Mika

Mika’s coat is fine, scruffy and low in volume. It behaves more like Labrador coat than Poodle coat, so it shows clipper marks easily and tends to flick out in random directions. These coats also struggle to look “full” when taken too short, so choosing the right lengths and prepping thoroughly makes a huge difference. Expect uneven patches, cowlicks and areas chewed thin by the dog.

Because this coat exaggerates every mark, prep is the hero. Back brush repeatedly, fluff dry thoroughly and comb through until nothing else lifts. Michelle demonstrates how to re-brush between passes, check your progress, and use long, consistent strokes with the grain. A clean, well-prepped coat is the only way to achieve an even medium-length finish on dogs like Mika.

With short ears due to matting and ear infections, the head shape needs careful balancing. Michelle shows how to reverse-clip to set the head length, protect eyelashes, mark the corners of the eyes and use the floor, walls and roof approach to build shape. Thinners are essential for blending the head into a short ear and for softening every transition on this type of texture.

Mika’s legs have uneven density from chewing and skin irritation. Instead of trying to make the legs “perfect,” Michelle shows how to tidy the outline with thinners, tidy the pads and toes without over-shortening, and blend the shorter underline created with the #4 blade. The focus is on shaping what is there, not chasing impossible symmetry.

Mika is young, a little nervous about the clippers, and recovering from ear discomfort. Throughout the groom, Michelle adjusts her handling, supports Mika’s body, keeps movements slow and steady, and works in positions that feel safe for the dog. This section quietly reinforces how small handling choices keep the dog comfortable and help the groom flow smoothly.