He is a gorgeous boy (before and after) but I can understand your concerns. Penny is a Lynwater girl, and if I drove, I would take her back there for grooming, as her half brother goes back and looks fab. He's always just been hand stripped and even tho' he's been neutered, his coat still looks fantastic.
Penny was going to asomeone in Edinburgh, but I wasn't that happy with the last couple of visits. She went yesterday to a new lady (recomended by an acquaintance with three cockers) and I'm really happy now n- she's been properly stripped and looks much better..
Diesel is only wee and everything will grow back in - it might be worth printing off a pic of a dog you like the look of and just saying that's the length you want kept on the feathers, skirt, etc.