An opportunity I wish all prospective doodle owners could have

[jenn D]

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be able to work with a groomer on Jake. I've been determined to groom my own doodles (bath, dry, clip, etc). Given that I have 3 doodles and they are all big (pickles will be), I knew constant coat upkeep was going to be very expensive. Around here, doodles over 50 lbs run about $125 to groom. So multiply that by 3 and then by how often they need to goin, well it adds up. My mom knew of a day who grooms out of her house. She offered to teach me how do do the whole thing. I took Jake as hs coat is the densest and curliest. I spent 6 hours with and Jake learning not only how to bath, trim and dry him, but how to clean ears, trim paws, etc. she showed me how and why the get matted, how to assess whether the mat can be combed out or need to be cut, etc. needless to say it was a lengthy but wonderful and insightful experience.

I know know why groomers charge so much to do what they do with these guys. Its a lot of work. I feel prepared to groom my own doodles and even did a first pass on brisby.

I wish all prospective doodle owners could see first hand what a doodles coat upkeep entails. It was an eye opener and shows the added cost or time that is necessary for these doodles. Although they look wash and wear, for many they need constant grooming.

Thanks for letting me share.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

What a wonderful opportunity for you, Jenn. Its so nice you had such a willing groomer to help you. Mine was also helpful when I told her I would be doing my own grooming (although some of her advice didn't work for me, like her suggestion to use Laube plastic attachment combs). I agree there's good reason why groomers charge what they charge. With a large doodle it really is a lot of work. I wish you success with your doodles' grooming. You certainly will get a lot of experience -and real fast! Oh, and yes, it would be great for would-be doodle owners to know what all's entailed with coat upkeep.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a great opportunity Jenn! Your crew is looking good!

[Barbara Brian]

Living in a small town I am lucky to only pay $50 for a trip to the groomer for my doodle.  She always looks marvelous but as I am sure you know, it doesn't take long before marvelous becomes 'a hot mess'!  

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am actually considering "learning" to groom...I have no idea where people go to school for it, there is none near me or if there are I have no idea how to find them. Google was of no help.

How wonderful that you got to train from a professional.

[Kyoko]

What a great experience!! I wish there were some place that offers classes like that... ( Not to become a groomer but for your pet ) I would so take the class......

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I completely agree! Such a great opportunity you've had...thanks for sharing! I had read up on the hair care before getting my first doodle almost 5 years ago, but still had a MESS the first time I took Fozzie to a groomer, I was horrified!!

[Lauren Zeiner]

I became a groomer 5 years ago because of my doodle. I love it! I would love to show doodle owners how to groom their own dogs. It is a lot of work, but worth it! Some of my clients like to hang out and watch me groom their doodles. I like to show them how to do different things to keep up with the doodle coat. :)