My first home groom

[Dynamite & Doodle]

It's not a full groom as the LAST time he went to the groomer they cut his body and legs way too short. So I haven't had to do his body or legs yet, but I did flag his tail and I cleaned up his head. They skipped his ears and tail last time (and did a poor job the prior time.) They were both really long, like 4". Ever since that last time at the groomer I have been reading this forum, researching and deciding on my tools. My supplies arrived yesterday so I did the work over 2 days. He had his bath yesterday and I used the high velocity dryer on him but I let his head air dry because he's not into the blower for that yet. He is 1 year old and otherwise a super co-operative dood so I'm not going to push it. I trimmed up his tail last night and fixed up his head this morning. His ears were hanging so long and low that my husband had been singing that song to him "Do your ears hang low.."

I took a LOT off his ears and the sides of his muzzle. The pile of hair filled my hand open as wide as I could hold it. The groomers had not been clipping the hair under his ears short at all so I took a lot out of there too. I like his ears getting plenty of air flow.

My husband says he looks like a puppy again!

[Brittney & Cally]

I really love the look of the rounded face! I totally think we need to start grooming doodle romps lol! Just bring all our grooming things and learn from each other!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Brittany, funny I was thinking the same thing. We can all learn from each other. But if were to bring yogi for something like that, he would never chill, there would be too much excitement. A room full of doodles!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I think they did that at one of the Cali romps- everyone brought their favorite tools for everyone else to see. I think that is a great idea

[Lynda Kamrath]

That is a beautiful job - I can't imagine it is your first.  I was planning this morning how to proceed with Harpo's groom.  He has a thick wooly coat and I cut it down last week, but want it shorter.  The tail looks perfect.  That is a chore in itself!  Love your round look to the head, face and ears.  Yes, he does look like a puppy (with long legs).

[Dynamite & Doodle]

Thanks very much. I have been cutting my husband's and sons' hair for years so I think that bit of experience helps.

I learned a lot from a youtube video I found made by the Wahl company showing a lady grooming a cream colored Labradoodle. I don't know how many times I watched it, but I like the cut she does.

I like a shorter clip on the body, it gets hot and humid here in the summer (though we still have snow and ice in the yard) Normally I like the legs longer too, but it's a muddy, dirty, gross time of year here so this is easier maintenance. Quite often he has to jump in the tub and get his feet rinsed after a walk. He doesn't like a lot of combing either so this length is manageable and easy on him.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I know the Wahl youtube video you're referring to. That was the one I watched numerous times before doing home grooming myself. It's a very educational video (I use the clipper on the legs, though, rather than shears, and don't shave the ears like the professional groomer did). The buzz of the Wahl clipper drives me batty, though :-/  My 2 speed Andis is quiet in comparison. Oh, what the heck... here's the link to the video for anyone interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu9i6FJKE44

[Dynamite & Doodle]

Yes, the Andis 2 speed is what I decided on too. I like it a lot so far.

[Kelly & Zoe]

Adorable!!!