Hi

I am been brushing/grooming my bichon since we got him at 8 weeks and I know he's probably due his first clip/trim soon.  He's just over 5 months old. 

I have been surfing the net for info but am rather confused by it all.  There doesn't seem to be any guidelines on what's an acceptable trim/cut for puppies - just adult dogs.  I should say at this point that my bichon is a pet and not a show dog.  I want to take him to a professional groomer for his first cut so that I know what to copy (if I do decide to do it all myself).

Also is it acceptable to use electric clippers or only scissors?

Also when I brush him he does have a tendancy to bite at the brush (gently) and gets a bit agitated (wants to get off and play instead!)  I'm worried that if I take him to a groomer they may mishandle him.  Do you think they'd let me sit-in and watch?  I'm worried that if they do mishandle him then he won't even want to come to me for a brush let alone a trim of eyes and clip of nails!

Any advice please?

Hi
I have a 7 month old Shih Tzu who has been to the groomers 3 times now and loves going. Any decent groomer will spend time making it an enjoyable experience for your dog, after all it's in their interest to have a happy well behaved dog that keeps returning.

As for the cut, there are no set rules, I don't have the normal Shih Tzu cut because I don't like the big fluffy tail look and once I had explained what I wanted the groomer does the same style every time now for me.

Ask around to find a groomer that is reccommended

The first time Oscar went for his haircut I went to pick him up and the groomer was lay on the floor playing with him, he was having a great time and never hesitates going into the shop.

Hope you find someone you can trust.

Hi Suzanne,

We have a Bichon too, who is now 19 months old :-)  Groomers won't usually cut their hair at all under 6 months old because it can spoil the coat if it is done too early apparently.  They will do just their face and feet if they are a bit overgrown.  Benji has been going to the groomers ever 10-12 weeks since he was 6 months old and comes out looking white and fluffy :-)
I bought some clippers to have a go myself a couple of months back but I find it rather hard to do, although I haven't got a grooming table and he moves just at the wrong moment.  Can't you find a picture in a Bichon book and show the groomer how you would like it done.