't a fashion statement :) I'm not crazy about how they did her feet. I guess I wanted them to be more full?

Her belly is also shaved - which I asked for so that she could cool down faster.

She is still cute and soft but definitely different - I'm sure we will get used to it and she will be so much cooler.

[Bonne Bouche]

ADORABLE before, and still very adorable after. I think after she gets wet and dries it will look a bit more "normal" to you. she is such a pretty girl!

[Bonnie and Kona]

She is always as cute as can be. I think she will fluff back up soon. Some people spritz some water on their doodles after a grooming so that the scruffy look returns with the curls. 

[Gail and Bailey]

Pippa,  you are as cute as ever and I bet you feel wonderfully cool!

[Enzo]

aww she looks so cute!! I keep wimping out to get Enzo's first trim ( Although,  I am tired of people asking if he is a "sheep dog"  ) haha Can you send me a copy of your doodle do form :) I wouldn't even know where to start!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Lia, Pippa is absolutely adorable, I love her both ways.  Her feet will grown in and then you can trim them the way you want so there will not be a question next time.  She does look so soft.

[Camilla and Darwin]

She looks adorable! 

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Look at those pretty eyes. She looks adorable .It is a bit of an adjustment after their first big groom.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think she looks absolutely adorable!!

[Steven, Patrick & Jax]

What is this "doodle doo" form and how do I get it so when it's time for Jax's first cut, I know what to do?

[Stephanie]

She's cute!  I agree I think they scissored the feet too close, it's a groomer thing.  I happen to love grooming doodles at the place I work..and almost all the other groomers can't stand grooming them because they say they "just don't get it".  So, I think it takes a Doodle owner to know what they should look like!

Also, one thing I do for my doodle clients that I usually a no-no for other breeds, especially poodles.  I lightly mist the coat with water AFTER the groom and then put them back up in the kennel until their owner arrives.  This usually leaves them with a slight kink/curl and makes them look more like a Doodle when they leave.  I find most of my clients prefer it so it's always something you can request.  You may get some strange looks since, like I said, it's usually a no no.

I think she does look cute though!  What a beautiful dog.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Steven, I don't know what others use but I found this form and it has been a tremendous help in choices as far as grooming goes.  It doesn't have a ton of choices BUT it specifies things such as feet and eyes AND it provides pictures for the groomer.  You can always start with this and add/subtract pictures that YOU like to provide your groomer with exactly what you what as far as grooming your dog.

 

(Hope I attach this correctly.)