Can't find a groomer/very frustrated!

[ARCHIE]

I just called 5 different groomers. All 5 had the same story.
Dog gets washed, put in crate to be blown dry for about 1/2 hr then
groomed. Total time approx 3hrs! That' why I left Petco.
I found a place that is very well known and grooms when you bring
them in. I was so excited and went back 1 1/2 hrs later and they
cut Buddy's face hair up to the jaw bone line. $67.00 later and I
wanted to cry! He has gotten long over the last 6months because I deceided to let his coat come in due to frustration over being groomed.
It looks pretty but have deceided to get it cut again for the summer,
and started calling around. All have the same story.
Can someone explain to me why a groomer does not run it's business
like a human hair salon.
Make an appointment, get washed , cut and blown dry and go home!
Oh why oh why do they not listen to instructions left for the cut you
want on your dog? Why do they ask if they do want they want anyhow?
I guess I'm just frustrated at this point and needed to vent!
Sorry.

[Dawn125]

Can someone explain to me why a groomer does not run it's business
like a human hair salon.
Make an appointment, get washed , cut and blown dry and go home!

To be honest, because it allows them to do more dogs per day. While one dog is being bathed another one is in a crate dripping on dry towels and another one may be soaking in conditioner or flea shampoo. Many posters complain about how much groomers charge. We would charge much more if we didn't make efficient use of our time. Dogs are unpredictable. Some are frightened of the dryer and need to have some calm time between the bath and drying time. Some poop in the crate and get bathed a second time. Your dog may be the perfect little angel who is completely tangle free but the dog before her was a matted flea infested mess that took an hour to brush out and that sets everybody back. It is not unusual for me to have a dog for 4-5 hours. I am not the boss and I don't get to make the rules. Given the choice I would probably do things a bit differently but I would still have your dog 2-3 hours. And she would be calm and not stressed out when you picked her up. Heck, hairdressers would probably do things more like groomers if they could talk the humans into taking a little nap in a crate while their haircolor processed. If you want quick, find a mobile groomer (and pay much more) or look for small (one person) grooming shops or shops run out of the groomers home. They are much more likely to do dogs straight thru. I may do that some day. Hmmmmm...sounds nice.

[gypsyqueen]

Do an express groom its about 8.00 more at petco and petsmart they do the dog straight through about 1hrs time.

[joy and bella]

i dont know if this helps...but i would suggest doing it yourself. i swear it is soo much cheaper and easier and better for my baby....i bought clippers from walmart for 22 dollars and now every month i groom her myself...sooo simple....i could give you some tips if you were interested in this.... plus..she always comes out looking the way i like...hehe

[simplyyorkies]

I've been reading so many complaints about groomers and grooming shops lately. Its sad - as a groomer I have spent over 15 years attending classes, shows, seminars and spent a LOT of money on equipment, quality shampoos, conditioners and yet the grooming industry won't get serious about the business.
Most people don't realize that anyone can call themselves a groomer. States do not regulate groomers requiring them to be licensed as a beautician would be. Groomers aren't required to take animal CPR classes or attend any continuing education courses - you can just call yourself a groomer and hang your sign out and start grooming.
Big box store groomers are typically sent to the companies training facility and must adhere to their rules. While they get instruction during classes they get little follow up guidance or are required to continue to attend classes and seminars.
I encourage pet owners to write your local congressmen/women and ask them to take a serious look at the pet grooming industry. A LOT of groomers never pay taxes - they never report their income so think of the money lost. Some groomers don't want the government to set regulations on the industry - they'll lose their "free" income, have to adhere to cleanliness guidelines, healthy guidelines and report accidents and held accountable for the work they do.
I'm proud to be a certified groomer. I'm proud to hang my accomplishments in my shop. I don't like paying taxes however as a business professional I take my trade seriously.
So when you're looking for a groomer who is in the business for the love of their trade and pets - ask questions, understand who you are taking your dog to and make sure you understand exactly what will happen to your dog while he/she is in someone else's care.
Oh - and before I end my soapbox speech, I would like to add that it typically takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours to do a complete groom on a dog - unless the dog is matted. Crate drying is not always stressful either, a cool dryer on a hyper dog will calm some and allow the groomer to finish the groom without a stressed dog.
Best of luck to everyone on finding a great, qualified groomer for your furkids!

[marcerella02]

do it yourself i just started doing layla and i did her again last night... she looks so cute and it took about an hour (with help from my mom.. cut and bath and blow dry) she was a bit nervous (which makes me even HAPPIER i dont' take her to PetSmart anymore.. i think she got cut a few times there) but she is slowly getting used to it and so am i you can do it!!

[ARCHIE]

I have been grooming Buddy for six months but he needs some professional
care to keep his coat growing in the right direction
Anyhow, I did find, what sounds like the perfect groomer through
a neighbor. She's been in the business for 14yrs and goes by
Auntie Jane. Cute. My neighbor has a mini schnauzer and is a
perfectionist. We have a appt on 05/13 am now I am undeceided
to cut him or let his coat keep coming in and just clean him up.
I guess I"ll talk with Auntie Jane and get some suggestions.
Hope this works out for us.

[Lopsi]

I am very, very lucky to have found possibly the best groomer near me. Well, near my house - it's a little further from the apartment we're temporarily staying in, but she's so good, I don't mind the drive.

She is absolutely in love with dogs. All the dogs. When I bring a dog in, she immediately gets right on them, I often just sit in the car outside and study or read or something. 30 min later (or more depending on what we're doing), she brings me my dog. She does NOT put her in a cage or even so much as put her DOWN exept to potty. If we do leave the premises, like a couple times we went to have lunch while she was grooming... when we come back, if she's finished, she is sitting and ROCKING my dog. She refuses to put her down but babies her the entire time.

She's also a 1 person operation - I don't have to worry about someone who doesn't know about her collapsing trachea putting a noose around her neck or something. And then she sends home a goody bag for all my babies. Like if just Pixie gets groomed, she knows I have 3 right now, she sends home 3 biscuits, 3 bones, etc. And she's CHEAP! It's only $13.81 a week.

Oh, and she does do more than just my dogs. She just doesn't overcrowd them so to lock them up. And like last week, I called and said I wanted to come in on Friday, and she said that my 8:30 slot was taken that particular day, so the earliest she could do was 10:30 or 11. And when I show up, the dog before mine is almost always already done and gone. I showed up early once and she was finishing up one before me.

[Peters]

most vets can do grooming but it may take as long also but they are supposed to cut them 1st then bath dry and brush out as far as i know

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I have been grooming Buddy for six months but he needs some professional
care to keep his coat growing in the right direction
Anyhow, I did find, what sounds like the perfect groomer through
a neighbor. She's been in the business for 14yrs and goes by
Auntie Jane. Cute. My neighbor has a mini schnauzer and is a
perfectionist. We have a appt on 05/13 am now I am undeceided
to cut him or let his coat keep coming in and just clean him up.
I guess I"ll talk with Auntie Jane and get some suggestions.
Hope this works out for us.

The name Auntie Jane for a groomer really has good vibes I bet she can do something with his coat and then you'll only need to to do touchups ...the ears, feet and booty are pretty easy if you have the right tools....

I wish I had an Auntie Jane near me...After 5 different groomers each dissapointing in different ways.... I've done my own for the last 2 years ...but one day would love a professional grooming done - especially on Chanel

[Mardelin]

Your frustrations were mine, I hated dropping my yorkies off at 8 in the morning and not getting a call until 2 to pick them up. I knew they were caged. That's why I studied and began grooming myself. I do small breeds. I don't groom more that 5 a day ( on a busy day). I do work out of my home. Your dog, receives a full massage, ear hair plucked if needed, teeth brushed, shampoo and conditioner (conditioner set with a warm towel wrap and the shampoo used is in accordance with each dog's hair texture), rinsed, puppy is hand dried in my lap. Nails trimmed, foot pads shaved, cut and styled to owner's specification. Pups are taken off the table periodically, for potty breaks. If a yorke or maltese, they get a show bow made by me. I allow 2 hours for each dog....do not double up....

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Lopsi

I am very, very lucky to have found possibly the best groomer near me. Well, near my house - it's a little further from the apartment we're temporarily staying in, but she's so good, I don't mind the drive.

She is absolutely in love with dogs. All the dogs. When I bring a dog in, she immediately gets right on them, I often just sit in the car outside and study or read or something. 30 min later (or more depending on what we're doing), she brings me my dog. She does NOT put her in a cage or even so much as put her DOWN exept to potty. If we do leave the premises, like a couple times we went to have lunch while she was grooming... when we come back, if she's finished, she is sitting and ROCKING my dog. She refuses to put her down but babies her the entire time.

She's also a 1 person operation - I don't have to worry about someone who doesn't know about her collapsing trachea putting a noose around her neck or something. And then she sends home a goody bag for all my babies. Like if just Pixie gets groomed, she knows I have 3 right now, she sends home 3 biscuits, 3 bones, etc. And she's CHEAP! It's only $13.81 a week.

Oh, and she does do more than just my dogs. She just doesn't overcrowd them so to lock them up. And like last week, I called and said I wanted to come in on Friday, and she said that my 8:30 slot was taken that particular day, so the earliest she could do was 10:30 or 11. And when I show up, the dog before mine is almost always already done and gone. I showed up early once and she was finishing up one before me.

Where in Texas do you live. The reason I ask is that I'm moving to CA and my clients are looking for a good groomer to take their puppies too.....

[Yorkieluv]

Lopsi, it sounds like you hit the jackpot with your groomer That's so wonderful! I wish there was someone like that around here. But hubby and I like doing our own grooming as well

Mary, if I lived in Texas, I would definitely be bringing my babies to you. That's the only way I would have someone else groom my dogs.

Carol, I'm so glad that you were able to find a groomer!! I hope she is able to do exactly what you want Buddy's coat is beautiful, so I know it will be a hard decision of whether or not to cut his hair. Good luck!

[JESSY_RN2B]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I have been grooming Buddy for six months but he needs some professional
care to keep his coat growing in the right direction
Anyhow, I did find, what sounds like the perfect groomer through
a neighbor. She's been in the business for 14yrs and goes by
Auntie Jane. Cute. My neighbor has a mini schnauzer and is a
perfectionist. We have a appt on 05/13 am now I am undeceided
to cut him or let his coat keep coming in and just clean him up.
I guess I"ll talk with Auntie Jane and get some suggestions.
Hope this works out for us.

I am SO happy!!!

I have had my share of horror stories with my poor toy poodle. She LOVES to go to the 'beauty salon' and comes out with and ego THIS BIG

Anyhow, I finally found an older lady who owns a poodle and does grooming at her place. She too lives a block away and I can't be happier. My girl looks great and looks forward to go play with her standard poodle friend.