Intro
Alright, I have seen so many terrible Doodle Grooms lately that I am neglecting all of my current emails to write this. This will cover what you need to do, what the groomer needs to do, and what they should not do.
Owner Responsibilities
You are responsible for getting your new puppy acquainted to common grooming tools. I recommend twice a week when your puppy is calm. If your breeder has already started on this, Congrats! you have found a fantastic breeder!
Slicker Brush and Comb
Blow dryer (do not use hot air)
You are responsible for getting your new puppy acquainted to common feelings.
Play/Touch their feet, so they become less sensitive over time.
I also will touch a puppy’s tail from an early age. Not tugging obviously.
Play/Touch their ears as well.
You are responsible for bringing in your puppy at an early age to the groomer. Most groomers require them to be fully vaccinated and 16 weeks old. We will go over the groom needed later.
You are responsible for preventing mats in the hair between grooming appointments. If you keep your Doodle’s hair at a 1/2” or longer length, you can not go 8 weeks between groomer appointments and not expect the hair to mat. Humidity, Rain, and Swimming all make the hair mat faster and worse.
Take your puppy in more often or keep the hair shorter or brush at home.
You are responsible for keeping a watch on your puppy’s ear canal. There needs to be good airflow to prevent infection. Use ear cleaner as necessary to prevent bacterial growth and bring to the vet if there is an infection.
You are responsible for knowing that a Groomer does not possess a “Magic Wand.” They can not turn your Pup’s curly hair into wavy or straight hair. They can not magically get out mats that are as big as a door mat. Play on words ;)
Groomer Responsibilities
First, do no harm. Always treat the animals with respect and patience, even if they are difficult. If they are too difficult to groom return them to the owner and explain the problem.
Always be honest and forthcoming. If something bad happens, accidentally poking the pup with scissors in the eye for example, tell the owner the truth.
Be patient with the customer. If the Groomer does not have the time to hear your concerns, what makes you think they will be patient with your puppy. This does not mean spend 20 minutes reviewing the groom you want your puppy to have, be thoughtful of the groomer’s time as well.
Listen to the customer and be knowledgeable in their skill. If the customer shows you a picture of a scissored doodle head, do not shave all the hair off. This is not talking about a matted doodle where shaving may be necessary.
Finding a Groomer
My ideal groomer is one who owns their own shop, has been grooming for 10+ years, has a lot of references, and you can tell enjoy what they do. Sorry, big box stores, I am not a fan of the majority of their grooming. It is always nice when you can have the same exact person grooming your Pup each time. They get to know what you like and your Pup will bond to them over the years. Ask friends with doodles, read Google Reviews, look at the pics on their FB/ IG, and also check the list at the Bottom of this Post for recommendations! I will continue to edit it over the years based off feedback and recommendations!
Your Puppy’s First Groom!!!
The first grooming appointment should happen between 12-20 weeks old. Ask your groomer their recommendation. The point of this groom is not even the groom really, but getting your puppy acquainted with a new environment that they will be spending a lot of time in.
This is what needs to be done:
Nails clipped or filed
Shave potty areas (do not have to shave a whole football field around the anus)
Shave hair between the paw pads (to grip slippery floors better)
Bath and BlowDry
Ear Cleaning and/or Plucking
Use Thinning Shears to remove hair growing in front of the eyes
DO NOT USE CLIPPERS FOR THIS
Can round off feet with shears, if desired
***Most important though, the first grooms need to be positive experiences with the puppy and groomer trusting each other a little more each time.
Repeat this FFT or Sanitary Trim as some call it Every 4-6 Weeks
The Real Doodle Groom (7+ Months Old)
Your Pup is now a Teenager or older. The 7-9 month old age is typically terrible as the adult hair is growing under the puppy coat and matting is a disaster. Can you tough it out and get the mats out or will you wimp out and have it shaved? Ok, actually I don’t blame you if you shave it because it can be time-consuming to keep up.
MY #1 GROOMING HACK: Buy a High Velocity Dryer! Give your pup a weekly bath and blowdry to prevent matting.
The Head
Doodles should have a face/ head shaped similar to below. NOTE: Curly hair doodles will not have the hair that falls nicely like the one on the left! It will be more fluffy like the one on the right!
If the Groomer does this, just LEAVE and never go Back!
The Body
You have two main options when choosing your doodle’s groom. Do you want the lower maintenance more sporty look or the higher maintenance longer hair show-stopping look?
Lower Maintenance
Cut the entire body and legs with a 3/8” or 1/2” Guide Comb
Preferable: Use a 3/8” on the body and a 1/2” or 5/8” on the legs, and then blend together
If matted or for ultimate low maintainence, use a #7 blade on body and legs
Higher Maintenance
Use a 1” guide comb on the entire body and legs
Preferable: Use a 1” guide comb on the body and scissor legs
Tail
A saber tail is the standard, so think of a golden retriever tail. It is NOT to be cut short and it is NOT to be shaved at the base. Doodle heads and tails are the most important for the “Doodle Look”.
SCP Owner Recommendations!
*If you want a Groomer added or removed from this list, send me pics and tell me why!!!
Alabama
Birmingham, AL- Bath, Barks, and Bubbles Pet Spa
Birmingham, AL- Hounds Around Town Mobile Grooming
Birmingham, AL- Lucky Dog Grooming
Helena, AL- Husky Tails Dog Grooming
Homewood, AL- Generation Dog
Hoover, AL- Patton Chapel Animal Clinic
Meadowbrook, AL- Fancy Fur Pet Grooming
Mountain Brook, AL- Village Pet Care
Springville, AL- Doggone Pet Spa
Vestavia Hills, AL- Pet Vet Animal Hospital
Sources:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563301865887557920/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/454582156128178458/
https://springcreeklabradoodles.com/grooming-labradoodle/