VENTING about GROOMING!!

[bijoux1]

First of all, THANK YOU all sooooooo much for all of your responses!!!! I'm sorry I haven't been back on here earlier today, but I have been under the weather today. I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's feedback!!! Everyone has had good points!!

I also can't tell you how much better it makes me feel to have responses that you understand, bc I was just sooo upset! My boyfriend thinks they are hideous, but he doesn't see the big deal of why I'm so upset bc they are "just dogs." So, thank you for listening and responding bc it MAJORLY helps to have others who understand and also have small dogs that require grooming. So thank you all!! Believe me, that I know this isn't the end of the world!! Their looks had initially upset me, and I was just disappointed. But what did me in the most was when I realized their allergies had been set off, bc their skin issues are honestly severe!! I have spent this entire year with my boy on strict strict diet etc. and anyone whose babies have allergies know that it is such a back and forth battle of trial and error until all figured out.

Tonight they are on allergy meds that I have ended up having no choice but to proceed with, and I bathed them again tonight with their special medicated shampoo from the vet.

Like someone else also suggested, I too bathe and comb out their coats with a metal comb the night before taking them. They had already told me that they still prefer to wash them there so in this instance, I washed them 2 days before, but I still combed them that night and again that morning to make sure there weren't any fresh little places from sleeping so that there weren't any issues for them at the groomers..and so that it wouldn't take the groomer's time to be doing. I omitted some of the details bc I had already literally written a novel and I felt bad that the post was so long!!

I also agree with the suggestion to have said something there regarding their cut, and I left some details out for purposes of the length of the post, but I actually did say something regarding their cut when I picked them up... I just didn't bring it up with the owner bc I thought them not following the cards health section was far more crucial. The girl who groomed them who I met with for quite some time was there when I picked them back up, and she asked what I thought. She asked if this was long enough, and she asked if I liked their legs better but down bc she just decided that it looked messier the other way I wanted once she started grooming. I politely told her that no, it was DEFINITELY not enough fluff, and I told her that I did NOT like their legs this was AT ALL bc it just doesn't look good at all like that on my tiny one. She said ok and that she would mark it for next time. I told here that I was confused bc even though I had this all done prior to explain it, she had gone and gotten poodles cut this way and brought out to show me the way she thought was better, and I still told her I just didn't want this and yet this is what they were cut like. The owner wasn't there, and she said all she could do was make a note. I had made a pre-printed list I brought that day just to make sure there were no misunderstandings..and so that they wouldn't have to spend alot of time with me in a consult that morning while they were busy. They still preferred I write it on the card, and so I did. So, I did all of this and still wrong so I honestly just don't know. I also emailed the photos ahead of time in addition to bringing photos bc I know everyone's idea of fluffy is NOT the same.

I didn't make a huge fuss over it, but I did tell her I didn't like it and this wasn't what we discussed. But, I also didn't see the point to keep on at that point bc once their coat is shaved off, it's gone. I should add that I did not at that point even realize that they had covered them in cologne bc I have a sinus infection and can't smell a thing. However, that night when they continued to scratch I noticed something was wrong, and when my boyfriend came in, he immediately noticed the cologne bc he hated it and said my entire couch they were on smelled like it. I also didn't notice until I bathed them that the insides of both of their ears were cut. I thought that since the worker made a note when I picked them up, that the owner would at least call me, ....when she didn't that morning, I called. Whereas, the other is a mistake on their looks, this affected their health, and I honestly thought she as an owner should know bc I certainly would want to. But, I do agree that it's not ok to say absolutely nothing and then call back.

Thankfully, another groomer is going to take them this morning to at least shape their head a little and even them out as much as possible without cutting them down even more. Also, at least the outfits will cover the uneven and now literally bald spots on my little girl with the thinner coat. Thank you all for your kind words, and I don't know why it helps so much to have others that understand..but IT REALLY DOES so again THANKYOU!!!!

[bijoux1]

I left out that I saw that someone mentioned being worried about leaving their tiny one for grooming... As others also said, I definitely wouldn't leave them all day! I bring my two in together... and on this day I brought them in later bc they were busy and wouldn't get to them until later. And bringing your two together is a good idea so that they have a little buddy there for support if they get a little nervous I bring mine in together, and I request to please keep them in a kennel together. But, I also might try to start doing the grooming myself..... It just seems hard to shape their faces correctly or do the bell bottom legs that they were sporting prior to yesterday at least... but fact is, I might not do great, but I definitely couldn't do any worse than this current cut for sure lol

[gontygirl]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

I'm not meaning to attack you, so please don't perceive my response as such

It seems on almost all threads I read about grooming problems, that people pick up their dogs with cuts other than they requested, pay for the grooming, go home, think about it and then call to complain.

Why didn't you say something as soon as you saw your dogs? Why did you not speak to the owner right there & then?

I can kinda see from a business owners perspective why complaints at the time are given alot more credence that those they receive after the fact.

As much as I'd like to agree with you...and I do in many respects, I need to add that I have a sister that when she gets upset over a situation such as this she needs time to formulate a reaction and a solution. She would be one of those people that would be so upset...but in the moment her brain is shocked and all she wants to do is LEAVE with her babies in hand. I agree that IN THE MOMENT questions need to be asked, statements need to be said...monies need NOT be exchanged. I get it. I just know that we humans do not all react the same way. "Why didn't she say anything if something was wrong?". If we humans could all just do the right thing and have courtesy and understanding of human differences...it wouldn't the hell matter WHEN the woman complained about her dogs. The facts are: SHE COMPLAINED. If you owned a business it wouldn't survive if you didn't take good care of your clients whenever they needed tending to. CUSTOMER IS KING. Period.

[bobohyde]

I have heard so many people around here complain about groomers, but the favorites seem to be the mobile groomers that travel to your place in a van with all the grooming and bathing equipment. The problem is there are only one or two and they are very popular, so I've heard it's hard to get in with them. You might look for someone like that. Columbo hates grooming, so I have always done him myself. It gets easier, and you always get the haircut you intended!! I just bought a small lazy susan type tabletop grooming table that I love (after years of doing it on the kitchen floor). I posted a pic of it on another thread, but can post again if anyone wants.

[gontygirl]

Can't I just trim him up on top of a counter? I'm not actually saying that I'd make such a commitment....but why a table top for grooming? In any case, how does one learn how to give a proper yorkie hair cut anyhow?? Can I youtube that? Isn't it still ok to take him with my shih tsu mix so they have one another? I don't even mind if the groomer sticks them both into a crate together...so long as they're together. I noticed my Boo is pretty bad socially. He seems insecure so I don't wanna risk him getting hurt at the groomers while waiting his turn for a haircut...or post cut. This socializing issue has to be dealt with FOR SURE...next on my list of "to-do" with this boy. I really want him to have peace and harmony within...TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING...lol

[pinkpatty]

Exactly why I use a Mobile Groomer in both Michigan and Florida for Keno, no surprises.

[gracielove]

There are many who have bad experiences with groomers. There is no requirement to be a groomer. Anyone can pick up some clippers and call their self a groomer. Sadly, many pet owners only bring their pets in when it gets so bad that they have to have the animal shaved down and that is what many groomers have grown accustomed to doing. It does not take any skill or time to shave a dog down. It does take skill and talent to cut and trim a dog to look a particular way.

I would look for another groomer. You are paying for a service that these people are not providing for you. There are some good groomers out there but I can tell you they are in the minority. Most of the chain stores have seriously unskilled and under trained people working on the animals so that is always a gamble. There are many people opening "grooming salons" to take advantage of the current trend for small dogs. Be careful, ask many questions, and ask if you can stay and watch the first time. Get good references and not just from pet owners who want a bathe and shave deal.

I understand how you feel. When Gracie was young I was growing out her topknot. I specifically told the groomer not to touch it. I also asked her to do other specific things to her coat. When I picked her up she had not done the things I asked for (like even out her length and around her face) but had cut her topknot! The groomer was not there when I picked Gracie up. Needless to say we never went back there again.

[Lolli_lah]

Honestly I just think it takes time and trial-and-error to find a groomer that "fits" you and your dogs' needs. I know it's really not easy to find one, everyone has an idea of what is right or wrong and what looks good and does not. The fact of the matter is, whatever groomer it is needs to be able to have that mind-frame of thinking that the customer is always right. This is not always a TRUE fact, but the issue is that it's your dog, your wallet, so they need to do what you want. This is not a careless act although I can see how some naive and socially inexperienced with other dog owners groomer might relate that but it's not. It's just a hair cut, so them doing what you want is priority #2. The priority #1 is to be sure you take into VERY CAREFUL consideration any allergies the dog may have to any products or treats. Because some facilities do give a dog treat.

Someone previously mentioned dogs sometimes seem like they are given a drug to calm them and they sleep all day. I noticed this too but since my Lolli has done this with 2 different groomers I just think that she is TIRED. She stresses out and gets the shakes when I give her a bath so I can only imagine the stress she is under being at a weird place she rarely goes to and given a bath and strung on a table where she cannot go anywhere and weird buzzing things cutting off her hair and scissors in her face and smells, etc. It's very hard on them! This may be stressing your dogs out to the point of them being sick (vomiting). I don't think they are being drugged!

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by gontygirl

Can't I just trim him up on top of a counter? I'm not actually saying that I'd make such a commitment....but why a table top for grooming? In any case, how does one learn how to give a proper yorkie hair cut anyhow?? Can I youtube that? Isn't it still ok to take him with my shih tsu mix so they have one another? I don't even mind if the groomer sticks them both into a crate together...so long as they're together. I noticed my Boo is pretty bad socially. He seems insecure so I don't wanna risk him getting hurt at the groomers while waiting his turn for a haircut...or post cut. This socializing issue has to be dealt with FOR SURE...next on my list of "to-do" with this boy. I really want him to have peace and harmony within...TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING...lol

I have a little table top grooming stand that I use. It does make things easier when I am alone doing the grooming. You certainly can fold up a big towel and put it on a table to groom. It's good to have something under the feet to make them feel secure and not like they are going to slip around. When Gracie was a puppy I did it with her on my lap. I still blow dry her on my lap.
It is best to get him accustomed to being groomed at home before going to a groomer. If he is going to fight it there is a risk of injury at a groomer's.
Yorkies are a feisty breed but they are very trainable if you know how to deal with the personality. Since yours was never taught anything before you got him he has some leaning to do. I don't know his breeding background but poor breeding can increase some behavioral issues in any breed. Since he seems insecure you might just want to expose him a little at a time to the outside world.
I won't take my dog to just any groomer. There are a lot of bad ones out there. Shop around. There are usually several in every community.

[bobohyde]

Originally Posted by gontygirl

Can't I just trim him up on top of a counter? I'm not actually saying that I'd make such a commitment....but why a table top for grooming? In any case, how does one learn how to give a proper yorkie hair cut anyhow?? Can I youtube that? Isn't it still ok to take him with my shih tsu mix so they have one another? I don't even mind if the groomer sticks them both into a crate together...so long as they're together. I noticed my Boo is pretty bad socially. He seems insecure so I don't wanna risk him getting hurt at the groomers while waiting his turn for a haircut...or post cut. This socializing issue has to be dealt with FOR SURE...next on my list of "to-do" with this boy. I really want him to have peace and harmony within...TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING...lol

The reason I got the table top grooming table was because my back was killing me doing it on the floor. Also, Columbo will struggle when he's had enough, which makes it quite an ordeal. Having the table arm to attach him to allows me to use both hands instead of using one to hold onto him. I don't trust him because he'd wait for the right moment to try to get away and jump off and hurt himself. So far with the table, he's behaved himself and since its a lazy susan, I can move him around without actually moving him. For the first time, I've given him longer hair on his head and been able to make it symmetrical. If you have a dog that likes to be groomed and will behave, you could probably do it on a towel on the table. Just be sure he doesn't try to jump off. He'd really get hurt.

[bijoux1]

I have now talked to alot of you on here that do groom your dogs yourself, and it is something that I am considering doing. I am just NOT at all good at cutting hair. But, thanks for all the info on the tables, etc. I have looked at some online, and I just haven't taken the plunge bc I can't imagine me being able to cut their hair without them looking like they do now or even worse LOL. But, even though I for sure couldn't master the little cut I was wanting, I am sure that I could do enough myself to maintain them while they grow out. So, again thanks for the info from everyone. I do agree that every groomer is by far NOT equal!! Eventually I will find someone here that will be good for when they do need to go in every so often.... I am just sure ready to find them... but I really think that I am going to attempt to start doing alot of it myself. Thanks much and Have a great night!!!

[gracielove]

I'm glad you are going to another groomer. I hope this one is much better than the one you just went to. After what you have been through I can't imagine ever going back to that place again. As I mentioned before there are a lot of really bad groomers out there.
I think it is fairly easy to groom a Yorkie but Poodles are a whole different type of coat to deal with. I had one years ago and we always took him to the groomer for his haircuts but we did bathe him between groomer visits. It is much harder to try to cut a poodle and get it right. Hope you find someone who you can trust.

[Zoejane]

I too am one of the lucky ones that found a perfect groomer on the first try. She actually lets me stay with my baby the whole time, in fact I usually hold her on the table while she is doing the trim. It is perfect.