We just shaved the body of our 4 month old puppy, Perseus. My husband and I did it ourselves. He had severe gnarls in his very thick, cottony puppy hair. He now feels like silk. We tried getting the gnarls out, but it was too painful for our baby. We tried conditioner, spray detangler -- you name, we tried it. No luck at all. Of course, it is so hot and humid where I live that we will keep both of our babies short on the body year round (we just wanted to wait a little longer to cut his). My Zeus wears a shirt in the winter (which is not too cold here). We keep their head and legs longer in a teddy bear cut. If you're interested in a picture of him, there is one in the picture forum titled "Perseus Had to Get a Haircut." Good luck.
By the way, I don't think it is the groomers' fault. I think that is how they see it as the least painful way to take care of it. If they tried to get the gnarls out and your dog was injured or had spots on the skin, they could get into trouble with you. |