
Call, or text us at:
(806)310-3459
7639 Canyon Drive
Amarillo, Texas
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Le Pucci Bijou
Dog Grooming Parlor
Hours of operation:
Tuesday - Saturday
7:30am - 5:30pm
Accepting new clients of all breeds
We have already started booking holiday appointments. Be sure to book early, the schedule will fill up quickly! Thanksgiving week we will be open Monday, November 22nd - Wednesday, November 24th. We will be closed Thursday, November 25th - Monday, November 29th for the holiday.
Dear Doodle Owners
There’s a conversation going on in the grooming world, and it’s one that I think our clients should be privy to. The topic? Doodles. And I’m talking labradoodles, goldendoodles, sheepadoodles, bernedoodles – anything that has been mixed with a standard (sometimes mini) poodle or already existing doodle. The truth is, the popularity of these dogs is on the rise but the education that potential owners are getting regarding them is dropping. This can be attributed to a few factors, ranging from a breeder spreading lies to sell a puppy, to a family so entranced by the cuteness of a fluffy puppy that they overlook the potential high maintenance of what they’re getting into.
BEHIND THE FLUFF
So what I want to do is address these issues, include these owners in the conversation that’s happening in grooming salons all over the globe because as groomers we are frustrated! We are frustrated because so often we have to shave doodles due to matting, and those owners are frustrated because they don’t know what they’re doing wrong and like their dogs fluffy, and in turn get upset with the groomers, who are upset with the breeders for not giving out proper information to the owners when they take home a puppy! This can really hurt the rapport between a groomer and their clients, something we’d all like to avoid.
Harvey the Goldendoodle Photo by Ragamuffin Grooming
The BIG untruth I’d like to address about these dogs is that they are low maintenance. This could not be further from the truth. If you are getting a doodle, you need to expect and prepare for daily home maintenance. This includes brushing AND combing, everyday. (With a slicker brush and metal greyhound comb). The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to tip of the hair. You always want to start with the slicker brush, as this will help break up any knots, and finish with the comb.
Now, because doodles are not purebred (meaning they do not breed true, which is the characteristic of being able to predict and expect how the puppies will turn out) you may end up with a doodle that has a very thin and easily manageable coat, but you should always go in expecting the alternative. With all that being said, and this may seem counter-intuitive, but what this routine should NOT include is baths at home. Without the proper tools, baths at home will only cause and expedite matting. Long coats need to be blow dried completely, and if they are towel dried and left to air dry and not brushed out, they will mat up., because when you don’t use a comb and go all the way from the root to the tip, the top coat may seem matt free while the root of the coat is completely matted.
FREQUENCY OF GROOMING
If you don’t want your puppy to have a full haircut, you don’t have to! But you will still need to bring them in every 4-6 weeks both to get them acclimated to the grooming process and to keep them in the best shape possible. Their coat changes around six months of age and transitions from light, fluffy puppy hair to their adult coats. Their adult coats can have a variety of thicknesses and textures, but this transition can often lead to matting which is another reason to establish a regular home grooming routine and to be in to see your groomer every 4-6 weeks.
The last thing a groomer wants to do is disappoint their client, we want you to love the work we do as much as we love it! That is why it is crucial to be fully educated about the maintenance of the puppy you are getting.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is important to find a groomer with great reviews and have a conversation with them, learn from them, and take your pooch to see them often!
I am in no way saying that you must or should keep your dogs in longer lengths. If your dog is active or you prefer them short for easy maintenance, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I am just trying to avoid any animal from becoming so matted that they face severe skin problems and injuries. And trying to prevent heartbroken or angry owners from vilifying their groomer for shaving what can only be shaved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Gilbert started her grooming career in 2007 as a bather at PetSmart where she worked until 2015 when she transitioned to a vet’s office. She has spent the last ten years honing her skills so she is able to provide the best quality services to your beloved pets. Find Melanie at Ragamuffin: A Full Service Grooming Salon