Truth about yorkies and groomers... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

k2p1e · 10-30-2006, 05:27 PM

Okay my eyes have been opened...
I have never taken my yorkies to the groomers b/c I have always doen their hair at home, a passion of mine.
I decided to go to school to learn dog grooming and after reading so mnay posts about the horrors of the dog groomers and yorkies I thought, no problem! I will be the type of groomer people wish for....LOL!!!!!

Right...then reality bit me (literally).
So, far at school I have done a yorkie almost everyday. Most of the girls at the shop (I study at a really busy shop with several groomers) do not like to handle the small dogs, whereas I prefer them.

The owner wants them to look cute, only take off an inch or less...look like they did when they were a puppy only with a longer cut.
9 out of 10 of these yorkies are matted, not just a little knot but to the skin with pink sore skin underneath.
They have been bathed in overly harsh shampoos at home and have not been rinsed very well (when the water hits them they have bubbles coming off their coat and no shampoo has been added by me) and they skin pays for it (flaky, sore in spots).
Nails are so long there feet are splayed...argh!!!
I refuse to dematt if it takes more then 5 mins. I know I could spend 2 hours dematting their dogs and make them look sweet but it is TOO PAINFUL!!!! Humanity before vanity! I shave it off to ease the poor dogs suffering.

Or my favorite, there are no matts but huge gaps where the owner chopped the matt out and now the haircut is all uneven and funny looking...so we go shorter to make the dog look decent.

Of these dogs 50% or nasty, spoiled, or a biter. We are very firm, we tell them no, some then lash out and attack our hands. So we humanly muzzle them with a correctly fitted muzzle. Funny thing is the majority of the dogs them completely stop, calm down and are angels for the rest of the grooming. With new dogs or puppies we only muzzle for a minute, take the it off and try again without it, some learn not to bite others must be remuzzled. A lady today was horrified to learn I muzzled her yorkie...the dog started to growl when I picked up the brush, it then lunged at me when I stepped forward. I explained that I cannot get bit...she then asked if that was not part of my job! Ah..no..if I get bit I can possibly be out of work, get an infection and teach the dog that it is acceptable to bite...ah no it is not part of the job to get bit.

We do not allow owners to stay and watch because the dogs go nuts when they are there!!! people have a hard time believing us but once they leave most of the dogs calm down, are angels, stand still. When they hear mommy's voice it becomes dangerous...they bounce around, try to find them...and we are trying to not cut them with out very sharp scissors..

And fat dogs! Good lord I know they are loved, no question but it is sad when they cannot stand for more then 5 mins and collaspe from shear exhaustion! I have never seen rolls on a dog till now!

When people buy a yorkie they are thrilled they they are no shed but that means they are more likely to matt!!!

They is so much to grooming, the studying I am doing is unreal, the care and training is intense...I love making dogs feel good!!!

I am amazed at how many owners come in for their baby's first trim, a matted to the bone 8 months old cotton coat yorkie, who is terrified. And they are so angry when we say the dog will be naked. If we cannot run a comb through then there will be a problem with the owners dream of a fluffy puppy.

People please go and get your dogs groomed! If you do not know how go to the groomers! There are some good (and bad) groomers out there. Ask to see the shop, ask for referrals. If you hated the cut before go again and tell them! Let them know what you want and do not be insulted if they tell you that you have to do some work at home too to acheive your puppy's desired look!

Our yorkies should at a minimum go 6 weeks...some people say that is too $$$ well that is part of owning a yorkie!!

I did a lovely yorkie this afternoon, she was a princess, good as gold, beautiful full coat (every 4weeks), nice dog. She had been going since she was 16 weeks, and comes every month, her owners work well with the staff and the dog is is joy to see and be with.
I wish it were like that all the time!

chachi · 10-30-2006, 05:38 PM

I am sorry you have had such bad exeriences with people. My groomer had t dematt Jewels once and I asked the groomer what her recommendation was on how ooften we should come in with her. She said every month and so we have been taking her every month and havent had any more matting problems

stedmansmommy · 10-30-2006, 05:54 PM

Every single thing you have just said I have heard a groomer say before, LOL. I know it is alot of work - I can only IMAGINE. Stedman gets brushed every single day, sometimes twice a day...and bathed once a week. We use a great shampoo, although I do groom him myself. I am TOO picky about the way I want his hair done - I don't even bother with taking him in anymore

I'd probably drive a groomer CRAZY explaining how I want his hair, so I figure it is just easier to do it myself

And I know they say that dogs are usually better for other people rather than their owners when it comes to grooming - however, I guess he is so used to me doing it now he just sits there, still as can be for mommy

I think it is GREAT that you are taking an interest in this and learning all about it. It is great to know that there are groomers out there who really DO care and who are in it for the love of the dogs

YorkieRose · 10-30-2006, 05:55 PM

I never met a dog I did not like, but I certainly have met alot of owners I could do without...since I got the same dogs over and over to groom, they leanred to trust me...the best thing you can do is develop a good relationship with the dog..teach it manners and how to behave while being groomed...it used to take me about 3 groomings to get them to know I was incharge..and once that happens, they change into sweethearts...good luck

daisysis · 10-30-2006, 05:59 PM

That was very interesting..
I am also studying to be a groomer .. so far I have not experience what you have..
But recently a groomer cut the tip of my baby ear.. and she had to call the vet to stop the bleeding.. I am upset..
BUT.. very angry at

..she did not call me..and she charged me..
I can understand dogs move..
but come on..
my husband pick the pups up and paid her..
I would not have paid her
....I HOPE I DO NOT HURT SOMEONE ANIMAL...
But.. if I do I will not handle it like that groomer did.. My husband wants me to let it go..
IT STILL BUGS THE HECK OUT OF ME

KellyV · 10-30-2006, 07:49 PM

Thanks for sharing, k2p1e.

I always get a little irritated when I see posts about how horrible groomers are... I really do not think they're given the credit they deserve. Every day they're peed on, barked at (by both dogs and rude, unhappy owners), growled at, snapped at, possibly bitten..... And I'm sure that's all in the first hour they're there!! I could go on, but for the sake of keeping it simple, I won't....

Personally, I sympathize more with your average groomer than your average pet owner. (NO, not all bad haircuts and nicked ears/toes/tongues are their fault!) They deal with A LOT more than you realize.

Peters · 10-30-2006, 08:04 PM

i don't like where you posted "We do not allow owners to stay and watch" not all of our dogs flip out when they go to get groomed. some people DO need to be educated and take the time to get their dogs use to being handled and groomed but some people also don't trust someone who won't let them stay.

doortego · 10-30-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peters

i don't like where you posted "We do not allow owners to stay and watch" not all of our dogs flip out when they go to get groomed. some people DO need to be educated and take the time to get their dogs use to being handled and groomed but some people also don't trust someone who won't let them stay.

How about 50% are spoiled, nasty or a biter? If that is true, it sure doesn't say much for us as owners.

Dawn125 · 10-31-2006, 08:16 AM

I groom in a very busy pet salon and as a yorkie owner I tend to get all the yorkies. I rarely get a matted one. Maybe it's because most of our clients are repeat customers and we have trained them well. When I do get one that is too matted to brush out I explain to the owner that "Fluffy needs to go short today". Most are pretty understanding and don't want their baby to have to suffer through dematting. But again, it's rare that I shave down a yorkie. Now maltese...another story...those little buggers get sooo matted. I think just about every maltese owner has to go through at least one shave down before they realize that they need to brush their puppy daily (down to the skin, not just the surface).

As far as owners that post here about how the big bad groomer shaved their baby down and it "wasn't even matted"....maybe true sometimes (especially if they go to a big box type PetSomething place) but I often wonder if the puppy was actually very matted. Many pet owners think they are effectively brushing their dog and don't even realize that there are matts underneath.

The reason most groomers don't want parents to stay is not because they are going to torture the dog. It's because the dog behaves better when they are gone. I would never tell a pet owner that they are not allowed to stay and watch. However I will tell them that their dog will behave much better it they are not in the dogs view. Most people are understanding and don't want to stay anyway. Occasionally they come back early when their little one is on the table and as soon as they witness their dog's excitement they scram pretty quickly. I have parents so well trained that they call from the parking lot to see if it's ok to come it. Or some will walk in the door and see their dog on the table and immediately turn around and go out without a word before the dog sees them. I would like to get a two way mirror so they could watch without their dog being able to see them. I've also heard of groomers using webcams. So you could drop off your dog and go home and watch it get groomed on your computer.

JCarlson2004 · 10-31-2006, 08:25 AM

I brush my dogs every day, plus they get a weekly bath with Plush Puppy shampoo and conditioner. I also take them to the groomer once a month. I have no problems with our groomer. She's wonderful with my babies and I am allowed to watch the entire procedure -- sometimes I even help by holding my babies while she's working on them.

pat022351 · 10-31-2006, 08:42 AM

I comb Sadie out every day and still occasionally find a little mat - can't imagine what it would be like if I only combed her once a week. She gets her bath in the kitchen sink every Sunday and just adores being blown dry!!! Crazy puppy!!

JCarlson2004 · 10-31-2006, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doortego

How about 50% are spoiled, nasty or a biter? If that is true, it sure doesn't say much for us as owners.

I don't find anything wrong with her comment. I take my dogs to the groomer once a month and every single time I am there (and I mean EVERY time), there are at least 3 or 4 NASTY dogs that bite and snarl and try to attack everyone. It's actually a little scary because I'm always afraid of them getting lose and attacking me or my babies but my groomer takes all necessary precautions with those dogs so it's ok. It's really sad to see so many snappy and aggressive dogs. And now that I think of it, not my groomer but another girl who works there got a REALLY BAD bite and was out of work for 2 weeks. She had to have stitches and her whole hand ... from hand to almost her elbow, had to be wrapped. The dog didn't just get her hand but also her arm in between her wrist and elbow.

LeaveittoBiewer · 10-31-2006, 09:00 AM

My puppy is now almost 17 weeks and I gave him a bath just the other night. I called around to several groomers in my area and had a hard time finding one that allowed me to stay and watch. It was always "we only accept that they're dropped off in the mornings between such and such time". I understand that they can get fidgety when they hear the owner but I can sit in a corner somewhere, I guess. So I gave up and bathed him myself and found that he was very calm and well behaved throughout the whole ordeal.
When the time comes to have him cut, I hope to have found someone who will let me hang around. I have a great vet and I think I've found a great mechanic. Now I need a great groomer for Max and ME!

Ponyup · 10-31-2006, 09:17 AM

I would imagine that my groomer deals with unruly dogs, because she is always so excited to see Logan. And everytime I come to pick him she tells me he was perfect as always. She did cut his foot once. But she told me as soon as I arrived. Showed me the spot. & told me the on hand vet had looked at it & it didn't need stitched. I understand accidents happen & I was just happy she had told me up front. My neighbor has a s**tzoo (sp) that is banned from my groomer because of his nasty attitude so I know that not all dogs are good grooming prospects.

k2p1e · 10-31-2006, 06:58 PM

I do love working on yorkies, I did one today that looks like my Reggie. He was sweet, well behaved, smelled terrible but he was so happy after his bath! I just adored him! His woner was great too.

I just got so down after reading so many posts about the horrors of groomers. Groomers take so much that people have no idea, you need more patience then a saint, good reflexes like someone who works with electricty (or animals)...

I have yet to cut a dog or even nick but it is amazing! We are wielding sharop scissors and the dogs are fidgety, boubncing, licking, curious, shaky...argh! Amazing more accident don't happen.

I have no probelm when working on a nasty dog and the owner knows it is nasty and knows that they need to work WITH you...nad it happens. I witnessed yesterday a yorkie, who once needed to be muzzled before the owners got him in the car cause he would start then! But he was groomed yesterday with no muzzle. He tried to act up but was reminded with a stern voice to behave and voila! Wonderful behaviour, dog and the owner was tickled. SHe has been bringing him every 3 weeks to get used to the grooming. She take shim on a good walk before the grooming so he is tired...and it all works out. That was satisfying to see!

10-30-2006, 05:27 PM	#1
k2p1e Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NB Posts: 212	Truth about yorkies and groomers... Okay my eyes have been opened... I have never taken my yorkies to the groomers b/c I have always doen their hair at home, a passion of mine. I decided to go to school to learn dog grooming and after reading so mnay posts about the horrors of the dog groomers and yorkies I thought, no problem! I will be the type of groomer people wish for....LOL!!!!! Right...then reality bit me (literally). So, far at school I have done a yorkie almost everyday. Most of the girls at the shop (I study at a really busy shop with several groomers) do not like to handle the small dogs, whereas I prefer them. The owner wants them to look cute, only take off an inch or less...look like they did when they were a puppy only with a longer cut. 9 out of 10 of these yorkies are matted, not just a little knot but to the skin with pink sore skin underneath. They have been bathed in overly harsh shampoos at home and have not been rinsed very well (when the water hits them they have bubbles coming off their coat and no shampoo has been added by me) and they skin pays for it (flaky, sore in spots). Nails are so long there feet are splayed...argh!!! I refuse to dematt if it takes more then 5 mins. I know I could spend 2 hours dematting their dogs and make them look sweet but it is TOO PAINFUL!!!! Humanity before vanity! I shave it off to ease the poor dogs suffering. Or my favorite, there are no matts but huge gaps where the owner chopped the matt out and now the haircut is all uneven and funny looking...so we go shorter to make the dog look decent. Of these dogs 50% or nasty, spoiled, or a biter. We are very firm, we tell them no, some then lash out and attack our hands. So we humanly muzzle them with a correctly fitted muzzle. Funny thing is the majority of the dogs them completely stop, calm down and are angels for the rest of the grooming. With new dogs or puppies we only muzzle for a minute, take the it off and try again without it, some learn not to bite others must be remuzzled. A lady today was horrified to learn I muzzled her yorkie...the dog started to growl when I picked up the brush, it then lunged at me when I stepped forward. I explained that I cannot get bit...she then asked if that was not part of my job! Ah..no..if I get bit I can possibly be out of work, get an infection and teach the dog that it is acceptable to bite...ah no it is not part of the job to get bit. We do not allow owners to stay and watch because the dogs go nuts when they are there!!! people have a hard time believing us but once they leave most of the dogs calm down, are angels, stand still. When they hear mommy's voice it becomes dangerous...they bounce around, try to find them...and we are trying to not cut them with out very sharp scissors.. And fat dogs! Good lord I know they are loved, no question but it is sad when they cannot stand for more then 5 mins and collaspe from shear exhaustion! I have never seen rolls on a dog till now! When people buy a yorkie they are thrilled they they are no shed but that means they are more likely to matt!!! They is so much to grooming, the studying I am doing is unreal, the care and training is intense...I love making dogs feel good!!! I am amazed at how many owners come in for their baby's first trim, a matted to the bone 8 months old cotton coat yorkie, who is terrified. And they are so angry when we say the dog will be naked. If we cannot run a comb through then there will be a problem with the owners dream of a fluffy puppy. People please go and get your dogs groomed! If you do not know how go to the groomers! There are some good (and bad) groomers out there. Ask to see the shop, ask for referrals. If you hated the cut before go again and tell them! Let them know what you want and do not be insulted if they tell you that you have to do some work at home too to acheive your puppy's desired look! Our yorkies should at a minimum go 6 weeks...some people say that is too $$$ well that is part of owning a yorkie!! I did a lovely yorkie this afternoon, she was a princess, good as gold, beautiful full coat (every 4weeks), nice dog. She had been going since she was 16 weeks, and comes every month, her owners work well with the staff and the dog is is joy to see and be with. I wish it were like that all the time! __________________ Carla Reggie and Kenzie "Every puppy should have a boy"

10-30-2006, 05:38 PM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I am sorry you have had such bad exeriences with people. My groomer had t dematt Jewels once and I asked the groomer what her recommendation was on how ooften we should come in with her. She said every month and so we have been taking her every month and havent had any more matting problems __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-30-2006, 05:54 PM	#3
stedmansmommy I Love My Lil' Punkin's Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stedman and Tatum's World :) Posts: 15,331 Blog Entries: 5	Every single thing you have just said I have heard a groomer say before, LOL. I know it is alot of work - I can only IMAGINE. Stedman gets brushed every single day, sometimes twice a day...and bathed once a week. We use a great shampoo, although I do groom him myself. I am TOO picky about the way I want his hair done - I don't even bother with taking him in anymore I'd probably drive a groomer CRAZY explaining how I want his hair, so I figure it is just easier to do it myself And I know they say that dogs are usually better for other people rather than their owners when it comes to grooming - however, I guess he is so used to me doing it now he just sits there, still as can be for mommy I think it is GREAT that you are taking an interest in this and learning all about it. It is great to know that there are groomers out there who really DO care and who are in it for the love of the dogs __________________ Mommy Loves Stedman and Tatum! They have us wrapped around their little paws!

10-30-2006, 05:55 PM	#4
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	groomer I never met a dog I did not like, but I certainly have met alot of owners I could do without...since I got the same dogs over and over to groom, they leanred to trust me...the best thing you can do is develop a good relationship with the dog..teach it manners and how to behave while being groomed...it used to take me about 3 groomings to get them to know I was incharge..and once that happens, they change into sweethearts...good luck

10-30-2006, 05:59 PM	#5
daisysis YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 1,074	That was very interesting.. I am also studying to be a groomer .. so far I have not experience what you have.. But recently a groomer cut the tip of my baby ear.. and she had to call the vet to stop the bleeding.. I am upset.. BUT.. very angry at ..she did not call me..and she charged me.. I can understand dogs move.. but come on.. my husband pick the pups up and paid her.. I would not have paid her ....I HOPE I DO NOT HURT SOMEONE ANIMAL... But.. if I do I will not handle it like that groomer did.. My husband wants me to let it go.. *IT STILL BUGS THE HECK OUT OF ME* __________________ Sissy..Lilly..Maggie..Lucy

10-30-2006, 07:49 PM	#6
KellyV YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 776	Thanks for sharing, k2p1e. I always get a little irritated when I see posts about how horrible groomers are... I really do not think they're given the credit they deserve. Every day they're peed on, barked at (by both dogs and rude, unhappy owners), growled at, snapped at, possibly bitten..... And I'm sure that's all in the first hour they're there!! I could go on, but for the sake of keeping it simple, I won't.... Personally, I sympathize more with your average groomer than your average pet owner. (NO, not all bad haircuts and nicked ears/toes/tongues are their fault!) They deal with A LOT more than you realize.

10-30-2006, 08:04 PM	#7
Peters YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,225	i don't like where you posted "We do not allow owners to stay and watch" not all of our dogs flip out when they go to get groomed. some people DO need to be educated and take the time to get their dogs use to being handled and groomed but some people also don't trust someone who won't let them stay. __________________ A pet's love is true right from the start, through good times and bad, like sharing one heart.

10-31-2006, 08:16 AM	#9
Dawn125 YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Central California Posts: 445	I groom in a very busy pet salon and as a yorkie owner I tend to get all the yorkies. I rarely get a matted one. Maybe it's because most of our clients are repeat customers and we have trained them well. When I do get one that is too matted to brush out I explain to the owner that "Fluffy needs to go short today". Most are pretty understanding and don't want their baby to have to suffer through dematting. But again, it's rare that I shave down a yorkie. Now maltese...another story...those little buggers get sooo matted. I think just about every maltese owner has to go through at least one shave down before they realize that they need to brush their puppy daily (down to the skin, not just the surface). As far as owners that post here about how the big bad groomer shaved their baby down and it "wasn't even matted"....maybe true sometimes (especially if they go to a big box type PetSomething place) but I often wonder if the puppy was actually very matted. Many pet owners think they are effectively brushing their dog and don't even realize that there are matts underneath. The reason most groomers don't want parents to stay is not because they are going to torture the dog. It's because the dog behaves better when they are gone. I would never tell a pet owner that they are not allowed to stay and watch. However I will tell them that their dog will behave much better it they are not in the dogs view. Most people are understanding and don't want to stay anyway. Occasionally they come back early when their little one is on the table and as soon as they witness their dog's excitement they scram pretty quickly. I have parents so well trained that they call from the parking lot to see if it's ok to come it. Or some will walk in the door and see their dog on the table and immediately turn around and go out without a word before the dog sees them. I would like to get a two way mirror so they could watch without their dog being able to see them. I've also heard of groomers using webcams. So you could drop off your dog and go home and watch it get groomed on your computer. __________________ Dawn (Brandy & Titan's mom)

10-31-2006, 08:25 AM	#10
JCarlson2004 Mommy To 3 Poochies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York Posts: 8,287	I brush my dogs every day, plus they get a weekly bath with Plush Puppy shampoo and conditioner. I also take them to the groomer once a month. I have no problems with our groomer. She's wonderful with my babies and I am allowed to watch the entire procedure -- sometimes I even help by holding my babies while she's working on them. __________________ Mommy Loves Codie, Tia & Baby Cali RIP My Precious Katie - I Love You

10-31-2006, 08:42 AM	#11
pat022351 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Camillus, NY Posts: 340	I comb Sadie out every day and still occasionally find a little mat - can't imagine what it would be like if I only combed her once a week. She gets her bath in the kitchen sink every Sunday and just adores being blown dry!!! Crazy puppy!! __________________ Pat Sadie Louise's Mommy

10-31-2006, 09:00 AM	#13
LeaveittoBiewer Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 85	My puppy is now almost 17 weeks and I gave him a bath just the other night. I called around to several groomers in my area and had a hard time finding one that allowed me to stay and watch. It was always "we only accept that they're dropped off in the mornings between such and such time". I understand that they can get fidgety when they hear the owner but I can sit in a corner somewhere, I guess. So I gave up and bathed him myself and found that he was very calm and well behaved throughout the whole ordeal. When the time comes to have him cut, I hope to have found someone who will let me hang around. I have a great vet and I think I've found a great mechanic. Now I need a great groomer for Max and ME!

10-31-2006, 09:17 AM	#14
Ponyup YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,252	I would imagine that my groomer deals with unruly dogs, because she is always so excited to see Logan. And everytime I come to pick him she tells me he was perfect as always. She did cut his foot once. But she told me as soon as I arrived. Showed me the spot. & told me the on hand vet had looked at it & it didn't need stitched. I understand accidents happen & I was just happy she had told me up front. My neighbor has a s**tzoo (sp) that is banned from my groomer because of his nasty attitude so I know that not all dogs are good grooming prospects. __________________ Ponyup Mom to LOGAN

10-31-2006, 06:58 PM	#15
k2p1e Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NB Posts: 212	I do love working on yorkies, I did one today that looks like my Reggie. He was sweet, well behaved, smelled terrible but he was so happy after his bath! I just adored him! His woner was great too. I just got so down after reading so many posts about the horrors of groomers. Groomers take so much that people have no idea, you need more patience then a saint, good reflexes like someone who works with electricty (or animals)... I have yet to cut a dog or even nick but it is amazing! We are wielding sharop scissors and the dogs are fidgety, boubncing, licking, curious, shaky...argh! Amazing more accident don't happen. I have no probelm when working on a nasty dog and the owner knows it is nasty and knows that they need to work WITH you...nad it happens. I witnessed yesterday a yorkie, who once needed to be muzzled before the owners got him in the car cause he would start then! But he was groomed yesterday with no muzzle. He tried to act up but was reminded with a stern voice to behave and voila! Wonderful behaviour, dog and the owner was tickled. SHe has been bringing him every 3 weeks to get used to the grooming. She take shim on a good walk before the grooming so he is tired...and it all works out. That was satisfying to see! __________________ Carla Reggie and Kenzie "Every puppy should have a boy"