what ?? should i ask a groomer??

[Yorkies-Mom]

i think i have found one for romeo - he had a vet appointment yesterday and i asked if they knew of a good one. i like the looks of the shop but i know that it is much more than that to make a good groomer! i have heard and read the horror stories and i am so nervous about it but i need to find one ASAP.

[pnkcandle9]

you know, honestly..... i would just wait at the groomers so you can watch the whole time.

[Yorkies-Mom]

i do plan on staying there and watching what goes on since this will be his first time,too. i would not feel right leaving him with anyone no matter how well spoken of they are! i have a picture of what i want him to look like so i hope it will be a big help to her.

[SueNCricket 2]

Most groomers will not let you wait and watch the grooming process. Not because we have something to hide, but because the entire time you are there, we are struggling to work on your dog who is struggling to get to you...twe cannot do a good job on a pet who is trying wildly to get away from us. It is not fair to the groomer or the dog.

I know all about the horror stories that are coming out about grooming shops. You really need to find a groomer you can trust, and let them do what they do best. If you cannot do that, then you need to learn ow to groom your yorkie at home. yorkies are the easiest breed to groom. If you want to learn how, please contact me. I have taught 1500+ pet owners to groom their own pets through my grooming DVD's.
Sue & Cricket

Originally Posted by pnkcandle9

you know, honestly..... i would just wait at the groomers so you can watch the whole time.

[Yorkies-Mom]

You really need to find a groomer you can trust, and let them do what they do best.

i agree - but trust has to be earned! going to someone for the very first time is always going to cause stress. surely groomers understand this. i wish more groomers had shops set up like petsmart with the huge glass windows where you could watch everything. as my grandmother used to always say "it doesn't ever hurt to ask. the worst they can say is "no" and that won't kill you!"

[Ellie May]

I groom Ellie at home because I have waaaaay too many rules but I think they are all fair.

I understand that the dog can be wiggly when the owner is around but I would not leave my child at a hair salon alone and I wouldn't just watch from behind a window either. I would want to watch 100% of the process 100% of the time.
So there goes about 90% of groomers because they just won't let you.
The exception would be if I really knew the person.

I would want the noose around the chest, not the neck

The groomer should even turn away while the dog is on the table.

I prefer that drying caged aren't used and if they are it needs to be room temperature air alone and the dog needs to be watched closely (not a quick look every 15 minutes...).

They need to be able to follow your specifications. For me that would be agreeing NOT to empty glands, agreeing not to use cologne, agreeing to use a shampoo that I bring if theirs isn't what I want used...

It needs to be done in a reasonable amount of time (not four hours) and the dog should be let out to potty and small dogs may need to be offered food and water.

[Chrissy0277]

Originally Posted by SueNCricket 2

Most groomers will not let you wait and watch the grooming process. Not because we have something to hide, but because the entire time you are there, we are struggling to work on your dog who is struggling to get to you...twe cannot do a good job on a pet who is trying wildly to get away from us. It is not fair to the groomer or the dog.

I

I actually cut a dog when the owner insisted on staying at watching with her child. The entire time the kid ran back and forth and we are not allowed to say anything to them. The dog was going nuts the entire time because her child wouldnt sit still and was teasing the dog on the other side of the window. So very antsy dog plus scissors isnt a good combo. I never have a problem with owners staying and watching but try and hide so your dog cant see you.

[cj125]

The very first thing you should do is go in before scheduling the appt. Talk to the groomer - ask questions - show pictures - ask if they like doing Yorkies or toy breeds (some don't) - maybe even watch them do other peoples dogs. I've had a heck of a time finding a good groomer. I liked one but she moved on the other side of town and I haven't found another good one since... so now I do it myself. That doesn't mean they aren't out there. Good Luck!!

[cj125]

Ellie May is right in that you should go in with exactly what you want and exactly what you don't want - and I would even go so far as to put in writing! I always brought a letter in (with shot records) listing do's and don'ts. Go over them verbally. Write and talk about each item as one simple exclusion can't make you unhappy about the experiance. These are just some of mine to fit my Kid's personalities but it gives you an idea of the many things that you should cover.

Do Not
cut eyelashes
cut on the bridge of the nose between the eyes
cut all the tail hair off
put in a cage

Do
be gentle
talk softly
trim ears, feet, private area, beard and feet
blow dry

BTW I found that if you ask for the 1st appt of the day that they're more willing to do your pup and not delay in finishing them. (which means keeping them for several hours) Make sure that is clear as well.

[SueNCricket 2]

I am in the process of opening a new grooming salon. I am putting in a large glass window and door to clients can see in. I am also putting in a closed circuit TV so clients can see the grooming and bathing areas and the pets will not know their owners are watching.
This will be nice for those clients who are nervous about leaving their dogs with us, but easier on us groomers who can work on a pet who does not know the owners are there.
We will do the same thing with internet camers for pets we are kenneling so vacationing owners can check in on their pets when ever they want to.
Everyone should be happy with that set up, and feel more secure knowing their pets are in the best hands.
Sue & Cricket

Originally Posted by Chrissy0277

I actually cut a dog when the owner insisted on staying at watching with her child. The entire time the kid ran back and forth and we are not allowed to say anything to them. The dog was going nuts the entire time because her child wouldnt sit still and was teasing the dog on the other side of the window. So very antsy dog plus scissors isnt a good combo. I never have a problem with owners staying and watching but try and hide so your dog cant see you.

[cj125]

Originally Posted by SueNCricket 2

I am in the process of opening a new grooming salon. I am putting in a large glass window and door to clients can see in. I am also putting in a closed circuit TV so clients can see the grooming and bathing areas and the pets will not know their owners are watching.
This will be nice for those clients who are nervous about leaving their dogs with us, but easier on us groomers who can work on a pet who does not know the owners are there.
We will do the same thing with internet camers for pets we are kenneling so vacationing owners can check in on their pets when ever they want to.
Everyone should be happy with that set up, and feel more secure knowing their pets are in the best hands.
Sue & Cricket

Wow - those are fabulous ideas!!! That would really help the owners and the parents! WTG!!!

[daisysis]

In my shop you may stay. But I ask them to talk quietly and do not let them see you. I have curtain I pull but the owner can watch through the cracks and see and hear. It is not good to stay though a dog is much harder to groom with their owner around..HOWEVER!! If I Know the dog is difflcult I welcome the owner for they can witness how hard it is to do a good job.
Puppies I tell the owner they need to be worked slowly with so it well take more time or you can break up the appts. to cut nail one day and bath another
I also allow the owner to come back during bathing time and actually help if they want too.
I ask the owner the comand the use..like stay. moms good girl..you would be surprise how that works.
I have mirrors too ..the dog looks at himself while grooming that helps.
2 hrs is what i ask for grooming time.every dog is different though.
Take a picture that always helps..but remember it may take twice before a groomer can understand just what you want. like you going to the hairdresser.
Once you and your groomer understand each other every thing will work out great for you and your furbaby..

[daisysis]

Originally Posted by SueNCricket 2

I am in the process of opening a new grooming salon. I am putting in a large glass window and door to clients can see in. I am also putting in a closed circuit TV so clients can see the grooming and bathing areas and the pets will not know their owners are watching.
This will be nice for those clients who are nervous about leaving their dogs with us, but easier on us groomers who can work on a pet who does not know the owners are there.
We will do the same thing with internet camers for pets we are kenneling so vacationing owners can check in on their pets when ever they want to.
Everyone should be happy with that set up, and feel more secure knowing their pets are in the best hands.
Sue & Cricket

Wow that is awesome ideals..I really like internet camers for pets we are kenneling so vacationing owners can check in on their pets when ever they want to...