"Arm pit" mats

[Bonnie and Kona]

How do you position your dogs to shave their arm pits? Owen doesn't mat much but he really mats in his arm pits and I can't figure out how to shave them properly. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Bonnie...my Gracie Doodle is a big Noodle!  She like to lay on her back with her legs spread open in total Doodle style.  So it is really easy to get to the mats with scissors.  Even if Gracie is laying on her side I just roll her on to her back and she lets me do what I need to. She is very calm so I am able to use scissors. Otherwise, you would need to get small clippers to get into that area. This is also when I clean up her tummy and around her girl privates.  She gets tiny little knots in that area because she has soft long silky whispy hair there.  Each Doodle is different so I don't know if Kona has dense curls or not.  Gracie does not.  She is a wavy fleece so using scissors under her arms and inner thighs is very easy.  Good Luck!

[Carol and Banjo]

OMD, Gracie.....you are a sweetie!    

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kona has a fleece/wool coat and tends to mat but not in his arm pits. It's my DD's dog Owen with the non-matting hair that gets the arm pit mats. So crazy! Owen is more inclined to lie on his back than Kona, but he is much more ticklish or something and does not want me messing with his belly or pits. Thanks for your idea of scissoring when he's relaxed. I need blunt nosed scissors for that. Maybe today I can find some. Lots of love to you and your gorgeous Gracie-girl!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I have them sit on the bathroom counter (or grooming table).  I then lift up one of their front legs and then I bend over in crazy angles and eventually get the whole area shaved.  Not my favorite task, but easier than dealing with armpit mats.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Nancie, I groomed both the boys yesterday and today... baths and haircuts. After the clipping and scissoring and fussing, I asked my DH to lie the dog down on the deck and pet him as he rolled the doodle onto his back. Then I shaved the bellys and arm pits. It was great! Thanks for your suggestion. Having an "assistant" helped a lot, too. ;o)

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I'm glad it worked for you.  Gracie is so very easy to work on.  She lets me put her ear wash in each ear after a swim or bath and also lets me pluck the poodle hair from her ears.  She is just so laid back and completely trusts me.  I made sure when she was a tiny puppy to play and touch with her all over and she knows I won't hurt her or do anything bad.  It has really paid off since she is now an extremely tall and long 75 lbs!  The gentlest Doodle you will ever encounter!!!!  Now that you have done it, it will get easier each time.  Glad I could help!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kona and Gracie would be friends. He is our perfectly calm and gentle one. My heart dog beyond any I've owned. Owen is our clown. ;o)