Nervous!

[Kris and Sawyer]

Sawyer is getting groomed today. I always said I'd never do it. I love hs shaggy mess hair. But he's such a baby about heat. It's 65 degrees and you'd think he's in a sauna! He hates the sun and is always looking for shade. I just want him to be as comfortable as possible. But I'm so scared! I definitely don't want him shaved. His hair is probably 5-6 inches now. What should I tell them? I'm so afraid he won't be my cute baby anymore!

[Judi Kilpatrick]

I'm in the same situation... Need to get the boys their first real haircut and dreading it. I know it needs to be done, already very hot in Florida so will be better for them, just don't want it too short. Keep us posted, love to see 'after' pictures, I'm sure Sawyer will look great!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

We had Polly groomed with a 1" comb and I was very nervous, but she still looks a bit shaggy and two weeks later I can already see growth.  I asked them to trim under her ears but no where else on her face.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Cutting a dog's hair short doesn't make them any cooler. In fact it, can have just the opposite effect, because dogs can't sweat to cool themselves; their coats act as insulation against both heat and cold. The longer hair traps and keeps cooler air close to the skin, and actually protects against sunburn, too. 

If he is not matted, there is no reason for them to shave him; many groomers do that because it's faster and easier than trimming their coats a little bit shorter. Buzz, buzz, done. I never allowed anyone to use clippers on my poodle, she was hand scissored only. But it's not easy to find a groomer who can even do that, let alone one who is willing to. 

Non-shedding coats do need trimming and haircuts on a regular basis, just like people do, but not for purposes of keeping the dog cooler. It's to make it easier for you to manage their coats and keep them from matting. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Just had this exact conversation the other day with a neighbor, who insisted Enz would be cooler if we shaved her. All this while Enzo lounged on the step on the pool.
Not going to happen here. She gets brushed/ combed faithfully everyday. Some tiny knots, but has never had a mat.

[Kris and Sawyer]

That's good to know! Thanks! He is not matted. I brush him all the time. His coat is actually pretty easy. He does need his nails trimmed though. And we can't see his eyes, ha! I planned to discuss scissor trim only.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I groomed Ragley with a 1" comb and she still looks very shaggy! I did it because her hair was getting a little too shaggy for her to enjoy the water without requiring hours afterwards of brushing maintenance and she was more messy looking than muppet-like, I thought. Although I love her shag, I have to admit that her coat looks MUCH healthier now- much like when you go in to the hair dresser to get the dead ends trimmed off. I won't go any shorter than the 1" comb though as I prefer longer hair and have been able to maintain it well. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Awwww, Sawyer is so cute. No wonder you are reluctant to cut his fur down. I have heard about the fact the fur helps keep them cooler. Not sure though. Yogi is like your Sawyer, he seems to hate the heat. He stays inside during the day when it's warmer outside, and avoids the sun.

Post a picture of Sawyer after he gets his trim!

[Mari Bezanson]

Be sure to post an "after" picture!  Fingers crossed it went okay.  Even though it may take you some time to get used to the new look, I can almost guarantee Sawyer will be instantly happier!

[Kris and Sawyer]

Here's his after grooming shot. He smells sooooo good! I really talked to the groomer. She agreed to just do "a little" since it was his first time. She did such a good job on his feet! Love the little bandana she put on him too. Oddly she says her doodle and doodles she grooms pant less when their hair is short. So who knows? When it gets hotter I may cut more off...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He looks beautiful. I wouldn't go shorter unless you have to, because of matting or for ease of upkeep. The groomer may think they pant less when they are shorter, but there's no logical reason why that would be true. I think sometimes it makes us think they are cooler when they have shorter hair, and we extrapolate that feeling onto them, lol. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Nice. Looks great!

[Mari Bezanson]

I think she did a great job!