[redvalaria]

Do you brush him frequently?

I ask because if you don't start the habbits at home, how can you expect them to do them in stressful situations, like a noisy, crowded groomers (and Petco and Petsmart are about as noisy and crowded as it gets).

If you are brushing him a little every day, he shouldn't really mat up all that much and he will be used to the attention and feeling so its not so foreign to him.

You may also want to find a profesional groomer in a private shop where there can be more time and attention paid to your dog.