Something similar happened when I took Ralphie to get his nails trimmed and his paws and ears trimmed. I stayed to watch the whole time since it wasn't going to take so long.First, I noticed they took Ralphie to the back to trim his nails, and when they brought him back...he look traumatized....big eyed and his tongue was sticking out...like he was stressed
The lady that was going to trim his paws and ears was working with another dog at the moment...and she kept yelling at her. While I was there...someone came in with their dog to get his nails grinded and ears cleaned. The dog was happy and looked excited to see groomer. But as soon as she left...they put him on the table and started grinding his nails...and he cried and yelped like he was in pain. He squirmed so much that he fell off the table he was standing on, leaving him to hang by his neck for maybe 7 seconds. The technician hadn't even noticed he was off the table. I couldn't help but think how sad it was that the owner would have no clue that her dog was mistreated. It was kind of hard to watch. I just think it's hard to trust groomers. You don't KNOW what goes on when you leave ....not that this happens at every groomer....but how would would we even know? I think I like the idea of staying and watching.
And I don't think by walking in and seeing how they treat the dogs means you can trust them. When people came in to the Petsmart one...they were so sweet to the dogs....but when the owner wasn't around...they were kind of rough with them. not as loving from when the owner was there.