Haircuts Archives - Timberidge Goldendoodles

How To Care For Your Dog Grooming Clippers

Posted on December 28, 2019January 19, 2022 by Timberidge

Guest Post By: Roy Harper

If you want to be successful grooming your doodle, you need to start with quality tools and you need to invest a few minutes maintaining your tools so they perform reliably and perform well. Fortunately maintaining your clippers & blade is incredibly easy and takes very little time. Here are some tips to make maintenance simple.

Proper maintenance starts on day 1

Invest in a solid pair of clippers designed for dog grooming. While you may have clippers hiding in your linen closet that you use occasionally for trimming your own hair, these are NOT going to give your dog a quality groom. Dogs have thick hair that will quickly burn out the motor on human grade clippers. Invest in professional dog grooming clippers that will go for the long run.

Before you get started, read the directions. Seriously. Read them. This is such a simple step that many (myself included) are inclined to skip right over it. But it’s vital that you read all the instructions that are included with your new dog clippers. You don’t want to get confused with the basics of what to do and how to use them! While you are actively grooming your dog, avoid removing the blade except to replace it with one of a different size.

Basic techniques for maintaining the dog clippers

These are some of the basic techniques of maintaining the dog clippers. If you follow these few simple steps, you can easily maintain the dog clippers and the blades used in the clippers will always be sharpened.

Sharpen the blade while using your clippers
Always clean the blade with extra care, especially at the place of blade and comb unit
Always oil & disinfect the blade, so it will be ready for the next use (more details below)

Cleaning the Blade

If you’ve invested in the best blade, you certain want to clean them after each use to help extend their life. Cleaning clipper blades keeps them in top condition by removing hair buildup and preventing rusting. Don’t worry, cleaning is incredibly simple!

Fill a small bowl about 1/2″ deep with blade cleaning solution (some solutions may need to be diluted with water)
Remove the blade from the clippers and wipe off any loose hairs
Soak the blade in the solution for a few minutes (important: don’t get the cleaning solution on your clippers)
Remove the blade from the cleaning solution and wipe it dry

You should clean your blades after every use, even if you’re not a professional dog groomer.

Why is oiling blades necessary?

Oiling the blades of dog clippers keeps them running smoothly and extends their useful life. Oiling prevents disasters like rusting, corrosion, dullness, and fur sticking. It also helps keep the blade gliding smoothly through your pet’s hair. If you go for several months without oiling your blade, it may become useless and need to be discarded. Using blade oil is incredibly important!

Take proper care of those clippers so you can take proper care of your furbaby!

If you own a doodle, owning a pair of quality dog clippers isn’t an option- it’s a necessity! It’s important that you invest a few minutes after each grooming session to properly maintain your dog clippers. Taking a little time to clean and oil your blade will help ensure that grooming isn’t a frustrating experience for you or your furry friend.

Guest post by: Roy Harper

A Comprehensive Guide on Buying and Using Dog Grooming Clippers

Posted on August 5, 2018January 19, 2022 by Timberidge

It is a known fact that spending money is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. From the visits to the veterinary, to the food supplies, to the trip to the professional groomers, you will most certainly go through financial strains (read our post about budgeting for a goldendoodle). Why don’t you learn how to use and buy the right dog grooming clippers from Hair Clippers Club? You will save on costs and use the money to meet other needs. This article is written for you. Read on for the details:

Types of Dog Grooming Clippers

There are a variety of dog grooming hair clippers designed for home use. They can be classified based on the:

Speed and power
Size and weight
Ergonomic designs
Blade type and sharpness

With an array of options available, you should go for the product that works for your dog’s breed and preferred hair cut. A dog with thick and heavy coat will need a different type of hair clipper from other dogs. Specifically, the speed and power of the clipper must be higher for precision and efficiency purposes. Different types of speeds are featured in the right products, so that you can make the adjustments whenever necessary.

Different sizes and weights of hair clippers are offered to consumers. You are at liberty to opt for the product that can give you a firm grip during the tricky grooming procedures. The smaller sizes are likely to offer better results. The weight of the clipper depends on the material of the clipper and the type of motor used. The plastic material is obviously lighter than the metallic types. Rotary motors make the products heavier when compared to magnetic and pivot motors.

Some hair clippers may have cords to connect them to the power source while others use rechargeable batteries and are hence cordless. Further, while some are noisy, others are designed to have less noise and vibrations during their operation. Choose the product depending on your need for dog’s comfort and cooperation. The clipper’s blade may either be ceramic or metallic. Some are easily corroded while others maintain the level of sharpness for a long time. The ergonomic design featured will determine whether you will have a good grip when cutting the sensitive parts of your dog’s hair.

How to Use the Dog Clippers

Once you have purchased the right dog clippers, move ahead and start grooming your pet. The following tips will help you to achieve positive outcomes:

Always Cut On Wet Hair: Start by cleaning your dog so that the blade can glide perfectly on the hair. Dry hair is a recipe for cuts and pulling of the hair.
Be Aware Of Your Most Comfortable Grip: Even before you start cutting the hair, hold the clippers in different positions until you get a good grip. The grooming process will be faster henceforth.
Do Away With The Tangles And Mats On The Dog’s Coat: The hair clippers tend to pull your dog’s hair in the matted areas. Eliminate them before cutting the hair.
Choose The Ideal Length Of The Hair Cut: The hair clippers come with different attachments or comb guides. Find the length that suits your dog’s natural look and style of your choice.
Vary The Speeds For Different Areas: Ensure that the speed is lower when cutting the hair on the sensitive areas such as the face and paws. A higher speed can be chosen for other areas.
Change The Blades Or Lubricate Them When They Overheat: The blades tend to get overheated after numerous strokes. The dog will become restless if you do not lubricate them for cooling. Changing the blade is also an option

Maintaining the Hair Clippers

Quality hair clippers will serve you for a long time if you clean them regularly. Use disinfectants and a lot of water after use. Oiling them is also important. You must further use a blade cap to avoid corrosion and infections. Find an ideal packaging material for storage.

With the different types of hair clippers available, you will never be limited. Being clear on what you are looking for will make the purchasing process easier. Professionals will also help you to find updated information on grooming your pet.

Guest post by Hair Clippers Club

Q&A With A Goldendoodle Groomer

Posted on October 15, 2017April 16, 2019 by Timberidge

Have you ever wished you could sit down with a professional dog groomer and pour out your copious questions about goldendoodle coat maintenance and grooming? Your dream has come true! We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Allison Camp from You Dirty Dog grooming salon in New Town, Ohio to get the inside scoop about what groomers recommend for goldendoodles. Here’s your chance to glean from her years of experience!

How often do you recommend that goldendoodles go to the groomer?

Allison: It depends on the look you want. Goldendoodles kept in clips with a longer hair length need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. If you keep your goldendoodle in a shorter clip, you can take her for grooming every 8-10 weeks.

Do you prefer goldendoodle owners to show you a picture or give you a description of how they want their dog clipped?

Allison: I much prefer a picture over a description! I find that often times the description someone gives me doesn’t quite match the picture in their head. A picture is much better for showing me what you actually want.

How much does it cost to groom a goldendoodle?

Allison: In the Cincinnati area, grooming usually costs $50-$80 depending on the size of dog and whether the coat is matted. Goldendoodles often love to swim but chlorine really mats up the coat. If your dog will be swimming regularly in a chlorine pool, keep her in a short clip.

What brushes do you recommend for goldendoodles?

Allison: My two brushes of choice are a slicker brush with a curve at the end and a metal comb. I use these for all goldendoodles, no matter the coat type.

How often do goldendoodles need to be brushed?

Allison: Honestly, it depends on the hair length. A really short clip may not require any brushing until it starts to grow out while a longer clip may require daily brushing. More frequent brushing is needed for a curlier coat. Also be sure to brush the burs out of your dog’s coat after hikes and definitely brush your dog before and after baths.

How frequently should a goldendoodle be bathed?

Allison: You actually don’t need to bathe your goldendoodle between grooming appointments unless she is smelly or dirty. Try to bathe your goldendoodle maybe once a month at most. Bathing too frequently can dry out your dog’s skin, which may cause itching. If you notice that your goldendoodle has a continuous bad smell, check for a yeast infection. If you have cut back on the frequency of bathing and your goldendoodle still seems to be itching, try switching to a chicken-free, corn-free dog food like Fromm.

What shampoo do you recommend for goldendoodles?

Allison: I really like Fresh & Clean because it is an oatmeal based shampoo with a built-in conditioner, which means no additional rinsing. I also like Show Season shampoo.

Besides regular brushing and occasional baths, what other grooming should I be doing with my goldendoodle at home between appointments?

Allison: Check your goldendoodle’s ears regularly, plucking hair out of the ear canal as needed and making sure the ears don’t have a foul smell.

I want to give my goldendoodle a sanitary clip between grooming appointments. What clippers do you recommend?

Allison: Any Andis clippers would be a good choice. If you are just doing a sanitary clip, one or two speed clippers will suffice. If you plan on doing a total groom, consider purchasing more expensive Andis five-speed clippers.

Goldendoodle Haircut Pictures

Posted on March 2, 2017January 23, 2022 by Timberidge

Because goldendoodles' coats grow long like human hair rather than shedding like many other dog breeds, the look of your goldendoodle can be drastically altered by a haircut. From being clipped to look like a lion to being completely shaved face, head, and all, your options for your goldendoodle's haircuts are numerous. Images of different goldendoodle clips are pictured below. The first two sets of photos are of the same dog (Junie), likewise the middle two are of the same dog (Penny), and the last three sets of pictures are of the same dog (Abria).

(Dogs shown using DexDog leashes & harnesses)

Goldendoodle groomed to have even length body and legs with a full tail

Full chin & cheeks with close clipped muzzle center & short feathering to short length ears

Goldendoodle groomed to have an even length body blended into longer legs

Close clipped muzzle (without a beard or mustache) & short feathering to short length ears

Golendoodle groomed to have even length body and legs with a full tail

Terrier style face: donut mustache (shaved center of muzzle) & shaved ears (no feathering)

Shorn style goldendoodle clip with tail shaved half way and tip of tail scissored short

Goldendoodle short ear, short top knot, terrier style face

Goldendoodle with short ear, short top knot, and terrier-style face

Goldendoodle groomed to have a 1" body blended into longer legs and a full plumed tail

Bear style full face with medium feathering to short clipped ears

Goldendoodle groomed to have 3/4" body and legs with full plumed tail

Short clipped face with short ears and short top knot

Golendoodle groomed to have a 3/4" body blended into slightly longer legs (same haircut as the photo to the right with ear length shortened)

Medium length beard with long ear feathering and a short top knot

Don't Poodle My Doodle!

Compare the above goldendoodle haircuts to a standard poodle clip shown below

Poodle with 1" body and legs (notice the clean "poodle" feet)

Shaved muzzle, long fluffy ears, and medium length top knot

Be sure to view Goldendoodle Grooming Part 1!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you we may make a small commission if you click on the link & make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

Goldendoodle Haircuts & Goldendoodle Grooming

Posted on June 1, 2016January 3, 2022 by Timberidge

Your cute, fluffy goldendoodle puppy is turning into a long haired, hot goldendoodle puppy… but you keep putting off that first hair cut because you’re not exactly sure how to have your goldendoodle groomed.

The groomer will bathe your goldendoodle, trim her nails, pluck the hair out of her ear canals, and give her a sanitary clip (trim under her tail & under her belly to keep the potty areas clean) each time you bring her in for grooming. How you want her hair styled is completely up to you! The good news is, hair grows back! If you don’t like a particular clip, you can try something completely different the next time. When you take your goldendoodle for her first grooming, be prepared that you’ll drop off a puppy and pick up a dog that looks way too grown up!

Faces, Ears & Topknots

Timberidge Goldendoodles Poodle — Clean Face with Medium Topknot & Full Ears

Timberidge Goldendoodles Junie — Fuzzy Face with Short Topknot & Ears Clipped Close

Long Face, Beard with Long Topknot & Long Ears

Tails

The style of tail clipping that looks best depends largely on whether you goldendoodle carries her tail like a golden retriever or whether it curves over her back like a poodle.

Feet

You can choose to give your goldendoodle clean feet or round feet. Round feet are more commonly seen on goldendoodles but clean feet track less dirt into the house. You can also ask for “tight feet” (aka cat feet), which is in between clean & round feet.

Body & Legs

Lamp Clip: 3/4″ body blended into longer legs

For more example pictures, see Goldendoodle Haircuts & Grooming Part 2

Start by trying either an “all over clip” or “lamb clip” on your goldendoodle. In the all over clip, your goldendoodle’s fur is clipped the same length everywhere (excluding the head, tail, ears & feet). An all over clip can be done at any length. Keep in mind that the longer the hair on your goldendoodle’s body & legs, the more frequently she will require brushing to prevent matting. You can also try lamb cut, where the body is one length blended into longer legs. Unless you already know your preferences, try short clipped ears (rather than shaved or fluffy ears) and round feet.

We recommend waiting 6 months before taking your goldendoodle puppy her first full clip down grooming. The wavy, curly adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-7 months of age. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy fur helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Shaving a goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. There isn’t any hard scientific proof that shaving down a goldendoodle puppy impacts that adult coat quality but many poodle fanciers and groomers swear that doing so will cause the adult coat to be more “terrier-like.” That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime. And waiting 6 months for the first full clip down does not mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). What tools do you need for this regular maintenance grooming?


Metal Comb	Slicker Brush	Grooming Rake	Dremel

A slicker brush is handy for fluffing your goldendoodle’s outer coat. A quick run over with a slicker will make your goldendoodle’s coat look soft and puffy. Slickers aren’t great at detangling your goldendoodle’s undercoat though. That’s where the metal comb and grooming rake come into play. A metal comb works best for curly coated goldendoodles while a grooming rake may work well for wavier coated goldendoodles. It’s also important to trim your dog’s nails in between grooming appointments. Either a cordless dremel or nail clippers can be used for this, whichever you prefer.

Your goldendoodle will need to be taken to the groomer regularly for the duration of her life, so regular handling when she’s young will help her become familiar with it as a part of life. You may choose to take you puppy to the groomer for a bath, nail trim & sanitary clip prior to 6 months just to familiarize her with the routine, people, and smells.

When you bathe your goldendoodle at home, it is important to ensure that all of the shampoo is washed out to avoid drying your dog’s skin. It’s also vital to keep your goldendoodle’s ears dry! Since goldendoodles have ears that hang down, they are prone to ear infections if water is left in their ears or if their ears are not cleaned regularly. Your groomer will clean your dog’s ears with each grooming visit, however your dog will benefit from you cleaning her ears in between grooming appointments.

It’s never a bad idea to bring a picture to the groomer. You can even pull this page up on your phone to reference when you drop your goldendoodle off. Once your goldendoodle is all groomed, be sure to post a picture to our Facebook group for other people to use as a reference!