Must I really bathe him every 2 wks?

Question
I have a 8mth old mix-breed of Poodle & Lhasa Apso, A Lhasa-poo as they are most commonly referred too. I try to bath him every two weeks and comb him every day to get rid of his mats.

However, he gets mats anyway because his hair is almost like wool, it tangles and it gets dirty very fast. Like a week passes and he looks like as if he had never taken a bath the week before. I was wondering if I should change the way that I groom him. Maybe bathe him every week and a half, I don't know.

Any ideas on how I can cut his mats carefully with out him getting aggressive. The mats are on his stomach and genital areas and he doesn't even like me pressing around there, he starts growling.

I have dog scissors and a shaving kit. I have some experience cutting hair, just not with dog behavior.

Answer
Hi Andrea,
I admire your wanting to take care of your puppy yourself.
I have clients who bathe their dogs every week (as do my own) so don't be afraid of that. What you have to be afraid of is making the mess worse by not getting the matts out before you get the dog wet. Blowing him dry makes a huge difference as well.
The stomach and genital areas are usually shaved with a 10 blade so don't attempt to brush such a sensitive area. The hair between the pads needs shaving out as well. This dog would do better in a puppy cut- use a #3 blade all over once a month. Keep it short then you can wash him every week. Trim the feet and face with scissor by following the line of the dog.
You have what is considered a high maintenance dog. It's never gonna stop growing hair. Monthly haircuts and weekly baths. For the duration.
good luck