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?

 

 

[Sally Huff]

Great job! You deserve an award of some sort! Are you open for business?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Okay.. Best Novice, maybe? Open for business... sure, ah, no.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Debb, you did an excellent cut and she looks gorgeous!  Wow, wish you lived by me:)  You could teach me the skills of grooming!  Very, very nice!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks, Lonnie! I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I am very impressed and very jealous! I groom doodles for a small group of clients and it takes me much longer....but I use a scissor on the legs and head, no clippers there--when you use scissors,you can vary the length of the hair and the feet and ankles are fuller and less "dished out". Also, the top of the head is a bit longer when i do it -- but using the scissor takes a while! I think you did a fabulous job-- the only thing I would change-- and it is just a matter of taste-- is the top of the head-- to me it is just a tiny bit too short. I like it a bit fuller up there. The blending is great!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks, Ginny! The video I learned so much from on doodle grooming showed how to scissor legs. I knew from that first viewing I wouldn't be attempting it. It was really time consuming for the groomer. Besides, I keep Lucy's legs relatively short, and she wouldn't require hand scissoring. I still do lots of scissor work on her face (eyes, beard, etc.), but I have zero desire to scissor the top of her head. I've attempted it over the years, trying to 'fix' too high a poof after pro grooming. Not a fan (of the poof or the tedious scissor work!). We've come to like the low, round head. As you said, it's a matter of personal taste.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Yes, I agree--and it looks great on her! That is the fun thing about curly doodles--you can make them any shape you want!

[Pat and Traveler]

Wow, Debb!  Lucy looks fantastic!  I can't believe this is your first time grooming.  Poor Trav looks like some mad hacker has been at work on him.  :)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks, Pat! First time clipper cutting. I've bathed and blow dried Lucy for years and have done detail face work with scissors. It was time to take the next step.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

You did an amazing job, go you! 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks, Jamie!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Fantastic!  And it does get easier the more you do it.  But be careful, you will have others asking if you will groom their dogs since you do such a fantastic job.  We have always groomed our doodles and a full groom takes about 5 hours total.  Sometimes we break it up into shorter segments or take turns.  I will do the first cut and bath, my husband usually does the blow dry, face and feet, and final cut.  He will sometimes do the face and feet the day before the groom and then the dogs know what is coming.   It is really a bonding between you and your doodle.

Your head is perfect (shorter ears and rounded top).  My husband learned grooming with his poodle, so he tended to make a top knot and have the ears long.  Now he does the "doodle head" which you have perfectly. Congratulations.  Oh yes, and love the tail!