The first thing I would warn you about is that most groomers out there are not what you would think they are. In most states there is no official training to be a groomer. Places like PetSmart train the people they hire off the street to be groomers. Many people start businesses as "groomers" without any real experience at being one. Investigate and get references if possible before taking your pup to a groomer. I'm not saying there are no good ones out there because there are. It's just that there are more bad ones than good.
I think the lady you talked to was saying that having the puppy coat length would help to keep the adult coat straight as it grows in because of the weight the puppy coat would add on the ends. It doesn't change the texture or type of hair your dog has it just helps it go grow in without so much wave in it as the coat changes from puppy to adult. Many other groomers would tell you to cut the whole puppy coat off and let the adult coat grow in. I'd guess that the one that recommended letting it stay long has had a bit of experience though I can't say what kind.
If you want to keep your pup's coat long then don't take it to a big box store or pet store because most of those are accustomed to just bathing and shaving the dogs. Many people don't groom their dogs daily and just take it to a groomer now and then to have it given a bath and shaved down again. I guess that adds to the "groomers" lack of experience.
I have had many long haired dogs over the years and have found some of the best groomers have learned from show dog people. They have to learn how to use the scissors and they learn how to do a lot of different cuts. Not all of these groomers are perfect but if they are successful then they know their stuff. Still get references and visit the place and watch how they work.
Gracie went to the groomer when she was around 5 months old the first time. I tried a new groomer and it went well the first time but the second time was a disaster because the woman let someone else do her. I won't go into it but I was steamed for months after.
Thankfully we now have an excellent groomer. She has shown Shih Tzu's for many years and is great with the dogs. I do Gracie's touch up grooming at home. Things like ears, butt, feet, etc. Then she goes for major work about every 3 to 4 months at the groomer. I have noticed that a lot of people here on YT do their own grooming due to bad experiences with a groomer. |