How to choose the right groomer

[Suzanne Newman]

Hey All- 

After going on Yelp, Google, etc., and reading the comments and reviews from people, many have said that the groomer they hired for their dog had trimmed their Doodle to look like a poodle.  Then they go on to say there is a "doodle cut."  Which of course I really haven't found the exact overview on what actually that is. 

Nevertheless, it's time for us to take Whidbey in for a haircut.  I want her to have a good one, and thus, HOW does one go about FINDING the RIGHT groomer for their Doodle?

What kinds of questions should we ask of a prospective groomer to make sure we are getting a good one, and one that understands how to groom doodles?

What should we expect our doodle to look like?

How do we describe what our expectations should be of a groomer?

Of course the obvious:  How much should we expect to pay?

I am totally ok with spending the extra bucks, but I am feeling a bit uneasy about going about the selection process- especially since I am new to the doodle world!  ANY help would be very welcome!!

[Star and Goldie]

There is so much that goes into the "perfect groomer" that I think that term is probably a myth.  The "right" groomer for Goldie definitely is NOT the PERFECT groomer.

At the end of the day, the best advice I can give you is to go with the one that is best with your doodle and not you. I really struggled with my groomer. After the first grooming I wanted to jump ship and not go back. In fact I even posted about it here on DK to get insight from others.  You can read it here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/first-trip-to-the-groomer

Bottom line, I stuck it out with my groomer. She does not have the best people skills and does not have the greatest looking shop but I will tell you one thing, she is AMAZING with Goldie and as another DK member reminded me, Goldie is ultimately her customer.

Ideally, you want to go with someone that treats you and your puppy with world class service. My groomer doesn't so much give me that piece but I am okay with that because she does know how to groom my dog.

This probably isn't the best advice but you definitely are not alone!

As for what to expect your doodle to look like, I don't think anyone can give you that answer. There are several different looks you can go for but several people use the doodle check list. You can print it and take it in to your groomer completely filled out basically telling them what to do and what not to do.

Check it out here:

http://blackcanyondoodles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Profession...

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Some questions I'd ask (and have asked in the past) is have they groomed many doodles, and if so, what's their definition of a doodle cut. Even good groomers may take several grooms to get the cut exactly right, depending on the length of the doodle's hair (and hair type), how much matting might be present, their personal preference, and your personal preference. The most important thing to me is finding a groomer that listens to what you want. There are Doodle Do instructions online http://blackcanyondoodles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Profession...

but keep in mind even armed with this, many groomers will still do what they're accustomed to doing on a doodle. So do ask for details in what they think is right. Then you can point out the changes you'd like done with your doodle. Try looking at pictures here on Doodle Kisses and print off cuts you like. Pictures can speak a thousand words.

Another thing you can try is finding the names of groomers in your area and doing a review search on the groomer. That's how I found one I like. Yelp.com is a good place to start.

A lot of finding a good groomer is like finding a good hair stylist. Keep looking if you're unhappy, or if the groomer simply doesn't listen or isn't willing to work with you. You can try posting the question on DK in groups that are area specific for your city. Good recommendations do help. We've all been in your shoes, and most of us have had our disappointments with our doodles' groom at one time or another (usually, too short a cut). Good luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

 I would take pictures of the haircuts you like and show them to the groomer, but you must be realistic with your expectations in that the type of coat your dog has, makes a difference in possibilities for the cut. 

Provide examples of what you would like so that there is a frame of reference to discuss with the groomer. If you have a doodle calendar (you can purchase doodlekisses calendars from cafe press) you could use that, or take your laptop and show a few pictures you saved to your desktop. Questions like, "How many doodles do you groom?" "This is what I would like my dog to look like; is this reasonable to expect from you?" "How would you achieve this look?" "What are your fees?"

There are two basic grooming methods - using electric clippers, or scissors.  Many groomers charge more for scissor cutting because it takes longer. My groomer does not. Fees for grooming vary widely from groomer to groomer, area to area and even with the size of the dog.

[Trudy Harlow]

I'm with taking pictures that you like of doodles with the same coat type. But my biggest recommendation is to do what I do: I trim my dog's face and head myself to get that doodle look I want so much. Then I let the groomer do the rest, including trimming to the edges of the ears (no cocker spaniel ears in this house!), which I'm a bit nervous to do.

Finally, I stay during the grooming. My groomer loves to have owners stay, and I'd say that's something well worth looking for. Those who don't want you to stay aren't the kind of people I want handling my dog in such an intimate way. I won't share the horror stories I've heard or the unhappy situations I've witnessed with groomers who didn't want me/owners to stay. Usually there's a reason, masked behind a statement along the lines of, "Your dog will be less nervous if you're not here."  BS! My dog is definitely calmer when I'm there. Of course, you have to stay out of the groomer's way. But I taught my dog to almost (almost!) enjoy grooming by feeding him lots of treats throughout the process. He loves his groomer even though he still dislikes his bath, hates the drying process, and gets his clip, and he races to the door when we get there. And I have a happy groomer, who has lots of loyal customers, both canine and human.

My groomer works out of her home, so that may make a difference. Don't know if PetSmart or a similar place would be so flexible (which in my mind is reason enough not to go there).

Off my soapbox now!  Hope you find the right person!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

His we found Hurley's groomer is thriughg our vet and Hurley's trainer. Then I took color pictures in with me the first time. The service I use actually has a doodle expert and I have never been disappointed in how Hurley comes out. I consider myself very lucky to have found the right groomer first time out. I questioned the shops credientials more than I have ever questioned a Dr on a diagosis for myself or my husband. I only once tried someone else, who came highly recommended from another doodle owner, and I cannot give you any reason why I did that ofher than shear stupidity.

I remember the trauma of that first time and even the second and third times I took Hurley to be groomed. If I was into taking drugs that first time i would have taken something to lower my stress level which was much higher than Hurley's. But now I know I have nothing to to worry about.

We keep Hurley long which is was his groomer recommended, and what we want, only shaving private area and trimming around the eyes as needed. Hurley comes out looking like a fluff ball which actually has people doing a second look saying he looks like a bear. Within 3 days his coat is bsck to less fluff.

As has been mentioned, consider using the grooming check list for starters.

Good luck and let us know how your journey to find the perfect groomer goes

[Jane J and Murphy]

Murphy is only 3months old so not ready for a full grooming and cut just yet. I did take him today to get his nails trimmed. I started as someone else suggested by checking Yelp and reading reviews. I called a shop nearby and asked if i could bring Murphy by for a nail trim. I was told to just bring him by, late afternoon, any day and they would be happy to do it. I told them I would come by today. When I got there, I was greeted by owners dog, a bouvier des Flanders, sure I misspelled that, who looked quite shaggy, intentionally, or perhaps the cobblers child and all that. Anyway, the groomer/owner took Murphy from me and put him up on the grooming table. I was standing at a half door/wall, and could see Murphy and he could see me, but I wasn't near enough to touch him. The groomer was slow, gentle, firm and methodical, and even though murphy was pretty scared and wiggly, the groomer commented that he was a calm puppy (ha should see him now). He also took the clippers and used them lightly on the bottoms of his paws, and also ran the buzzing clippers, but not actually clipping, along Murphy's shoulders and back. Murphy was squirming all over the table, but the groomer just kept talking to him. This was all pretty fast, not more than 5 minutes or so. In any event, I am definitely going to try this groomer. He suggested that I bring him in for a bath, a couple of times just for the experience of getting on the table and someone working on him before actually scissoring or trimming him. BONUS! no charge for the nail trim. So anyway, maybe you can get started by looking at local reviews online, then schedule a nail trim, or bath, or just a brushing, something that will give you the chance to get in the shop and give your pup a chance to meet the groomer and then take it from there. If you go in for a nail trim and don't like what you see, then go on to the next groomer and schedule another service. Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.

[Suzanne Newman]

Hey All- 

Thank you SO MUCH for all your suggestions and advice!  I ended up taking Whidbey to a groomer who owns a doodle, and who also does several doodles here in the Greater Seattle area!  She did a basic clip of 2 inches all over for her, and then thinned out the hair on her head.. keeping her "doodle" look!  She also trimmed her beard part just a little, but also kept the hair longer but trimmed on the sides of her mouth.  

I took your advice and had some pics on my phone to show her.  She was great!  Whidbey even got a massage, special conditioning for her hair, and also some special treatment on her paws, her teeth were brushed, ears cleaned.. etc!  The groomer said she was a VERY good girl for her first time!  

I can now see her hair start to curl a little more, now that it has been a few days.  It looks even better than it did when she came home the first day!

[Star and Goldie]

Yay! Glad you had such a great experience.  Do you have pictures to share? I'd love to see what she looks like after her grooming.

[Suzanne Newman]

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am glad you and Whidbey had such a great experience.  I would love to see a picture of her.

[Suzanne Newman]

Here is another one from today: 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

She turned out just perfect!  Congrats.