Tangled Truths: Why shaving isn’t the easy way out
There is nothing more soul-destroying for a groomer than to be accused of taking the easy way out when they shave down a matted dog. I want to dispel some of the myths around shaving and explain exactly what's involved.
Coat matting can occur surprisingly quickly, particularly in wool-mix breeds like the Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo. These coats are prone to tangling and felting, especially when regular brushing and combing are missed or when the dog enjoys outdoor play in damp conditions. It's not always a sign of neglect; more often, it's a reflection of how challenging coat maintenance can be without professional guidance and grooming.
Shaving down a dog isn’t a quick fix; it’s often one of the hardest jobs a groomer can do. It is one of the most technically demanding, emotionally taxing, and ethically complex tasks we face in the salon.
Working with Severe Matting Is Tricky
When a dog’s coat becomes matted, the tangles don’t just sit on top of the skin; they tighten, twist and pull. Severe matting can restrict a dog's mobility, especially around joints and sensitive areas, like the armpits and inside the legs. Mats can trap moisture, dirt and bacteria, leading to skin irritation, sores and infections. Trying to brush these mats out can cause significant stress and trauma to the dog as well as the dog's skin. The skin beneath is often inflamed, fragile, and unpredictable. Clippers don’t glide through safely the way they would on a clean, brushed-out coat. Groomers must exercise precision with every movement of the blade or scissors, constantly watching for folds of skin that could easily be nicked. It’s slow, delicate work that demands skill, steady hands and patience.
The Risk Is Higher
A heavily matted dog can’t always feel normal touch; their skin is sensitive and tender from the pulling. This makes them more likely to flinch or react unpredictably during grooming. Groomers must work with extra caution to protect both the dog and themselves. Far from being the “easy way,” a shave-down is often a stressful and high-pressure service.
It Takes More Skill, Not Less
Clipping through matting requires the right blades, equipment maintenance, and a strong understanding of canine anatomy. Experienced groomers know how to approach each coat type safely, adapting their tools and techniques to avoid unnecessary harm.
Dogs Still Need Style and Comfort Consideration
Even if the coat is shaved short, the groomer still needs to leave the dog looking and feeling their best — balancing comfort, hygiene, and breed-specific aesthetics. Shaving doesn’t mean skipping artistry; it just means the art looks a little different.
Groomers Want Prevention, Not Quick Fixes
Ultimately, most groomers would prefer to help owners maintain their dogs’ coats with regular brushing and scheduled appointments. That’s less stressful for the dog, safer for the groomer, and often cheaper for the owner in the long run. When a shave-down is necessary, it’s not because the groomer took the easy way out; it’s because it was the kindest and safest option available.
The Bottom Line
Groomers don’t reach for the clippers as an “easy option.” It’s a careful, skilled, and sometimes risky service that groomers provide when there are no better alternatives and a coat is beyond saving. Rather than seeing it as the simple way out, it’s time to recognise it for what it really is: an act of compassion and professionalism.