I don't want to shave my 11 mo Goldendoodle! :(

[Nicole & Dexter]

Hello ya'll!

I was curious, have any of you been told you have to shave your Goldendoodle when you took him/her to the groomers? Did you let them? My husband and I took our 11 month old Goldendoodle, Dexter to the Groomers today, for the first time, and they said they will have to shave all of him to about half an inch. He has some matts on his chest and his front legs. The matts aren't to the skin yet and they aren't that tight either. Does anyone know any tricks for getting these out? We scheduled an appointment with the groomers for next Wed and I would LOVE to be able to find a way to get these out before I take him back so we don't have to have him shaved. I know it's probably impossible but I thought I'd ask.  I think my husband is more upset than I am about it!

Thanks, ya'll! 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I second that Ro!   He is gorgeous!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I second that Ro!  He is gorgeous!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Dematting tools work great.  But, depending on his coat, you may need to brush him out frequently.  Usually these doodles love the attention.  My goldendoodle has the most tremendous coat and requires very little care, just a brush about once a week.  The ALD requires a bit more, but we have always groomed our own dogs.  It is worth the effort, and you will start to love it as well as the dogs.  Our three doodles were never at the groomers.  Doing the ears and toenails takes the most practice.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I agree with others - we tend to keep Peri short (about 1" around body, longer in tail and face), but she recently went about 4 months between grooms. We brushed her 3-4 times per week (quick 15 minute sessions) to keep the mats under control. The armpit, beard areas are the worst.  But a few times a week does help tremendously.

[Nicole & Dexter]

I just want to give everyone an update! Thank you all for giving me your advice! My husband and I REALLY appreciate it! 

After we took Dexter back to PetCo to get him groomed, they told us again that we would have to have him shaved! GRR! We were feeling pretty beat at this point.

Anyways, this past weekend I spent both Saturday and Sunday working on Dexter's matts. I got 95% of them out! With a slicker brush, or I just cut them out completely. I also gave Dexter a bath and conditioned him very good and then brushed. The next day I got the scissors out and chopped away. He looks GREAT! I am SOOOO happy I decided to do it myself. His new hair coming in is VERY fine and soft. I think at this length we will be able to manage anymore matts! Here's a couple pictures of Dexter now! :)

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Nicole he looks really cute.  You did a GREAT job on his grooming  and combing out!   I would love to groom Libby but do not have the skill or confidence to even try!   LOL

[Pat and Traveler]

Good job, Nicole!  Dexter looks adorable.