[navillusc]

I have taken Brody twice, and Mia once to a groomer for 'mini trims' which include sanitary, paws, ear tips and simple trimming on face and body...no shaving or major cutting...and a topknot and bow. But, Brody had been to groomer at Petsmart with his previous owner on the day I got him at 14 months old, and I was unhappy with how he had been trimmed, so before I took Brody the first time, I had been in 'my' chosen grooming salon several times, talked to the groomer, bought some products from her, watched her with other dogs, and saw other dogs had happy reactions to being there, even one dog that hated to get his nails trimmed at home was very calm with the groomer.

I do all grooming at home now except for nail clips, but I grew out their hair immediately. I, too, didn't know what to ask for but wanted the traditional Yorkie look. I looked at lots of photos and the groomer looked up pictures online when I got there, finding the same one I found and liked. She did an excellent job and we loved her, but that groomer is gone now, but we are happy with the new groomer, too. Again, we have been there many times, have purchased products, talked to them, watched them handle the dogs and cats, and have seen that they are comfortable at the grooming salon.

I think it is important that you are confident with not just the clipping skill of the groomer but also with the skill with which they handle the dogs and the dogs' reaction to the groomer and just being in the salon. Mine were thrilled to be there at the first groomer, and are very comfortable at the second grooming salon as well, even though I am sure they didn't like the butt trims, etc. when they were much younger. LOL

If you decide to do sanitary, ear and paw trims at home, you will find lots of how-to's and it isn't difficult at all. Plus, you can do it a little at a time so your Yorkie gets used to being handled. Mine just lie on their backs in my lap while I trim hair out of paw pads...they get chest petties and belly rubs, too. LOL