Puppy Coat Question and Groomer Question

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

My 6 month old F1b is shedding when I brush her, especially when I use a shedding brush on her. My question is.. Why would my F1b be shedding? Is it puppy coat coming out? Or will she always shed? I'm not sure what type of coat she will have. Should I just wait and see? Any advice or help is welcome Here's two pictures of her taken recently. (I have another question below the pictures.)

Samson, my 18 month old F1 with a thick fleece coat, is at the groomers today. He was there about 3 months ago. He went in happily, but once inside, clearly was ready to leave again. He didn't become distressed, but he did pull towards the door. These are groomers that have been around for many years, my dog as a child was groomed there. The tables are all out in the main area where you enter, the groomers all talk with you and I always had a good feeling about them. Except for the high cost when they scissor him and brush through his super thick fleece coat. Should I worry about his wanting to leave? They say that he is very patient and very well-behaved. A picture of my older baby, just because!

[Kim]

I think I read this somewhere else as well. I have absolutely no idea what a furminator even is - however, I read on another board (someone was asking the same question) and I think someone mentioned that the packaging says not to use that on poodles - and dogs that don't shed. You might want to look back at older discussions. I hope that helps!

[sandy b]

I just googled furminator and Kim is right - do not use on non-shedding dogs and specifically list the poodle.

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

I have read the same thing - that it's not for non-shedding breeds ... copy and paste this to your browser and it should come up for you.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/doodle-hair?page=1&com...

or search out the discussion "doodle hair"

that is the link to the discussion about the furminator - it's called "doodle hair" I believe. You can then make your own decisions. I bought the Chris Christensen 16 mm t-brush - it's a pin brush - and it does a wonderful job and my Abby actually likes to be brushed with it - she hates the slicker! The t-brush doesn't scratch her skin.
As far as the groomer goes - dogs typically don't like getting their nails trimmed - their butts trimmed up - and face scissored. So, I could understand a dog having some reluctance at being left there. But I wouldn't worry about it unless you see that there has been something "not right" about Samson when you pick him up.

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

Thanks! Samson is always thrilled to see me and happy to go home and seems fine. Thanks for the link. I won't use the Furminator again in case it thins her hair. I still have shedding with her if I use the pin brush or the slicker brush, just less.

[Gay Lord]

I have a F1B and he has really thick and dense hair, he doesn't shed. Less hair comes out when I brush him than when I brush my own hair! I just brush him everyday..and I mean everyday. I have never used a furminator..just a brush.

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

Sorry to confuse everybody. My question was more about why she is shedding not the brush I was using. I never use the shedding brush on my non-shedding doodle, it does nothing. I didn't realize the shedding brush could thin her hair even if she is shedding, I won't use that anymore! I still get some shedding hair with the pin brush and the slicker brush. My question concerns why she is shedding at 6 months and if her puppy coat is blowing out. My F1's puppy coat never really blew out. He just matted up when his adult coat came in. My other question concerns the way my F1 reacts at the groomers.

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

Yes, that's what I mean by shedding (at least with my doodle)! I notice is on my dark sofa and ottoman that she lays on especially. I am anxious as well to know what she'll look like as an adult. Samson's coat changed completely from puppy to adult. I've read that there puppy coat comes in about 8 to 14 months. So that's why I was confused about this hair shedding now.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Hi Melissa
The generation of doodle does not make a difference whether they are shedding or not. I have had a shedder that was at least 10 generations labradoodle. It is all about the genetics and what gets passed down. It could be your f1b is a shedder, or it could just be her age or even something in her diet. You won't really know for a while. I can usually tell by 7 weeks if they might shed, but even this is not always 100% accurate. Still, it is best not to use brushes that are designed for double coated dogs that really shed, like my shepherds. Love them, not their hair.

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

Thanks! You're so right!

[Tracey]

My Golden used to do the same thing. I used to joke and say to him 'gee, you'd think they're awful to you around here!', when in actuality they spoiled him rotten. Said he was always sweet and good during grooming...so I figured it was just a typical 'kids' response of 'But Mom, I don't WANNA get my hair cut *whiny tone*!!!!', and then fine once Mom's gone. ;) I wouldn't worry if he doesn't seem distressed or acts differently afterward.