Need your help

[Holly Paterniti]

Hello everyone :)

Some of you may have already seen my post on Doodle Grooming about Bear's AWFUL grooming experience. For those who do not know, I am going to give you a brief overview.

Bear had gone to Petsmart for his usual grooming every 4 to 6 weeks (as many of you are probably cringing). We have ALWAYS had good experiences with them. Well this last time, the lady who took him COMPLETELY shaved him down.......even his ears!

Needless to say, we are not going back for grooming again, I will continue seeing the Banfield vets because I really them, but not the grooming center.

My question to you all is: do you know a reputable doodle groomer around my area? I live in Streetsboro, which is the city before you get to Kent (Kent State University). I really do not want to pay more that $70 for just the grooming (without the tip), but if you someone you would completely trust and is experienced with grooming doodles, I would consider paying more.

I would really like your help because I would like to have someone ready to groom him when his hair grows out more, so they are able to possibly fix what Petsmart has done to my Bear.

Thank you everyone and I look forward to hearing from you all :)

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

I am in Olmsted Falls and have a great groomer but that would be WAY to far for you to travel. It is about 40 minutes from you.

When I was looking for a groomer I called them on the phone and specifically asked if they knew what a Doodle was supposed to look like. I told them specifically that I do not want him to look like a poodle. I called and called until I found one that I felt most comfortable with. Then when I got there to drop him off I asked to talk to the woman that would be grooming him and asked her to explain what she will be doing to him. I just wanted to be very clear with her that if she made my puppy look like a poodle I would be very upset and would not pay for the service. I know it seems harsh, and I am usually very nice, but I was scared of getting him groomed for just that reason.

I did find the following paper on grooming somewhere on here, probably in the grooming group but I thought I would attach it here for you and see if this can help when leaving your Doodle to get a new doo next time. It seems like it would be helpful to the groomer.

[Doris]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience! I'm afraid I live too far away from you . . . .I live in Lima and have a great groomer - Hair of the dog. I hope you find someone soon.

[Susan]

Good luck! I've tried 5 different groomers all who want to completely shave her too. I actually do it myself and it isnt really hard if you keep the mats to a minimum. Once every 4-5 months I do have her clipped shorter than just let it grow out and keep her eyes clear and trim her sanitary areas. Also I like them to do her ears every 4-5 months because I cant stand to do that!. She loves to get into the shower so thats never a problem. We use a organic lavender shampoo cause she is itchy alot, but I use a pretty expensive human straightening conditioner by Pureology and it works great and makes her hair soft and less tangly (is that a word?) I do brush her alot but only small areas at a time (ex one leg per night) Hope this helps! I know how difficult it is when they shave them. The last time one shaved her I actually told her that I thought it was only fair that I shaved her head and let her run around in Dec in Ohio! haha She was offended of course but I had very specific directions that she didnt follow. Probably doesnt help that Im a hair stylist! Good Luck!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I am very close and so far I have found no one. I do remember a few months ago reading someones blog on here from Stow ( I think) and she mentioned a groomer. Streetsboro is so close. I am in Kent a few times a week--yet I actually live in the Portage Lakes area. If you do find one let me know too. Thanks. In the mean time I am going to search and try to find who posted a good groomer in our area.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Hi, I am curious about what the cost is for Becky at Special Touch - I am in Akron too and our "Hunter" F1 Goldendoodle is only 5 weeks old and we don't be getting her until April 21 but I am trying to just get an idea. This sounds like a great service if she is good! This is our first dog so I have no experience with groomers. I have an aquantance that is a groomer at Lee Ray's on Manchester Rd and I was considering her but because I felt I knew her enough that she would hopefully do a good job. We are in the Portage Lakes area. Thanks! Denise

[Holly Paterniti]

Thank you so VERY much :) I am going to give her a call. I really appreciate it :) That would be nice because this way he will not be at a strange place, but rather in our driveway. I have always wanted to try one of those groomers, but have been a little hesitant about doing it. Thanks again :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Talk with Christine Lavallee--she is a member on here, although I have never talked with her she has a post on her page about Zoomin-Groomin a mobile dog-groomer. Her dogs are "very good looking". Maybe she can give you advice. She lives in Stow which is 15 mins from Streetsboro. Again, good luck and let me know. My pup is only 4 months old so we have not groomed yet and I am already afraid.
Okay here it is......................... http://www.zoomingroomin.com/reich.htm. The web page says it serves Summit and Medina. You could call and ask if he comes out to Portage County