How (And How NOT) to Tell Your Doodle’s Groomer What You Want Done

As Doodle owners, we’ve all pretty much experienced the shock of picking up a pup from the groomer’s, who…didn’t exactly look like we were expecting. For me, it’s happened multiple times.

Call it a right of passage to Doodle parenthood, if you will…

How NOT to Tell the Groomer What You Want Done

Now, I was scrolling through Facebook recently, just minding my own business, when I came across a thread where a heated debate was underway.

The subject in question? See the below image of a flashcard that a Doodle owner brought along to the groomers.

Tons of people chimed in with their comments and opinions, including lots of professional groomers. And for the most part, people were not too thrilled about the flashcard.

(Click the images to enlarge.)

Additionally, some made it a point to call out the phrase “don’t poodle my doodle.”

On the contrary, some people did make a good point in saying that you have a right to tell a groomer how to provide a service that you are paying good money for.

Finally, in spite of the majority (nay-sayers), there were still some groomers who said they wouldn’t mind receiving a card like this.

“I love specific instructions! I love communicating with my clients and looking at pictures to get exactly what they want but this doesn’t help me. I still don’t know how much hair they want left on the head, face, tail and body. All I know is they want a shaggy face and probably slightly longer legs. Asking your groomer for specifics (in a respectful way) is fine but you also have to maintain them properly in between grooming appointments so we have the ability to do exactly what you want. I alway tell my first time clients, doodle or not that it’s their first time so if there’s anything they want shorter I can take care of that now or if they want anything longer I’ll put it in the notes and we’ll go longer next time. Changing groomers everytime will only be harder on you in the long run.”

How to Get What You Want at the Groomer’s

So in light of all of this, it really does beg the question: what is the best way to communicate with a groomer on what you want done on your Doodle?

We think the below comment really sums it up nicely.

This groomer’s suggestions include:

• Bringing pictures to show your groomer
• Talking to your groomer directly about what you want done
• Tipping your groomer (usually 20% or more is best)
• And most importantly, brushing your Doodle – regularly and the right way (with a slicker and greyhound comb – also known as line brushing)

Grooming Terminology and Lingo

If you really want to get your grooming requests across, consider learning some grooming terminology and lingo, such as the ones listed in this article.

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