Many of the bigger grooming places just stuff your pup in a cage for the day. I don't want my baby fit in.
I don't like sitting waiting for them to do my hair and I sure don't want Gracie sitting in a cage terrified for the day. I suppose if you know the people and you know your dogs are being well treated and not stuck in a kennel all day it would be another thing.
There is just too much of an opportunity for something to go wrong in a big grooming salon. Dog's being left in cages with the blow dryer on is one of the things that really bothers me. Nobody's is cheking the temp of that drier or watching the time while that poor pup is being held captive. If they are too busy to blow my dog's coat out they are too busy for me.
The salon I use now is about four blocks from where I live and it is a very "exclusive" type of place. They don't take problem dogs and they won't do dogs that come in for a once a year shave down. I was nervous about calling them because I was afraid we might not be "accepted." The two that run it are experienced professionals that also do dog shows on weekends. I stayed with Gracie the first two times she went there but the last time I went home and got some other things done. She is comfortable there now. I sit there with her until they are ready for her and then they call me when she is done. Usually does not take much more than an hour. It's more expensive than the place I used to take her to but I know she is going to look like I want her to when she comes out and I know she is safe as well. |