"Doodle" Dogs

Designer dogs have become popular. I’m going to focus on two particular breeds, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. These breeds are a combination of poodles and Labrador or Golden Retrievers. All of these breeds, of course, are wonderful. The only downside to Retrievers is that they shed – sometimes a lot! The great advantage to “doodle” dogs is that you have wonderful dogs that don’t shed. However, there’s another side that most people don’t realize when getting these dogs. They require frequent grooming. Poodles generally have thick coats that require frequent brushing, or they can become matted. So, when people adopt these dogs, many believe that the grooming is similar to the Retrievers, not the Poodle. Unfortunately, I’ve had to shave several of these dogs because they do get matted. I’ve had more than one customer tell me that they thought they were getting a Lab that doesn’t shed. That is true – but, they get a Lab with a much thicker, higher maintenance coat. Here’s one rule of thumb that is generally true – you’re either going to get a dog that sheds or one that requires grooming/trims (sometimes both!). So, before getting a dog, you have to decide if you’d rather vacuum dog hair or pay to have your dog trimmed on a regular basis. Everyone’s priorities are different, and there are so many wonderful breeds that you can choose from. It is definitely beneficial to do your homework before choosing a breed of dog. That will be the topic of another blog!

If you want a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, either have them trimmed short, or brush them frequently – at least a few times a week. They are fantastic dogs and will be wonderful pets for you and your family.

If you have anything you’d like addressed, please feel free to email me at thedapperdog@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Service Dogs

Since we are dealing with the anniversary of 9/11, I thought it would be a good time to recognize and appreciate service dogs. There are so many out there, from police dogs to guide dogs – and they are a very special group. They selflessly give of themselves and love their jobs – and there’s so many of them. There are dogs that detect diseases, recognize seizures before they occur, who assist disabled people by opening doors, cupboards, etc., and the search dogs, like those who worked after 9/11 to find remains. Those dogs and their handlers have one of the toughest jobs – not only trying to find remains, but dealing with the emotional difficulty of their jobs. Sometimes, those dogs and their handlers put themselves in danger – or at least risk of being injured – to help others. They have my utmost appreciation and respect.

I have had the pleasure of working with several guide dogs, and not only are they amazingly talented, they are so sweet! Of course, Labradors dominate the guide dog group, but Shepherds and Malinois’ (and even Papillions) work as service dogs. You will never find a more willing or loyal worker than a service dog.

I know that in this day and age, there’s not a lot of disposable income for many people. But, if you do have money to donate, please try to remember the many different guide dog organizations out there. It takes a tremendous amount of time and training to prepare these dogs for their valuable service, and they pay dividends many times over.

These dogs have my utmost love and respect. If you have anything you’d like addressed, please feel free to email me at thedapperdog@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Dogs and Matting

One of the biggest problems with longer dog fur is matting. This is when the fur becomes tangled in your dog’s coat. This blog isn’t meant to “beat up” owners whose dogs get matted, it’s to educate them. One thing that isn’t always well known to dog owners is that water is probably one of the biggest enemies of matting. If a mat gets wet, it will tighten. And, unless it’s brushed out or removed, it will only get worse. If you comb through your dog’s coat and the comb gets stuck, your dog has a mat. If they are brushed out soon after they get the mat, it usually isn’t bad. But, if it stays, and continues to get wet, it will get tighter – and can eventually cause health issues. Obviously, it is also uncomfortable for your dog. So, if at all possible, please brush your dog often enough to keep mats at bay, or keep your dog in a shorter trim. The other factor is the difficulty of grooming a matted dog. This is particularly a problem when the dog is matted to the skin (severe matting). The blade must work to cut through the mats, and it’s possible that the dog can get small scrapes from the blade. It's uncomfortable for the dog, and not a pleasant experience.

When winter months come and you want your dog to stay warm with a longer coat, please try to maintain the coat and eliminate the mats. If your dog is cold, a sweater can warm them up, but if they’re matted, the only way to eliminate the discomfort is to brush or cut out the mats. Your dog will appreciate the care you take to keep their coat mat-free!