[embee]

I groom Flo myself after a few groomer cuts I wasn't happy with (she kept coming home looking over done and like a poodle) and also because of the cost. I spent quite a bit on kit but it will pay for itself within a year then I'll be using it for many years to come. I think there are less expensive options that would also be just fine.

I got everything from http://www.groomers-online.com, other websites have the same or similar stuff but I've put Groomers links on just so you can the kind of thinds to use.

Andis clippers with a 1.25" comb attachment (which keeps her coat quite long and shaggy. I run this over her back, sides, tummy, chest and tops of her legs
http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/271/andis-agc-single-speed-clippers

Thinning scissors on top of her head, muzzle and bottom of legs http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/133/6-inch-roseline-single-edge-thinning-scissors

Ear and Face scissors to tidy around the eyes to keep the hair out and to tidy hair inbetween her pads http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/2367/mikki-ear-and-face-scissors

Coarse comb to comb her through everyday and before using the clippers http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/1069/karlie-coarse-comb

Slicker brush once a week to pull out loose hair. I use a ball pin slicker as it is gentler http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/351/ball-pin-slicker

Groomers will also trim their nails so you'll need nail scissors. I don't do that as her nails are black and I'm not sure where the quick is so my vet does it for free as part of the health plan she is on.

Groomers also wipe all around the inside of the ears (I use baby wipes) and also sometimes pluck the hairs out of their ears to keep them tidy and less prone to mess and so ear circulates. Although I don't need to do this as Flo doesn't have any hair in her ears.

Mikki is a lower priced brand which is OK but if you have the budget go for the professional equipemnt as it lasts much longer and is much better quality. I have used Mikki and Roseline thinning scissors and Roseline are far superior.

Because I'm not that experienced I tend not to go for a great long session where I do everything but just do bits as I go along. Last week I tidied her face, this week I'll run the clippers over her back and sides then next week I may scissors the lower half of her legs etc..

This is how Flo looked after the groomers cut - arghhhh (nothing against poodles and no offence intended to those who prefer a tidy/poodle cut but I prefer the scruffy look on Flo)

And this is Flo after my 'tidy up'. A bit more relaxed and scruffy...

 

[embee]

Thanks for all your great advice. All I do myself is brush her regularly with a small slicker brush usually when she is sitting beside me on the sofa, but the trouble is her tail is underneath her so often gets left!

I think its a great idea to do it at home and will definitely give it a try - thanks for the website addresses for eqiupment. Last time she had been shaved so close around her "lady bits" (as my husband said) that she kept licking and was clearly uncomfortable for a week or two.

I much prefer the shaggy look to the poodle clip too. I'm a bit nervous about clipping around the eyes but maybe that could be done when they are asleep?

Thanks again

You wouldn't use a clipper around the eyes, I use either the thinning scissors or face scissors. Personally I wouldn't try doing anything around the eyes when she is asleep as she could suddenly move when you are not expecting it and you also want to get them used to be groomed. When I do Flo's face I'm really firm with her and keep her still but lightly holding her muzzle. Do a few cuts then say good and treat so she knows grooming is great as she gets treats as you go along. The only thing I do when she is resting or having a cuddle is to use small face scissors and cut out any small matts, especially under her front legs. When she falls asleep on her back with her paws in the air I can really get to work on any matts under her front legs by using the scissors or de-matter to break them up. Do this by cutting away from the skin.

I forgot to say about the de-matter. Essential for breaking up any matts before a thorough comb, followed by clipping http://www.groomers-online.com/product.php/1098/karlie-de-matting-comb---small

 

[embee]

see i like the short bodywith fluffy legs, i like to see the shape of my girls. as for the eyes sont use the point of the scissors ust the flat edge. mose groomers use clippers from the nose to the eyes.

he her used to staning infrount of you so you can get to every part of her body.

I keep Flo's body quite short as well so you can see her shape and waist otherwise she looks 'fat'. When she had really long fur everyone kept saying she had put a lot of weight on!!

 

[embee]

Oh thanks. I am going to order some things from groomers-online. Might be costly initially but definitely cost effective in the long term. Nicer looking results too, if I can do it properly.

Good idea to use treats and have them standing. Probably nicer for the dog too - at the groomer they attach her collar to a stand. She never likes going there so having it done at home with rewards would be good. Won't need to do it for a while, she looks like a little lamb at the moment!

Will take some pics to show you . . .

Don't let her get too long before you have a go. Let her coat grow to a length you like then clip little and often to keep it that way.

 

[embee]

Ohh poor thing that all sounds awful. I would def try for compensation to cover vets bills. Kendal - do groomers have to be registered in any way or can anyone call themselves a groomer and have a go as it sounds like who ever did this work didn't know what they were doing!

I would thoroughly recommend the home clipping route, especially for a cockapoo as precision and 'fine tuning' isn't needed if you are happy with a scruffy look. I was really nervous about using clippers but if you also use a comb attachment on the clippers (I use 1.25") it's just not possible to nick them with the clippers.

Be mindful however that when a groomer has a dog they are clipping nails, trimming between pads, plucking ear hair if necessary, checking for ticks and any other problems. Because I groom Flo myself but realise I might miss potential health problems that a good groomer would pick up on I have a health plan for Flo with my vet and pay around £10.00 each month for 6 monthly checkups that includes cost of flea, tick treatment other regular treatments to keep a dog healthy and a thorough check up. It also includes free nail clipping which I can drop in for anytime. I hate doing her nails as at my last attempt I cut the quick and she yelped!

 

[embee]

as far as i am awair their is not register for groomers, you dont even have to have done any training to be a groomer. but their are city and guilds qualifacations, that not every groomer goes for.

So before using a new groomer you should ask to see their qualifications! I know some have NVQ's at 2 or 3 which equivalent to a GCSE or A level which must take quite a number of hours to study for.

 

[embee]

as far as i am awair their is not register for groomers, you dont even have to have done any training to be a groomer. but their are city and guilds qualifacations, that not every groomer goes for.

What about microchipping, can anyone do that as well, as I've seen that quite a lot of groomers can microchip, not just vets.