Groomer recommendations

[Sara Kuhl]

Hi, We're looking for groomer recommendations in Madison. We've used one groomer, but I don't think she really understands what a Goldendoodle should look like or the issues with the really curly fur. She shaved Rocco down in a couple of places where he matted and now he's continuing to mat in that area. Any suggestions? Anyone have luck with a certain groomer? Thank you!

[Loreta Janca]

Hi Sara,
We live in Illinois, so I can't give you the names of any groomers in the Madison area, but I can tell you I've also had some bad luck with Rusty's groomer. They all say they've done Doodles before, yet both times we had Rusty groomed at this particular grommer in my town, he's looked more like a poodle. Especially this last time. Now I thinkd poodles are great, but Rusty is not a purebred poodle, and I really like the Doodles because of thier particular look. They even shaved the top of his nose a little and fluffed up the top of his head. I'll have to post a picture of his last cut. Of course, he still the most handsome dog ever, but the fact is they just didn't understand what a Doodle is supposed to look like.
I suggest bringing a picutre of a Doodle. That's what I will do next time. I have also read that a "puppy cut" might work well, which is just having them cut to one lenght all over. That might be better than what they are currently doing.
Good luck. We continue our search as well for a real Doodle groomer.

[Sara Kuhl]

Thanks Loreta, That helps because I've had the same experience. We say Rocco looks like our Aunt Phyllis who was extremely partial to perms! He looks way to poodlish and I want him to look like a doodle. Plus the shaving of areas where there were mats had mad the matting worse. It's frustrating because I pay $75 to have him groomed! What kind of a brush do you use on Rusty?

[Loreta Janca]

Hi Sara, sorry I didn't reply about the brush. For some reason I wasn't getting emails. I think it was set to stop following this group. i just fixed it. Anyway, we use a slicker brush. It's a round type brush with silver colored bristles. It was something we saw recommended for Doodles. Seems to work well. We haven't had trouble with matting, yet. He usually doesn't mind getting brushed, so that makes it easier.

[Sara Kuhl]

Thank you Loreta! We'll get one today. We had snow last night so Rocco was crazy this morning playing with his pals. He's a mess right now because he got pretty wet. He's dropping clumps of fur, I think he's getting rid of his winter coat. Does Rusty drop fur in clumps?

[Loreta Janca]

Yes, he has been dropping clumps for a little while. At least it's clumps, and not tiny little hairs everywhere.
I think they are either losing their winter fur, or actually, I think they are losing their puppy fur. I heard that their true coat will come in just after a year old, so maybe they are just moulting now! That reminds me, Rusty needs a good brushing about now, also! Good luck with the brush!

[Sara Kuhl]

Oh, so that what it is. Rocco just turned one. I don't mind the clumps. Our other dog, a mutt, sheds in clumps too. I've had the lab mix who left tiny black hairs all over the place. This is much better. Thanks again for all of your good information. Hugs to Rusty!