Wax and Buff

[bondai]

When I first got Milo I went to Petsmart and bought a bunch of goodies. As a result of my puppy induced buying spree they gave a me a big ole' coupon book.One of the coupons is for a "Puppy Bath, Brush and more" It includes shampoo and massage, hand brushing,blow dry, nail trim,ear cleaning loose hair removal and a bow or bandana, and it's all free. The coupon didn't say anything about an appointment but I made one anyway, good thing they are busy.

I figured what the heck here's a chance to get Milo all cleaned up and trim his nails...he really needs that bad. I know I am looking forward to it more that he is.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by bondai

When I first got Milo I went to Petsmart and bought a bunch of goodies. As a result of my puppy induced buying spree they gave a me a big ole' coupon book.One of the coupons is for a "Puppy Bath, Brush and more" It includes shampoo and massage, hand brushing,blow dry, nail trim,ear cleaning loose hair removal and a bow or bandana, and it's all free. The coupon didn't say anything about an appointment but I made one anyway, good thing they are busy.

I figured what the heck here's a chance to get Milo all cleaned up and trim his nails...he really needs that bad. I know I am looking forward to it more that he is.

That sounds great, BUT what ever you do, do not let them clip your baby. From all the horror stories I have read about the mess they can make of the puppy coat.

[jmdt]

I agree I would also stay while they do it.

[bondai]

I was very clear about not trimming my baby, they didn't. They bathed him, did his nails cleaned and dried his ears and made him smell really good. Other than the nail trimming it was all about desensitizing him, after all he is facing a life time of grooming so he might a well get used to it. The girls at Petsmart did a great job. I bought him a small collar and a leash while I was there and he really hates the collar, but he will get over it. I also bought him 2 small pieces of deer antler to chew on. I had picked up a small sample pack of something similar and he chewed it until it was gone, he really loved it and I know his teeth are hurting him. After doing some reading here I thought I would try the antlers. All and all a good trip. A few dollars spent and a happy but tired pup. Nice store with nice people.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by bondai

I was very clear about not trimming my baby, they didn't. They bathed him, did his nails cleaned and dried his ears and made him smell really good. Other than the nail trimming it was all about desensitizing him, after all he is facing a life time of grooming so he might a well get used to it. The girls at Petsmart did a great job. I bought him a small collar and a leash while I was there and he really hates the collar, but he will get over it. I also bought him 2 small pieces of deer antler to chew on. I had picked up a small sample pack of something similar and he chewed it until it was gone, he really loved it and I know his teeth are hurting him. After doing some reading here I thought I would try the antlers. All and all a good trip. A few dollars spent and a happy but tired pup. Nice store with nice people.

Your not hooking the leash to the collar right? He also had all his shots right?

[swilson0053]

Wow i wish i had one of those coupons

[Anaic]

Please Please use a harness not a collar!

Yorkies have delicate trachea's and you should never use a collar on them.

He needs all his shots prior to being exposed to other dogs and environments.

There are many other alternatives to give a puppy that is teething, I would not recommend antlers at this age, potential for choking, Numerous toys especially made for small puppy's take a look. I cant recall the one that has stages of growth from puppy to adult, but they are made for small breeds.

There have been numerous complaints about Pet's mart groomers please do a search and you will see all the complaints, find someone in your neighborhood better for him and you can get to know the groomer. Again I cant stress the importance that he has had his vaccinations done first.

[bondai]

My other Yorkie had a collar and did quite well with it, If done properly it should be OK. We haven't done any leash training yet. Milo's vaccinations are up to date so I am not really worried. I am not going to spend every waking moment worrying about and bug that might get in. He has plenty of toys to chew on and gives them all the once over. The antlers don't chip and they are not small enough to choke on, I think he will be OK.

As far as the groomers at Petsmart this was only my first trip and and with very limited exposure, time will tell. If I am not happy with their service I will find someone else.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by bondai

My other Yorkie had a collar and did quite well with it, If done properly it should be OK. We haven't done any leash training yet. Milo's vaccinations are up to date so I am not really worried. I am not going to spend every waking moment worrying about and bug that might get in. He has plenty of toys to chew on and gives them all the once over. The antlers don't chip and they are not small enough to choke on, I think he will be OK.

As far as the groomers at Petsmart this was only my first trip and and with very limited exposure, time will tell. If I am not happy with their service I will find someone else.

Collars are only good for id tags with yorkies or any small dog because there necks are very delicate even my 16 pounder could never have a leash hooked to her collar because the slightest pull against it would make her cough and gag. It is your call but your pup may end up with collapsing trachea and that may cut there life short and make them miserable and cost you lots and lots of money. People worry about the puppy shots because certain illness will kill your pup or make them very very sick.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Yes, please consider a harness over a collar. Collars are great for "looks" or the ID tags. But not to use a leash on a Yorkie. I am not sure that there is a "if done properly" way to be safe on a Yorkie. Also, why don't you discuss this with your vet? I am sure they can provide you with lots of information regarding this.

I have found that I really like the harnesses much better than the collars anyway. The dogs seemed to like it better as well. They are a little more expensive up front but well worth it in the end. Also keep in mind, just because one pup does well on something doesn't mean they all will. Each pup is unique in his/her own way. I have two girls and one can eat anything while the other has an extremely delicate tummy. So they can be the same breed yet very different.

Glad you had a good experience with PetSmart. Some people haven't been as pleased with the groomers there. But it is great that you did have a good one with them!

[chachi]

If you saw the amount of pups that have gotten parvo on here over the years you would think twice aout taking your pup anywhere prior to all shots. Parvo is usually a death sentence. Also if you saw the amount of yorkies with collapsed trachea you would think twice if you wanted to use a collar. There is pretty much no treatment or anything effective you can do in regards to collapsed trachea and they can get so advanced with it that the kindest thing you can do is put the dog down . I would rather e safe than sorry thats me

[bondai]

The collar is just decoration and something to hang a name tag or license from. I am already shopping for a suitable harness.The only reason I didn't get one yesterday is I couldn't find one I liked. Don't worry I won't let anything happen to him, he's my baby.

[skittlz]

That is awesome! I go to petsmart and petco all the time and buy alot they never give me a coupon book now im Jealous lol....

[Patti]

I'm so glad you are getting a harness! I lost my Gracie at 6 1/2 to collapsed trachea complications. Her last year was filled with er visits and many bad days. Back then I didn't realize the damage a collar can do. I hate to admit it but she loved to chase her ball and we had her on a tie out sometimes so she could chase her ball safely. Not realizing she would pull on her collar. We will never know if it was the result of that or genetics or a combination. I know many people use collars and never have a problem but I won't take the chance.

[Nancy1999]

Sounds like Milo had a wonderful spa day! I found with Petsmart, not all the groomers are equal and if you find someone you like, you can ask for them again. Joey's breeder warned me about collars so I agree with the others, but we do use a break away collar occasionally for decoration. Coupon book sound fabulous, and I'm so glad Milo had a good experience the first time, what a difference that will make.