Confession time....

[Taz_Zoee]

I bought clippers for Zoee too. However I am lazy about the actual bathing part and end up taking her to Petsmart occasionally. But they never get it short enough like I prefer it. So when I get her home I trim her up some more. Mainly around the rear area. Yeah it looks bad for a while, but at least it doesn't get dirty (if you know what I mean).

Don't worry, it is hair and it does grow back. I'm sure Callie still loves you no matter what.

[krazyaboutkatz]

At least you tried. I also bought some clippers to try to clip Ziggy's bottom area but her fur is so thick and I was way too chicken so it didn't work out very well. I just had to end up using a scissors and cutting some of her fur.

Now since it's been so hot here,we've been having such hot weather every summer,and I don't have any A/C, I decided it was well worth it to have all 3 of my long haired cats to go to the groomers for lion haircuts. I'd be way to chicken to do this myself and the $65 per cat was well worth it because it'll last a long time and they're so much more comfortable. The price included a bath, nail trim, and ear cleaning too.

Maybe next time you can talk Jen into helping you out since she's an expert at this kind of thing. I'd also love to see some pictures. I bet that Callie looks adorable.

[jenluckenbach]

Does the saying "Don't quit your day job" mean anything to you? LOL

Don't be so hard on yourself, grooming a dog is HARD work (there is a real reason why it costs so much), but not to worry......it is only hair, it will grow back. Just be glad you did not cut the skin (something I have seen all too often when owners get adventurous)

But I really think as part of your penance you need to post pictures.

[ChrisH]

As an owner who regularly butchers her dog's haircut (but just with scissors) and always shows the result I say show those pictures! Bet Callie looks just fine.

[Pam]

much), but not to worry...... it is only hair, it will grow back.

After 30 years of grooming my own dogs I have done my share of *oops* haircuts as well. Even professional groomers have off days. When I would occasionally take Bella to the groomers they never did the pom on her tail correctly and it drove me crazy, especially since I was paying for that mistake. In a month or so no one will ever know.

[sirrahbed]

We had a series of poodles when I was a girl and my mom did her own creative clipping. I remember laughing while she cried and her goofs. After awhile, they always got a summer buzz cut, even if it was not summer.

Good for you trying it out Kim.

I agree that photo penance is needed though.

[Freedom]

Been there, done that, STILL do!

1. It WILL grow back
2. It is summer; a short do is OK
3. Practice, practice, practice!

I found a great on line guide for grooming my bichons. I book marked it, review it regularly. Of course, mine never come out looking like the photos but eh! Who cares, they look better than when I started!

Don't let this stop you. You need to try it over and over, you WILL improve. And it is great bonding time with your pup.

[Shelteez2]

I too have seen my share of owner grooms... but nobody is perfect on their first try. While I think $50 is super cheap for a haircut on a doodle (I charge $90-$100) there is nothing wrong with wanting to do it yourself to save money. If you want you can post pics and I'm sure the groomers will help critique and give you pointers. It would help to also show which clippers you bought and which blades you bought. If you want you can send me pics privately and I can help you out. I can also take pics of dogs as I'm grooming them so that you will have a visual reference.
Don't worry, Callie doesn't know she looks silly (unless you keep pointing and laughing at her) and it is hair, it will grow back.