Taking the plunge...first home groom

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Ragley is about 6 1/2 months old and has the most beautiful, flowing, gorgeous, richly colored coat (ok- I'm a little biased). I LOVE her hair. It is safe to say I am obsessed with it. I hate even having to trim between her eyes and bringing myself to clip her bangs back a little so she can see was a difficult venture to take on. 

HOWEVER- I am sane enough to realize that for her own comfort, trimming her back a bit is a must. Summer in middle Tennessee is extremely hot and almost unbearably humid. I think she would be miserable with her long coat. It would also probably help cut back on coat maintenance required on my part. Ok, it definitely would. 

I have planned from the start to do this chore myself and so I am approaching the plate with scissors, brush, and comb in hand. I know she needs to be cleaned, dried, brushed, and combed. I have watched and rewatched youtube videos to try to help myself learn even a little bit of technique. 

I guess what I am mainly seeking is encouragement, advice, and maybe even a few pictures to help guide me on what I might like my end result to look like. For those of you who home-groom: is there anything you wish you would have known or a method you have come to like? I'll probably be spreading this chore out over a few days to ease the amount that it will test both my and Ragley's patience.

Please share your experiences! Each time I read someone's grooming story, it gives me a confidence boost and I think, "see- I CAN do this!" 

And of course it wouldn't be a complete post without a picture!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thank you! It feels good to have it done and out of the way!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Wow! Great job! Its difficult to believe this was your first grooming experience. Way to go... and congrats! Take a deep breath and relax... you did it! It will only get easier (well, after the next few, anyway, as you start feeling more comfortable). Just think of the $$$ you're saving!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thank you! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

My two love to get a short cut especially when it is warm out!  You are doing a great job on Ragley!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thank you, Linda! I love your doodles' cuts. I actually scrolled through some of your pictures last weekend for inspiration! 

[Christina and Timber]

Looks great!...I don't have my Dood yet, but I understand the emotions...I get like that EVERY time I cut my two sons' hair. ;-)

[Bonnie and Kona]

That is a great doodle cut! Ragley looks wonderful. Congratulations.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thank you, Bonnie! I am pleased with it!

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Ragley looks so good - you did a great job with the grooming, Stephanie!  You've inspired me, I need to spend some time learning about doodle grooming...but I don't think I would be as brave as you for a long time!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

If I can do it, you can do it! I have discovered that the doodle shag and thinning shears are both very forgiving things to work with haha

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Stephanie
You did yourself proud. Ragley is as cute as ever. Pat yourself on the back!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thank you, Leslie! I really appreciate all the positive feedback. I'll give myself a pat, but Ragley truly deserves all the pats. She was just the most patient little puppy for me while I fluffed and snipped then fluffed and snipped some more.