Moose is getting a shave down

[Suzanne & Jack]

I'm trying to calm my DH. I'm hoping for some advice from my doodle friends, eecially those that have shaved their dogs. I've finally convinced him that Moose needs to be shaved down. To give you a background, Moose is a Catalan sheepdog that we found at a shelter. His coat is similar to a bearded collie. He's seven and only been to the groomer once. For the past few years I've trimmed him myself. I realize that his undercoat has become very matted. I've told DH that Moose will feel better once he is trimmed. DH is so nervous about leaving him at the groomer. I know how will be shocked when he sees the shaved Moose. Any words of wisdom would be helpful.  This is Moose's before picture.

Update:  Both Moose and DH survived.  The Jack and our schnauzer are checking him out like he's from outer space.

[Kelly]

When we first got Skeet he was a mess. They had to shave him pretty close.
He felt so much better he was a different dog. Now we cut him close in the spring and summer.
It is just so much easier on him than trying to get the mats out. Moose will probably
Feel really great. It is only hair. It will grow. Moose is a handsome fella. I bet he will
look just fine.

[Kelly]

Sorry the after pic didn't load. Here he is after

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

He is a beautiful dog!  If he is matted underneath all that hair, he will feel so much better and cleaner after it is shaved.  It will grow back quickly.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I groom doodles and sometimes you have to bite the bullet and start over again--the cot has gotten ahead of you and any other way of dealing with this will be PAINFUL for Moose---and leaving the mats will be harmful to his skin--I have removed large mats from dogs and found patches of red scaly skin under them--so, do it for the dog's sake and tell your DH to support you on this! I do!

[Suzanne & Jack]

Thanks, i know Moose will feel better afterwards. DH is driving me crazy with his anxiety. I know he will flip out when he sees Moose shaved.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Ginny has more experience than most, but I totally agree.  Mats are painful-they pull the skin.  I don't like Quincy shaved, but had to do it once and the second time it was done it was just due to knots.  He was shaved early January and he is perfect now-it goes fast.  

Quincy looks long and lanky when shaved-just a different look.  Adina called it "crushed velvet" ! and that's how it feels.  

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Moose is beautiful! He is going to feel a lot better after he's all cleaned up! Post pictures! :) 

[Sally S Miles]

What a handsome fellow he is.

It was kind of the reverse here - and honestly the initial shock of a near naked dog was something, but she felt so good and it was so pretty. Now we keep it short.

[Gem's Jewel]

First let me say he is adorable and looks so loving! His haircut won't trim his personality or love and he will feel better. Once your husband sees him trimmed and realizes that, it will be fine. So glad you are willing to trim Moose if he needs it!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Such a lovely thing to say....

[Suzanne & Jack]

Now that everyone is home, DH has calmed down.

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

glad you all survived the first shavedown.It really isnt as bad as our imaginations lead us to think and just knowing that the mats actually do harm and cause discomfort makes it all easier to digest. I love both looks on my two and keep them no longer than 3-4 inches a few times a yr. Otherwise it's about 1/2-3/4in shavedown. Mats just make me feel like a bad doodle mommy and I dont need another thing to feel guilty about!!!! LOL