grooming question

doodleone · 09-04-2008, 09:39 PM

Hi- Tomorrow I will be the owner of a doodle who's owner can no longer care for him. He is 8 months old and in need of some TLC in the grooming department, I am not sure where to start. Any suggestions would be helpful because he is matted. I do not want to have to shave him, is is possible to cut the matt in strips and work them out similar to a puli. My parents currently have a puli and I am use to cording the fur.
Thank you for your time
Doodleone

Jac · 09-04-2008, 11:02 PM

Hi, welcome and congratulations on adding a wonderful dog to your family!

Yes, you can do grooming and you can clip the matting from his coat but it is a taxing job!

I do it for my dogs and you have to be soooooooo careful because their skin is very loose in places and you can easily clip or nick them! Yikes!

Even though you don't want to have him shaved, you may want to consider it because it is the easiest way to get rid of mats and their coats are so soft after shaving! Plus, you will get a good look at his skin and know if you have any issues with sores, abnormalities, etc.

But, no, it is not required to shave him down...just much easier for both of you...especially if he won't hold still!

gene · 09-05-2008, 12:12 AM

I agree with Jac. I myself would opt for shaving. The hair grows back quite fast and will give you a better view of the skin. If the mats have been there a long time, the chance of skin infections and other problems are a big possibility.

Congrats on the new family member. Please post some pictures when you get a chance......we are slightly addicted to pictures!!

lmtoth2 · 09-05-2008, 08:55 AM

I think it depends on the type of hair/fur the doodle has. Is he a F1 or a F1B?

When we got Kirby (F1 Irish Setter/Poodle) he was pretty badly matted and we were going to have him shaved when they neutered him...the vet could not bear to shave his "beautiful red fur" off so they convinced us to hand cut him. We were able to cut the matts out and it wasn't too bad.

Dexter is a F1B with a fleece coat and when he gets matted it's over. It's so hard to get those matts out!! So I would base your decision on the coat and the severity of the matts. If they are really bad I'd just shave him and start new.

cissy k · 09-05-2008, 10:56 AM

We have a puppy so I have not had to do any formal grooming yet so I have no advice. However, I agree that shaving would allow you to really check his skin. And then you can groom him without hurting him, which may cause him to really hate getting brushed. Clean slate so to speak!

I also agree that pictures are a MUST!! LOL!! Take before and after so you will have them to remember.

Glad you are adding a Doodle to your family. You will not be disappointed!!

annieG · 09-05-2008, 11:53 AM

Another advantage of shaving him down would be to get him used to being brushed. You will be able to start when the his coat is really short and by the time it is longer, hopefully he will be used to the brushing and combing. I think it would be a much better experience for him than trying to brush out the mats

doodleone · 09-06-2008, 05:53 AM

Thanks! Well we picked him up last night and he is going to the groomers today. It would have been way to much for my mom and I to handle. Are doodles know to have skin conditions? I took a before picture so I will post a before and after photo. I just have to figure out how. I could tell he was afraid last night just trying to figure out what was going on. I know it will take him time to adjust, but he responds to his name. How do you teach a dog that has never played with toys to play? Can someone help. Thanks Abi

**MaxandMe** · 09-06-2008, 09:55 AM

HI Abi......and congrats or rather how sweet and loving of you to take this doodle into your home and heart.
I read how he was crated for 13hours a day

Abi give him time, he's still a pup but probably didn't get the proper attention/time. he might be confused in a new home/surroundings, people and not being crated as well.

he'll play in due time right now just let him get used to you, new rules like potty training and more. As he adjusts and bonds with you, the more playful side in him will eventually come out.

can't wait to see his before and after pics. there's a Sticky Note post
i'll try to find it ,IF not a forum member will beat me to it and post it here hahhaaaaaa

Welcome aboard

blueteal · 09-06-2008, 12:13 PM

Welcome to Doodleland
Here is Gene's post for teaching how to do pictures.
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7489

Jac · 09-06-2008, 08:21 PM

I would say to give your doodle time to know you and his surroundings before you try to teach him to play. The playing will come naturally later oin, but he needs to reach his basic comfort level first and that may take some time.
Start slowly, maybe even ignore him if he is frightened...give him an open crate to go into if he feels the need to and leave the door open so he doesn't feel confined.
Let him come to you when he is ready. Sit on the floor, put a treat about 3 feet in front or you or to the side, let him get it when he wants to...no fanfair, no loud or happy talk if it bothers him. Keep it quiet if possible so that he isn't afraid.
Gradually move the treat closer until he is eating it off of your knee, then your hand...and gently touch him when you are able to...but don't reach for the top of his head...that is very threatening.
Don't smile too big at him...it is showing teeth and in a dog's world, that can be challenging.
Just keep things as calm as possible for a day or two and gradually add things. Eventually he will begin to play and seek you out.
Best wishes.

09-04-2008, 09:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
doodleone Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 10	grooming question Hi- Tomorrow I will be the owner of a doodle who's owner can no longer care for him. He is 8 months old and in need of some TLC in the grooming department, I am not sure where to start. Any suggestions would be helpful because he is matted. I do not want to have to shave him, is is possible to cut the matt in strips and work them out similar to a puli. My parents currently have a puli and I am use to cording the fur. Thank you for your time Doodleone

09-05-2008, 12:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
gene Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: youngstown ohio Posts: 8,619	I agree with Jac. I myself would opt for shaving. The hair grows back quite fast and will give you a better view of the skin. If the mats have been there a long time, the chance of skin infections and other problems are a big possibility. Congrats on the new family member. Please post some pictures when you get a chance......we are slightly addicted to pictures!! __________________ gene , jonah , miko and rumor "A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley

09-05-2008, 08:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
lmtoth2 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,920	I think it depends on the type of hair/fur the doodle has. Is he a F1 or a F1B? When we got Kirby (F1 Irish Setter/Poodle) he was pretty badly matted and we were going to have him shaved when they neutered him...the vet could not bear to shave his "beautiful red fur" off so they convinced us to hand cut him. We were able to cut the matts out and it wasn't too bad. Dexter is a F1B with a fleece coat and when he gets matted it's over. It's so hard to get those matts out!! So I would base your decision on the coat and the severity of the matts. If they are really bad I'd just shave him and start new. __________________ Leslie

09-05-2008, 10:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
cissy k Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: NC Posts: 1,433	We have a puppy so I have not had to do any formal grooming yet so I have no advice. However, I agree that shaving would allow you to really check his skin. And then you can groom him without hurting him, which may cause him to really hate getting brushed. Clean slate so to speak! I also agree that pictures are a MUST!! LOL!! Take before and after so you will have them to remember. Glad you are adding a Doodle to your family. You will not be disappointed!! __________________ Cissy and Semi

09-05-2008, 11:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
annieG Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,929	Another advantage of shaving him down would be to get him used to being brushed. You will be able to start when the his coat is really short and by the time it is longer, hopefully he will be used to the brushing and combing. I think it would be a much better experience for him than trying to brush out the mats __________________ AnnieG & Tanner

09-04-2008, 11:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jac Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern California Posts: 9,243	Hi, welcome and congratulations on adding a wonderful dog to your family! Yes, you can do grooming and you can clip the matting from his coat but it is a taxing job! I do it for my dogs and you have to be soooooooo careful because their skin is very loose in places and you can easily clip or nick them! Yikes! Even though you don't want to have him shaved, you may want to consider it because it is the easiest way to get rid of mats and their coats are so soft after shaving! Plus, you will get a good look at his skin and know if you have any issues with sores, abnormalities, etc. But, no, it is not required to shave him down...just much easier for both of you...especially if he won't hold still!

09-06-2008, 05:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
doodleone Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 10	Thanks! Thanks! Well we picked him up last night and he is going to the groomers today. It would have been way to much for my mom and I to handle. Are doodles know to have skin conditions? I took a before picture so I will post a before and after photo. I just have to figure out how. I could tell he was afraid last night just trying to figure out what was going on. I know it will take him time to adjust, but he responds to his name. How do you teach a dog that has never played with toys to play? Can someone help. Thanks Abi

09-06-2008, 09:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
MaxandMe Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 15,103	HI Abi......and congrats or rather how sweet and loving of you to take this doodle into your home and heart. I read how he was crated for 13hours a day Abi give him time, he's still a pup but probably didn't get the proper attention/time. he might be confused in a new home/surroundings, people and not being crated as well. he'll play in due time right now just let him get used to you, new rules like potty training and more. As he adjusts and bonds with you, the more playful side in him will eventually come out. can't wait to see his before and after pics. there's a Sticky Note post i'll try to find it ,IF not a forum member will beat me to it and post it here hahhaaaaaa Welcome aboard __________________ *Annmarie, Max,& Peanut* "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France uncondtional love: what a dog always does for us and humans strive to do but can we?

09-06-2008, 12:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
blueteal Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,334	Welcome to Doodleland Here is Gene's post for teaching how to do pictures. http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7489

09-06-2008, 08:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jac Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern California Posts: 9,243	I would say to give your doodle time to know you and his surroundings before you try to teach him to play. The playing will come naturally later oin, but he needs to reach his basic comfort level first and that may take some time. Start slowly, maybe even ignore him if he is frightened...give him an open crate to go into if he feels the need to and leave the door open so he doesn't feel confined. Let him come to you when he is ready. Sit on the floor, put a treat about 3 feet in front or you or to the side, let him get it when he wants to...no fanfair, no loud or happy talk if it bothers him. Keep it quiet if possible so that he isn't afraid. Gradually move the treat closer until he is eating it off of your knee, then your hand...and gently touch him when you are able to...but don't reach for the top of his head...that is very threatening. Don't smile too big at him...it is showing teeth and in a dog's world, that can be challenging. Just keep things as calm as possible for a day or two and gradually add things. Eventually he will begin to play and seek you out. Best wishes.

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