LAST trip to the groomers---RANT

[Natalie]

OK anyone who has read any of my posts about Puddles knows that he is no angel and that he is definitely a work in progress. Well, last month I visited a local groomer to get his summer cut and they said I needed to bring him back every 4-6 weeks to get him accustomed to grooming because he was scared and aggressive with the groomers. So, today I brought him back just for a bath (he certainly didn't need it! We bathe him at home just fine), but the groomer said it would be $40 and I thought this would be an important thing to do since he is getting bigger every month.

OH MAN! I went to pick him up this afternoon and they charged me $60 because he was aggressive with the bather and they said if I brought him back and he continues to behave badly the cost will go up. I then got lectured about how he desperately needs training and obedience classes. I told the staff that we have him registered for a September class because he's not even 6 months old, yet. She thought he was full-grown! Anyway, someone else there thought he was showing too much dominance and that I should be using a fly swatter on him CRAZY!

We have been working so hard with Puddles and he has made so many improvements that when I got in the car I just started to cry and couldn't stop all the way home! I could have definitely used that $60 and left feeling humiliated and like a dog owner failure. I would definitely be better off grooming him myself. Besides I can't afford to pay $60+ every 4-6 weeks for a bath! Do we really need to use groomers??????

[MaxandMe]

you need a new groomer!!! the place you go to doesn't sound good nor professional at all.


and i'd bathe him at home yourself

in the end you save a lot of money and headaches

[blueteal]

I certainly would not go back to that groomer again.
I am so sorry they made you cry.
You are doing the right thing with having him start obediance classes.
and if you are comfortable grooming him yourself that is what I would
do for now..............

[annabelles mom]

I agree - find a new groomer ! I'd also bath Puddles at home if possible, so sorry you had a bad experience

[Lucky Me]

$60 for a bath is totally too much!!!
Definitely find yourself a NEW groomer!!! I groomed for many years, and have resorted to even holding dogs in my lap if need be. You do not want them to cause further problems with not being able to properly handle him!

[Bella]

Puddles is gorgeous. A real looker.

Secondly, he's 6 months old, he's still a baby. A groomer who feels warranted in charging $60 for a bath(!!) should be trained to the highest standard. If that's the case then a GOOD groomer should be able to handle almost any dog, regardless of temperament and the price should never be affected.
Only the other day I saw what happened when a woman took her doodle to a rubbish groomers. The dog was kept for 5 hours and shaved!!! Every single bit of his beautiful fleece gone. He was supposed to have been going in for a trim and a detangle. The worst part was when she came to collect him she could hear the groomer being nasty with him, and her dog crying


What exactly was the $20 extra for? That's insane to think she can just increase the price because he was nervous.

Do you have a mobile groomers in your area that could come and help Puddles? Being groomed in his own house will help relax him a little and he might learn not to be afraid of all scissors wielding strangers.

[gene]

Was this a private groomer or a chain? If a chain I would call the manager and complain. Regardless of how Puddles acted "THEY" are the ones that told you to bring him back for him to get "accustomed" to grooming. That's downright robbery!! If they are the ones doing the obedience classes also, I'd go elsewhere.

Usually if you talk to someone on your vets staff, they can make a recommendation of a good inexpensive trainer and groomer.

There's no reason for you to be treated that way.

I hope you get this all resolved......Puddles is a beauty!

[tykesmom]

I'd definitely find a new groomer, Natalie! Sounds like these people don't know how to handle dogs very well- IF he was showing aggression (and that's a BIG IF!), they may have frightened him and he could have been acting out of fear! Find a new groomer for your baby!

[L's Mom]

NEW GROOMER!!!

[Raleighsmom]

Originally Posted by L's Mom

NEW GROOMER!!!

DITTO!!

She sounds like a rip off, and has absolutely no understanding of dogs!!!
Plus, bathing Puddles yourself could be a lot of fun! And if you do, we need pics!!!

[lmtoth2]

Definitely need a new groomer!! Last time we took Dex in they had him there for 4 hrs (because of matts) and they didn't charge us anymore.

I would seriously try to work with him at home with baths and clippers. Maybe you could try it yourself...we have to do that with Kirby.

[Dextersmommy]

I so agree, I've just been down this same road with Dexter. He's not aggressive, just way squirmy and hyper. I visited the groomer before making an appointment, and I didn't like her attitude with customers or dogs. And she insisted I bring him in every two weeks for shampoos til SHE said he was ready to groom. Um, I live a pretty good distance away, and I want him groomed now, not when the temp goes down to 60.

So I hightailed it out of there and went to the vet's office where I've watched them groom through the glass walls many times. They dove right in and had Dexter loving on them and giving them all kisses, and they had two groomers working on him (they scheduled less clients while he was there, anticipating his anxiety at his first time). They worked for four hours and didn't charge me a dime extra. And no snottiness. And I arrived back an hour early (which they didn't know) and observed their interaction with Dex. They were super patient and kind, and when he got too squirmy, they stepped away and took a break til he settled.

It's not your dog, it's your choice of groomer. Find one that treats your dog the way you would, and I bet his "aggression" goes away.

((hugs))

[Maddjaxx]

So sorry you had to experience that. Getting upset and paying extra for no reason other than the operation they run is totally unprofessional. Totally uncalled for. I echo the advice of others. Get another groomer. Check out other ones. Go in and ask a few questions. When I was looking for vets and groomers I just went in and asked them why I should bring my dog here. Feel them out, ask questions. Do it in a friendly, humorous way and people can show you their good side. I think it helps you get a feel for them and their business. Ask friends or ask other dog owners, especially the well groomed ones. Vet is a good source to.

Good luck and put that bad experience behind you and forget it. there are plenty of good ones out there too. Good luck. Puddles should be easy to grrom. he is already a good looking dog!!! Take care!!

[sdrudge]

I am with everyone else. Get a new groomer.

[Doodlesville]

I highly Suggest you get the book BE the Pack Leader by Cesar Millian (the dog whisper) watch his show on National geo channel

I have nothing to say about your experience at the groomer i wasnt there to witness what they went thru but as a retired groomer ,if it were as bad as they say then you truly do need to get a handle on him,
as a side note them charging you like that was totally inappropriate and i would recommend that you find a new groomer,
or better yet, get a brush a table and brush out yourself every day it only take 15-30min ,,gives you quality time with your dog as well as training him who is boss and gets him used to being groomed

why are you waiting until sept? are there no classes now? no one that can come and help you get a handle on him/? Sorry i dont recall what issues you have with him or why, but any dog can be trained you just need to be consistent ,,again the book about and DVD and shows will help you understand and be able to get your pup to become a well adjusted family member