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Old 08-22-2008, 11:46 AM   #1
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Default Firsr experience with a groomer. GRRR...is this normal?

Atticus had an appt for his first grooming today. I was nervous (perhaps because of my own bad haircut experiences) so I went to place recommended to me, a place that supposedly specializes in toy breeds. When I dropped Atticus off at 10am I asked when he would be done. The young girl behind the counter said, Well, we have a lot of dogs here right now so it will be 4 hours". I expressed concern about the length of time and she said that often they were done sooner and that I would get a call. I told her that in that case I would not go home but do some work at a nearby coffee shop. (I live about 35 min from the groomer and had brought work with me). She took down instructions as to what I wanted done and I left. I called the groomer soon after leaving and asked if they provided water. I was concerned because Atticus gets dehydrated if he goes too long without water and I was nervous. They assured me that he would be given water. (and maybe they did)

After 4 hours of working in the coffee shop, I called to see if Atticus was ready to be picked up. The girl on the other end of the phone informed me that he was NEXT to be on the cutting table. ME: you haven't started yet? HER: no, but he is next. he'll be done around 3:30. ME: It takes and hour and 1/2? HER: well, yes, it's a delicate process. ME: Don't bother cutting him. I can't wait another hour and 1/2. HER: Are you sure? ME: Yes. HER: well, he's been shampooed and blown and nails done... ME: I'll pay you for what you've done and I'll be there to pick him up soon.

I was very calm and polite.

I arrived 15 minutes later. The girl behind the counter told me to wait one minute and disappeared. Behind the swinging door, I heard her say, "Do you want to talk to her?" The young girl re-emerged and told me that Atticus would be right out and that he did get a little bit cut since I called. 5 minutes later, out comes a lady who tells me that she was sent by the owner to tell me that she is sorry and that if (and they hope I will) return again to ask for Wendy or Susan and Atticus will be in and out, that the groomer Atticus had today is only part-time and slow (thanks for that info!). I told her that I would not be returning. Another 5 minutes later, a different lady comes out with a trimmed up Atticus. She apologized and told me that she did not know I was on a tight time schedule. She says she was able to give him a proper cut anyway. I just nodded and took my very-happy-to-see-me baby.

Then the girl behind the counter said, "We are only going to charge you $38.00." I asked how much it would normally be. She said $45.00. I paid and left. Once in the car, I got a better look at Atticus who had short crop on the top of his head and a long flowing beard like Gandalf. It wasn't working for me. I took him back and said, "Since I'm paying $38.00 could you please take off a couple of inches off of his chin?" They did so.

Shortly after leaving, Atticus started softly crying. I offered him a cup of water that I had in the car. He WAS SOO THIRSTY!!

Sorry this is so long. I just needed to vent.
I am so disillusioned.
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Old 08-22-2008, 11:57 AM   #2
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I think for the most part most groomers keep them a few hours. Honestly I didn't care for how things went at the groomers so I learned to groom myself.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:07 PM   #3
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So far I've taken my yr old Yorkie to a groomer about 6 times and she's been great. She too was recommended to me by our trainer. He is usually in and out in 2 hrs. I always get a call 15 mins before he's ready, and they will do whatever I ask them to. At first, he was quite skittish and she said it was hard to do certain things, like clean his pads. She told me to touch them to get him used to it and he's much better now, though he is still very very very happy to see us when we return. He is always given a bowl of water and a treat as well. I must say, however, after reading horror stories on this site, I am a bit wary of groomers now, even the good ones. I would love to groom my dog but I don't think I have the knowlege or confidence to use sharp tools. Can anyone recommend how to learn to groom a dog?
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:08 PM   #4
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Confused What a nightmare!!

I am so sorry this happened to you.

I have the same misgivings about sending Cooper to the groomer. I have been a Hairdresser for 40 years. I have only had a few experiences with customers like that in those years.... I mean a VERY few. I could count them on one hand... I learned at a tender young age No matter how busy you are you LISTEN to you customer they are always right... They are your bread and butter and word of mouth is the best advertising. If they don't come back and bad mouth you all over town your reputation is shot....I can't believe she charged you!!!
I hope you didn't tip her.

I Cut my own hair. I have only been to a salon a few times. I didn't even let the girls who worked for me cut my hair... Pretty anal huh?? LOL

I haven't tried to trim Cooper. Mainly because he won't sit still for me.
It is all I can do to give him a bath...LOL
I take our old dog (she is a 16 yr.old beagle) to the groomer in our town but she just clips her down and washes her up nice. Not fancy just clean.
But some day I will get brave. I will be doing my homework and making sure that I am comfortable with who ever I take Cooper to.

So sorry for your bad experience.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:16 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjfan View Post
So far I've taken my yr old Yorkie to a groomer about 6 times and she's been great. She too was recommended to me by our trainer. He is usually in and out in 2 hrs. I always get a call 15 mins before he's ready, and they will do whatever I ask them to. At first, he was quite skittish and she said it was hard to do certain things, like clean his pads. She told me to touch them to get him used to it and he's much better now, though he is still very very very happy to see us when we return. He is always given a bowl of water and a treat as well. I must say, however, after reading horror stories on this site, I am a bit wary of groomers now, even the good ones. I would love to groom my dog but I don't think I have the knowlege or confidence to use sharp tools. Can anyone recommend how to learn to groom a dog?
Atticus is pretty mellow. He loves when I groom him. I'm terrified to cut his hair, but now I am willing to give it a try, for sure. Please let me know if you figure out the best way to learn.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:20 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelstarr View Post
I am so sorry this happened to you.

I have the same misgivings about sending Cooper to the groomer. I have been a Hairdresser for 40 years. I have only had a few experiences with customers like that in those years.... I mean a VERY few. I could count them on one hand... I learned at a tender young age No matter how busy you are you LISTEN to you customer they are always right... They are your bread and butter and word of mouth is the best advertising. If they don't come back and bad mouth you all over town your reputation is shot....I can't believe she charged you!!!
I hope you didn't tip her.

I Cut my own hair. I have only been to a salon a few times. I didn't even let the girls who worked for me cut my hair... Pretty anal huh?? LOL

I haven't tried to trim Cooper. Mainly because he won't sit still for me.
It is all I can do to give him a bath...LOL
I take our old dog (she is a 16 yr.old beagle) to the groomer in our town but she just clips her down and washes her up nice. Not fancy just clean.
But some day I will get brave. I will be doing my homework and making sure that I am comfortable with who ever I take Cooper to.

So sorry for your bad experience.
Thanks for the hugs and for sharing your personal misgivings and experiences. It sure helps to know that I'm not alone.

And, nope. I did not tip.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:40 PM   #7
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My first (and only!) experience with a groomer was not a good one either...I had a mobile groomer...to cut a long story short..she bathed her without conditioning her coat then proceeded to try and comb through her hair..ouch! condition the coat then the comb will GLIDE through DUH! poor Pixie was NOT happy..she didn't like being dried under the dryer but at home she will happily sit on my lap and be dried with no fuss..she then attempted to cut her hair..which was nightmare! I can manage trim away at Pixie's hair with little or no fuss....I think I will be doing all my grooming at home from now on. I may even look into doing a course sometime too.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:43 PM   #8
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Kezza where does one take a course on grooming? Do you know?
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:50 PM   #9
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Poor baby. Glad he is home. I groom my own since I can't afford 4 going to the groomers. I have taken Cali a few times to a lady who use to show Yorkies and knows what I want but I am still nervous when she is there. If you don't want to groom him yourself, I would all around and find someone who will do him start to finish and be done in a couple of hours.
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:11 PM   #10
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Quote:
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Kezza where does one take a course on grooming? Do you know?
well..I'm in the UK..but i'm pretty sure I could find one through my local college.

but..just to add..there are some pretty good grooming DVD's out...i'm going to get myself a couple..
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:30 PM   #11
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The three times I've taken Selah to different groomers I've had bad experiences- well, the third time wasn't bad, just more than I can afford! So, I bought a pair of clippers, some good scissors, and just trim her up myself here and there. Of course, I'm not too particular about her being perfectly balanced- she never holds still long enough for anyone to notice anyway- and I just cut little bits at a time till I like it. It always grows back if its horrible! I know there are supposed to be some good DVD's out there, but I just don't have the time right now for that, but hopefully it will work for you. I've just found some success with trial and error, and will just take Selah to that good but expensive groomer once or twice a year for a good do-over.
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:59 PM   #12
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This saga continues to worsen. My husband and daughter just arrived home from work. They think Atticus looks ridiculous. I was trying to be positive, but, they're right. He does. sigh.Thank goodness hair grows back!
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Old 08-22-2008, 02:07 PM   #13
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I also do my own grooming. I spend my Sunday mornings bathing and brushing out 5 dogs plus puppies when I have them.
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Old 08-22-2008, 02:35 PM   #14
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Hi Bonnielynn. I groom My Yorkie myself since she doesnt have that much hair, but I do take my Shihtzu cross to the groomer as she has a tonne of hair .Tia is on average at the groomers for 4 hours sometimes a little longer if they are really busy , so that length of time is not unusual for a grooming parlour.If little atticus is not use to going to a groomer he would be a little stressed,but this will get better the more often he goes.It sounds like this shop cares how you feel and would like to keep you as a client. If you are not ready to groom atticus yourself just yet I would give them another chance.The first time I took Tia to the groomers I was surprised at how long it took, now I dont worry about it,and my groomer does an amazing job on Tia ( she hand scissor the legs and feet ) .I had to take Tia to a different shop once and they had her in and out in an hour and a half and what a chop job they did! oh my god ! it took months for the hair to grow out so that Shelly my regular groomer could get it all even again.Well Im rambling on here....so dont feel bad ,atticus will be fine, and if it was me I'd give the shop another chance
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Old 08-22-2008, 02:40 PM   #15
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Sam has had a few bad haircuts...it gets pretty disappointing after awhile..
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