• Review by Susan Scanlan
  Dog Magazine
• Review By Kathleen Kernicky
  Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)

It was DuVall's own desire to groom his Yorkshire Terrier, Coco, that inspired the video, DOGGIE CUTS. Seeking instructions to safely clip Coco, DuVall went out to rent a video on the subject. He was amazed to learn no such video existed! Considering the widespread need for such knowledge, he felt compelled to produce a video himself.

As Executive Producer, DuVall brought together a team of experts, and spared no expense in producing a top quality product. Both educational and entertaining, the video covers a lot of ground in ninety minutes. Safety is an ever-present consideration. While some cautions are repeated, the gentle tone expresses true concern for the well-being of each dog.

Celebrity host and animal lover Dick Van Patten provides an introduction to the video, and reappears throughout to reinforce key points.

Veterinarian Cindi Bossart, owner of The Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale, and groomer/handler Georgia Warren, both of Florida, cover bathing procedures, trimming nails, brushing teeth, checking ears, and more in an upbeat and informative segment. While most dog owners know these things need to be done, many feel uncertain as to how best accomplish them. Watching the experts at work will boost the viewer's confidence in handling grooming details that are important for all dogs.

Master Dog Groomer Patrick Murdock, who owns and operates Dog Charm Pet Grooming, Coral Gables, Florida, ably leads viewers through the extensive clipping portion of DOGGIE CUTS. Murdock demonstrates four different basic cuts, of a variety which should include a style appropriate for all purebred or mixed breed dogs with coats that require clipping. Throughout his presentation, Murdock clearly explains the use of various grooming tools, including Wahl clippers and attachments.

Murdock begins the easy-to-follow demonstration with a "Sanitary Clip" of DuVall's Yorkie, Coco. Next, a Miniature Schnauzer receives a "Terrier Clip." A "Sporting Clip" is given to a Cocker Spaniel. The last model is a young Poodle, who receives a "Puppy Clip." Murdock explains the reasons, both practical (affecting the dog's health and comfort) as well as cosmetic, for the various cuts. While concise in his delivery about the basic cut, the professional in Murdock can't resist the occasional extra snip or two that perfects the job.

This is a "must have" item for all video stores and public libraries. Tapeworm Video Distributors, Inc. is facilitating wholesale distribution through their national network.

Dedicated breeders, promoting the best of care for their puppies, may want to recommend this tape to new dog owners. Rescue groups and shelters should consider making this video part of their reference collection.

DuVall decided to do something about it. The result is DOGGIE CUTS, a 90-minute video and step-by-step guide for pet grooming that demonstrates, among other things, how to clean a dog's teeth, trim his nails and give him a stylish haircut at home.

DOGGIE CUTS features a celebrity host, actor Dick Van Patten (a Labrador owner). But its primary participants are South Florida animal professionals.

Dr. Cindi Bossart, veterinarian and owner of The Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale, provides tips on veterinary care, such as how to check a dog's eyes, ears and skin.

Bossart and dog handler Georgia Warren talk about health and nutrition, how to prepare the dog for bathing and the proper shampoos to use.

Patrick Murdock, owner of Dog Charm Pet Grooming in Coral Gables, demonstrates different cuts and styles on four dogs, including a Yorkshire terrier (Coco), a miniature schnauzer, a cocker spaniel and a poodle.

Bossart, who also is Coco's vet, is perhaps best known for treating the puppies buried alive by their owner in his Oakland Park back yard two years ago. Their mother, Sheba, became a hero when she dug through the dirt and pulled the pups to safety.

Bossart says the video is educational for all dog owners, especially those who bathe or groom their dogs.

"The video is excellent overall for the care of your dog . . . and how to groom your dog and make his appearance the way it should be with a minimum amount of stress on the animal," Bossart says.

Pet owners often don't realize that bathing a dog improperly can have health risks, Bossart says. Getting soapy water in the dog's ear or eyes can result in ear infections or corneal abrasions.

Taped in Fort Lauderdale and at Van Patten's home in California, DOGGIE CUTS retails for $19.95.

DuVall hopes it will spare other dogs from Coco's experience. "Coco is the reason I did the video," says DuVall, who used to pay a groomer every six weeks.