I got my first F in grooming-Oops!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

I've always prided myself on being a very good student but clearly I need to take some remedial Doodle grooming classes. Without really realizing how neglectful I had become, Rooney became quite matted over the past month and by the time I got him to the groomer there was no choice but to cut it all off and start fresh. I have a great groomer and I kept telling her, "Do not apologize to me! This is my fault!"

The funny thing is, I think if this had happened with Rooney's first trip to the groomers I would have been devastated and mortified and sad. Now (with many thanks to Doodle Kisses for opening my eyes to all of the very real Doodle grooming issues) I am taking it in stride and even enjoying seeing the dog that has been hiding under all that fur. He's so skinny! Who knew?

I know I need to a better job this time around with his coat upkeep but I also plan to get him into the groomers sooner and just keep his coat a little shorter than I have been. As much as I love his shaggy look I have to come to grips with the fact that as a busy mom with two part time jobs and three kids, I just don't have time to be brushing Rooney out multiple times every week. So, why not make both of our lives easier and just keep him a little shorter. Up to a certain length he actually has a very easy maintenance coat that doesn't mat all that easily. It's only once he gets really quite long that the matting starts creeping up like crazy.

He needs a nice short summer cut anyway since he LOVES to swim-so I'm just looking at this as an unexpected early jump on summer.

We all still think he's adorable!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I think Rooney will be happier now that he isn't matted.  Keep him at a length that is easiest for you to maintain.  I used to keep my 2 long in the winter, but there is just too much rain here in the winter and I was having issues with matting so I didn't let them grow out as long this year.  Go with what works.  I think he still looks good.

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

I'm glad to hear you mention the rain as a contributing factor to matting. I have wondered that very thing! Of course it makes sense but it took me awhile to start connecting this wet walks with the added difficulty of keeping him mat-free. 

I'm just grateful to have a good groomer and once he grows out a bit again I know I can trust her to just cut him back to a longer-short-cut and then I'll be sure to get him in regularly after that. Hopefully we won't have to go this short again but it's been a good lesson for me!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

if there is already a mat starting adding water will only make it worse which is why it is important to always brush them out before a bath.  My 2 tend to chew on each other so they end up matted in those areas.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Well, he IS adorable! You are so wise to take this in stride and to have made the decision to keep him a bit shorter to fit with your busy lifestyle and his swimming fun. Rooney is a cutie and has a good doodle mom. 

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Thanks, you are too kind. I really did feel badly though when I picked him up. It took me back to when one of my boys would get a bad haircut and they'd look at me with those accusing eyes, "How could you DO this to me?!?" LOL!!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Lori, I think Rooney looks great!  You have a busy life, do what works best for you and Rooney.  He is adorable:)

[Mara, Sadie & Zoe]

Aw, he looks cool and cute! I now take Sadie in for a (maintenance) bath at three weeks and then the full grooming is at the 6th week. I used to bring her in every 4 but she really didn't need the full grooming at that point but if I wait too long it's not good. The maintenance is nice because they charge 1/2 and they bath, brush, and do ears, nails and rear. Sure keeps her smelling fresh!

I am sure you will both enjoy the lower maintenance especially if he will be swimming!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Mara, I love that you call it maintenance lol

[Linda And Loo]

I think he looks mighty fine. My dogs got their summer cut this week. I wanted mine that short. It is just easier in the summer. They are outside so much! U still need to brush or comb them with their hair!

[Christine & Macey]

Macie has an appt with the groomer next week and she'll be getting the same cut.  I try my best to keep her matt free, but at this point I think the matts are winning.  They just feel like crushed velvet after getting cut like that.  I can't wait!  And nether can Macie.  It's hot here in Austin!

I think Rooney looks great!

[Jaynie Perry]

I think he looks great!  This is how I groom a lot of doodles this time of year. I always take the puppy coats off this way.  People don't realize the puppy coat has to come off since this breed can not shed it off like most breeds. The adult coat will just mat with the puppy coat. All five of my doodles get this cut for summer.  I find it easier since we make a lot of trips to the beach or pool.  Much easier to keep them clean and to look for ticks!  So don't feel bad.  He is beautiful!  Jaynie Perry....New Jersey

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Thanks, Jaynie! I don't feel badly other than feeling like I'd been too neglectful with his brushing. But we will get in a better routine this time and I do plan to just keep him short for the summer. I don't mind the look of the short cut but the only part I miss is his fluffier feet. I like it when I can have her cut him down to an inch or so and still leave his legs a little fuller and his teddy bear feet. But other than that, he is soft as a bunny and it will definitely be better for swimming and the hot summer weather.

I swear he has been much more springy and bouncy with his short cut! It's making us all laugh.