If a groomer will not do exactly what you request....go to one that will! I used to take my Shih Tzu to a groomer just to have his nails done and it was fine. When Gracie came along I took her there for her first visit and all went well. Not much needed to be done. The next time I took her there I told them not to touch her topknot and I even brought the bow I wanted put in her hair. When I returned for her they had hacked her topknot to just about nothing and then tried to squeeze what was left into the bow. I was furious. You must be aware by now how tedious it is to grow out a pup's topknot to the point where hair is not sticking out all over.

If a groomer can not or will not do what you ask then they are probably not very accomplished at what they are doing. There are no regulations concerning dog grooming. Anyone can pick up a set of clippers and call their self a groomer. Most of the chain stores take people off the streets and "train" them to be groomers. it takes no skill to shave the hair off a dog with electric clippers but that is what most groomers are qualified to do. Personally, I have greater expectations than a shave down for my little girl.

Sadly, many pet owners only take their dog to a groomer when the animal has gotten so bad it must be shaved so I assume that is what groomers get accustomed to doing.

:D
:yeahthat:

Why NOT try it yourself? How much worse could it be, and at least the topknot will be able to grow out.

When I just try to use scissors she will not sit and let me do it. She moves and try to run and get under something. I am scared to use clippers because Im afraid that she will move and I will cut her.

Do you comb her daily so she is used to letting you groom her? She should not be afraid of grooming. You need to teach her that it is an enjoyable experience and not a punishment. Try doing just a little bit at a time at first.

She loves for me to comb her and put her top knot up. I will try doing a little at a time and see how it goes.