Best Part of Self Grooming!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I like many I've seen here were terrified to think about doing my own grooming.  However, after several disappointing grooming visit (and we never ended up shaved down), I just decided the only way I was going to get what I wanted and be able to afford to keep them looking nice was to learn to do it myself.  I will never forget the first time I took the clippers to Sophie.  I was so terrified, right up until I made that first cut down her back.  It was like, wow, that was easy, ooh, look how pretty she looks.  She was almost two years old and had never really been clipped with the scissors.  Her hair was very long and shaggy wavey, but was sort of dry looking on the rump area.  As soon as I took that first pass I knew that I could do this.  Now, 4 years later I've been doing my own grooming ever since.  The best part about doing your own grooming is if you decide they need a little trim you can just do it.  You don't have to wait for their appointment or call for an extra appointment.  You just get out the clippers and go to town.  I did this yesterday with AnnaBelle.  She was looking a little straggly as she has been going through the coat change and her hair on her back was just getting a little dry looking.  Sort of like when we have split ends, we just need a little trim up.  So, we got out the clippers and I just trimmed up her head and neck and the top and sides of her body and her rump.  We blended it all in as best we could and we were finished in less time than it took Mike and Lucy to go for a walk.  Does she look perfect and professionally groomed, no, but I think she still looks adorable, lol.  She is still really long, almost 3 inches on her back.  It took some of the shaggy out of her back and sides but I think once she has a bath that will come back.  

[Brittney & Cally]

I have made the decision to groom as well. After I took Cally in for a spring cut and took in pictures and instructions and the groomer assured me he would leave it about11/2 inches with the head being longer he ended up completely shaving her to less than an inch. He said she was not matted but she would like it better?! I forgot she was
His dog... So I am taking the plunge! Annabelle looks great! I am first going to invest in a good shear set, as she is completely shaved so I will not need the clippers for awhile! Although the coat is growing on me and Cally could care less, it was not what I asked for. Lesson learned!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I completely agree Brittney.  You took all the time to explain what you wanted why should you expect anything less.  I even believe that if they need to do a shave down that they should be required to contact you first. Obviously if it is needed it is best for the dog, but some groomers just don't want to be bothered.  

[Brittney & Cally]

The sad part is that I told them is she needs to be shaved shorter call me first.....they did not! He clearly did not want to be bothered... oh well! I guess it is time to learn now if I am going to get Cally's mom in two years. It will save me a lot of money! I really like how you did her coat. Did you leave her legs longer or is that just how the picture makes it look?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

This particular time I didn't cut the hair on her legs.  However, I normally do leave the hair on the legs a little longer than the hair on the body.  The hair on AnnaBelle's legs is different than the hair on her body and is much finer and shaggy.  I've trimmed it once before along with her feet, but didn't this time.  It is maybe a .5 to 1" longer than the hair on her body.   

[Brittney & Cally]

I like the legs longer and it seems that most people who groom themselves like them longer.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

"He said she was not matted but she would like it better?!"

Ummm...WHAT?! I would be furious!!! I just got cheap thinning shears from Sally Beauty Supply (human beauty store) for less than $20 and they worked well. I'll probably up my game as I get more confident in my abilities, but for my first try I didn't want anything too expensive just in case I was horrible at it! haha If I can groom Ragley, you can groom Cally! And it really is a bonding time and very satisfying in the end to know you provided that care for her.

[Christy&Riley]

Funny. I did the exact same thing recently. $20 human thinning shears from Sally to dip my toe in the water. I've done her eyes, thinned around her mouth and trimmed near the bottom of her legs. While the videos make it look easy enough, haven't gotten up the confidence to go further yet. :-)

[Brittney & Cally]

What clippers do you use? I was looking at the andis 5 speed?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I just bought a new pair.  I was originally using a pair of Oster's that were probably 20 years old.  I dropped them and they broke so I figured rather than try to get them repaired I'd just get new ones.  I bought the Andis Ultra Edge, Special Edition, 2 speed.  

[Brittney & Cally]

Thanks! I will look into those!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Melissa -- I put the clippers above on Brittney's post.  I don't know if they came with a video or not but I don't think so.  I watched some videos on u-tube entitled Grooming Sully.  There are several parts.  I just watched them and then sort of gave it a try.  The important part is having him brushed out and no mats.  The only thing I've bought that didn't work out for me is the small dremel tool for their nails.  I was using the pedi paws and thought this would be better but it is too noisy and they don't like it.  Also much harder to keep the hair out of.  Other than that, I just have a Les Pooches brush, a couple different combs and scissors with a blunt tip.  I really need to get a good pair of curved scissors.  Because we have two doodles we also went ahead and purchased a large salon style bath tub and also an electric grooming table which really helps.  

[Brenda Silva]

She looks great.  very similar to my Fred.  Love these guys.