My 1st ever attempt at clipper cutting Lucy

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I'll be posting pics over in the Grooming group too, but I just had to share this in the general forum. I've been gearing up to do my own grooming for Lucy and Oscar, but I've really had a case of cold feet in getting started. I was so afraid and intimidated by the thought of taking a clipper to my dogs. The professional groomer for my 2 was very supportive in my endeavor to do my own grooming and gave me the numbers of clipper combs she uses on the different parts of their bodies, as well as the blades she uses for the best cut. I really was ready as far as equipment goes. I was just mentally hesitant. Long story short, after giving Lucy a bath yesterday (I hadn't planned on clipper cutting her) I made a sudden decision to give her a cut. She waited patiently on the grooming table while I gathered all the stuff. I just dove in, remembering what I'd seen in doodle grooming videos. I followed my groomer's attachment comb instructions and switched them out for the different parts of the body. Lucy has a wooly coat, so it was really very easy. What do you all think for my 1st attempt?

 

 

[Gail and Bailey]

I scissor cut Bailey's head, face and neck area.  I trim under her ears very short  for air circulation but sometimes I get carried away and go too short into the sides of her face.  I love the look of Lucy's full face!  I think I will try the #1 comb like you did!  Thanks!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Fantastic job :)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks, Nicky!

[Angie, Hudson and Lily]

Wow! You did an amazing job, Deb! It looks like a professional groomer did it.  I think you are on your way to saving yourself a lot of money! :)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thank you, Angie! Money was the #1 reason to do it myself. I was paying $150, including tip, for both Lucy and Oscar every 6 weeks. It may take a few months, but self grooming will eventually pay for itself and then I'll start actually saving money. Plus, I'll always get the cut I want!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Very nice job for a first time, Deb. she looks very even and I think you left just the right amount of fullness around the snout and legs. Groomers seem to take a lot off of doodle faces, maybe to blend and give the owner their money's worth? But you can always trim the face as you can in the days and weeks to come until you get it where you want it. I tend to like fuller faces, so she looks perfect to me.
I usually do under the ears very very close. Almost shaved. Good for airflow and its helped keep Murphy's drier with all his swimming.
I think you've done a great job and yes, you will get faster, start to finish, but I brush and bathe and brush again one day, trim legs, face ears and tail the next and then get them up on the table for clipper cut, so can't really say how long it takes totally, but the time on the table is about 45 min at least. They need about one to two breaks during that time tho. Keep it up, I think it's fun and a good bonding and training time for everyone.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thank you, Sue! I don't think I'd have the patience to spread the whole grooming process over several days, and I think Lucy would rather it be over all at once. It's what she's accustomed to with the pro groomer. I did give her breaks, though between the different stages, which I think she appreciated. Good tip, for under the ears.. I will do that!

[Bonnie and Kona]

OMD! She looks amazing! You are incredible. My first attempt was a choppy mess. You should go into the business.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks so much! Yeah, specializing in doodles ONLY...lol...

[Ginny Nightingale]

That's what I do! Got plenty of customers too!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think you did a fabulous job!!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thank you, F.!