I think my dogs do much better at home where they are comfortable. My little one is super squirmy though and he does not like to sit still while getting his hair cut. He has gotten better, but it's just been with practice. I took him to the groomer once to get his toenails trimmed and the only thing they did that I didn't do was man handle my dog. I could have done that myself to get the job done, but I didn't want to hurt him...hence me taking him to them. I asked to hold him for them but they said they aren't allowed to do that. Needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper and didn't return.
Groomers still deal with wiggly dogs...they are just used to it and they know how to hold the pup and work around it.
If you are going to start grooming your dog at home, you probably need to make the grooming process a daily ritual and practice with the scissors and clippers until you desensitize your dog...even if you don't cut the dogs hair....pretend like you are to get your pup used to it. You could also do a little bit of grooming at a time. With my squirmy guy, I will cut his ears one time...his front feet the next...and his back feet the next...and then the next time his potty patch etc etc. This keeps the grooming time shorter and less stressful, yet I can still keep him looking good.
At 10, you may not be able to get your pup to like being groomed, but maybe you can get them to tolerate it. I am wondering, if perhaps your dog had a bad experience with a groomer. I would think, that after 10 years, a yorkie would be used to being groomed. My 10 yr old is so used to it that he lays right down on the table and sits in the sink without trying to jump out. The 2 year old is even getting used to it, after getting weekly baths for the past 6 months.
Hopefully, your pup will be calmer at home and it will be a less stressful and it will be less costly. |