Groomer Instructions

[Dawn and Molly]

O.K., I probably should have posted this before I took her to the groomer.  For the next time... How do you describe a doodle cut?  We decided to get a "summer cut" for our 6 month old puppy, Molly.  Her fur is really thick and it was pretty long.  Even though we brush her almost every day, she did wind up getting a little matte behind her ear, near her tail, and even under her chin (which we didn't think to brush well).  We have learned to be more thorough with the brushing.  

Anyway, she had an in between cut about a month ago to get her used to a groomer.  We took her to another groomer today and I told her I didn't want her shaved just a shortened summer style.  She assured us she has cut doodles before, so I thought it would be fine.  I have learned that I need to be more specific.  

So, I was wondering how you describe the cut?  Here is an "after" picture.  She looks like a different puppy.  Thanks in advance!

[Barbie]

When I used to get Hercules cut at the groomer, I'd always tell them to use a specific blade attachment so that his hair was not cut too short. I forgot what number I preferred, but maybe another member can help you with that. I also went through the groomer's photo book or even pix on the walls for the cut that I liked the best. Perhaps you could print a pic. of a Doodle cut that you like and take it to your groomer, along with requesting a specific sized blade attachment.

Molly is still a pretty girl. I'll bet she feels a lot cooler. :O)

[Dawn and Molly]

Thanks Barbie!  She probably is a little cooler.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Molly is beautiful - that's the first thing I'll say. When we needed a new groomer, I brought with me several photos of my dogs with cuts that I wanted replicated. In your case, in the future, I would bring photos of dogs with cuts that you would like to see on Molly. Also, if you meet another dog with a great-looking haircut, just ask the owner who they use and get their dog's name, so that you can tell the new groomer, "Please cut Molly like Fido, and here are some pictures of other dogs with similar cuts that I would like to see on Molly." You must have been surprised, but her hair will grow back :o)

[Dawn and Molly]

Thanks!  I keep thinking it will grow back.  I will bring examples next time.  I still think she is beautiful too, thanks.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Molly is a cutie regardless of cut and her face is so sweet and I bet she feels so great without all the hair and no mats. I found the puppy coat pretty easy to care for until about the 6-7 month. Our first doodle had very long thick hair at 6 or 7 mos, and it was a nightmare to keep mat free.  At about 8 or 9 months he started going through the coat change and it was mat city.  However, when I took him for his first short hair cut, the instructions were to leave the head, ears and tail long.  Just minor trimming to face.  Once the mature coat comes in somewhere after a year, I think you will find grooming much easier.  I always brush head, ears and tail daily, and go through the coat at least once a week - and that means line brushing and going back over with a comb to make sure there are no mats.  Hang in there - she will grow out in a short time and you will be better prepared.  I do not know if I would use this groomer, unless you can have a conversation and trust she will follow your instructions.  Not all groomers are created equal that is for sure!

[Dawn and Molly]

Thanks Linda... I think I will be prepared for next time.  We thought we were doing a good job with the brushing, but it has gotten tougher once she turned 6 mths.  We will have to get a comb.  I definitely will be looking for a different groomer.  I will have to ask around and find someone that I trust.  

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

The first time a took Charlie to my groomer, she told me that dogs that come in matted generally are shaved - she tries to leave some hair if possible, but she maintains it is much easier on the dog to get buzzed rather than have the mats removed as it can be very painful for them.  Be sure to join the grooming group if you have not done hat already.  There is lots of instruction there on line brushing and proper equipment.  You never know, after you start brushing correctly, you might try your hand at grooming her yourself.

[Stella]

Did the groomer say she was matted in other places too? Often they end up taking the coat shorter than you requested because there are too many matts. The only way to keep her matt free is to comb her regularly. Look up YouTube videos of line brushing, but do it with a comb. Sometimes it is easier to keep their coat short until the adult coat is fully in. At its worst, my none shedding curly coated doodles coat would take 3 hours twice a week to comb out - I decided it was easier and kinder to both of us to keep him really short! He is now 7 and I can get away who brushing him out every couple of weeks, but I do keep his coat at 3/4 inch at the longest for easy management.

[Dawn and Molly]

Thanks Stella.  We will have to get a comb.  We were doing a quick brush almost every day, but I think we need to take the time and be more thorough.  She isn't too curly with her fur.  She will be cool for the rest of the summer and it will grow back :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If you get a scissor cut rather than a blade cut, you might end up with more of what you want. Bringing pictures of dogs with similar coats and cuts you like helps. You might purchase a Doodlekisses calendar and bring it with you showing the dogs you would like yours to look like.

[Dawn and Molly]

Thanks Nancy.  The calendar is a good idea. :)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Until you get a brush or comb that will get all the way down through the layers, you will just skim the top and miss
the matts. I think we've all done it. It's a learning curve. My doodles worst time started at 10 months and continued
for probably a year. I now keep them much shorter, and I've grown to love that look more. Plus it's so much easier on them.
I'm sure I needed to brush Yogi 1-2 hours a day during the change. (He has a Very thick coat).
Now that his hair shorter, I can go a week to 10 days.
Good luck!