I'm sorry! We took Loki to a terrible groomer a couple times. I found a much better one and learned to do some stuff myself too. Now when I take them I always do their nails the day before so that they don't have to get so stressed out by that at the groomer. I'd rather they hate me than the groomer!! Then they behave for her. She cuddles them and doesn't push them too far (sometimes their hair isn't perfect, but she will NOT hold them down just to get a stray hair - that is why I have good scissors and have learned how to do little touchups) She lets me stay if I want, both to help comfort the dogs and to watch and learn. I know how to trim around pads, pluck ear hair, trim ears, use clippers, etc. because I've seen it 10 times now. We go back because she does a far better job than me
but also because they love her.
Loki used to shake when I picked him up from the old groomer too. Now he runs up to our groomers door and waits for his hug and treat.
She calls Loki her little show dog because he is so good at getting groomed. He is way better for her than for me, and he was not always good. She knows his limits and he respects that. Sammy is a wiggle worm so I always stay to hold her. It takes two of us to groom her. I can't imagine what she would do if I just dropped her off. Anyway, I hope you find someone as wonderful as we have. Ask around - it's easy to spot the dogs in the neighborhood that go to the groomer!!