The most frustrating part about owning a labradoodle is the
grooming if you do it yourself! Whew,
their hair grows fast and unlike other breeds, it is like humans and keeps
growing so must be cut every 4 to 6 weeks.
The hair gnats up easily and it doesn’t help that they are a dog so run
around, roll, and scratch causing even more pile ups in their hair! To groom a
doodle is anything but oodles of fun!
I have tried almost all products known to man to make my
life, and hers, easier as I do the grooming myself. This list includes human
detangler sprays which I find do little more than put a nice odor on the top of
her coat for about 15 minutes max. Spraying it means I am how detangling wet
hair as opposed to dry hair and thereby pulling out even more hair than if it
is in its natural state.
The grooming becomes a challenge between Tessie and me. Her
patience starts off excellent and then falls sub-par 2/3s
through. At that
point, I am the enemy and she makes my pampering experience for her intolerable
by moving constantly, pawing me, turning this way and that, trying to escape or
the dreaded “kissing me.” This is not advisable when I have sharp scissors or a
trimmer in my hands! She thinks it will aid in ending the whole process.
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| Tessie |
Brushing regularly is a must with this breed. Every few days
it should be done, minimum of once a week a very thorough brush out. Remember,
the more frequent you groom, the less rustration. Our vet recommends daily!
When you complete grooming, outwardly your dog looks no different
to the viewing eye. You will be the only one that will know they were
detangled, brushed and sometimes even trimmed! With hair that has a mind of its
own, even after being groomed, they may appear no different. Labradoodles
always look fluffed up and somewhat messy. And as soon as your pup scratches,
there is potentially another knot up in their fur!
Well, if I had another labradoodle and had to maintain it
like her, I would simply say “Shoot me now, less painful!” All this work to ensure she is well
maintained and to save money. But wow,
increased blood pressure with the stress.
I am always shocked when someone comments on her grooming because I am
so far from an expert that it is funny anyone thinks she looks great when she
is my Guinea pig for trimming. I literally watched YouTube videos to try to
devise a strategy!
Nowhere does it mention on the videos hair gnats clog up
your trimmer! Nor does it mention a wiggly dog while you are trying to get
angled cuts that look professionally done around the ears. Oh they are quite a bit of help but so much
is learned through trial and error. Note:
There are no pictures to be found of the errors. I try to forget them.
When she comes out beautifully, I try to not look shocked and say “All in a
day’s work.” In reality, it feels more like luck is involved to some extent.
I love this breed, labradoodles, but, I hate the grooming. I
think it’s important to take the time to tell 'would-be owners' either invest in a
great groomer or do it regularly yourself, preparing yourself not to be
pampered or pampering your pup. The spa
day treatment is a misnomer! It is hard work. What you will end up with is a dog that has the
look “Who wouldn’t love me?!”
