Questions: First Trip to the Groomers - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Cirlonde · 08-04-2009, 04:07 PM

So...I'm going to be taking my four month old puppy, Chloe, to the groomers' for the first time this weekend. I'm a little nervous!!! I've spoken to our vet and she recommended a couple of good places that are strict in their requirements for shot records, but I'm not very well informed about what I should be telling the groomer.

For example, how do I go about explaining how I want Chloe to look? I know that I want a "puppy cut", but does that phrase mean different things to different people? I still want Chloe to keep her gorgeous fur, I just want it a little shorter and cleaned up/evened (but definitely not shaved!). I also want her feet and under her tail trimmed, face/eyes/ears trimmed and cleaned, and her anal glands expressed. I'm not sure how much of this I should be expected to request specifically and how much is considered a part of the "package".

Another thing I'm concerned about is Chloe's little "quirks". Like...her "no" word is a sharp "uh uh" sounds because no and Chlo sound so much a like. She usually responds appropriately to the negative sound, but pretty much ignores the word no. Also, she's got a certain place on the back of her neck that almost puts her to sleep when scratched and I use it often when I need her to be still. Are these things a groomer would like to know, or am I just going to sound like that parent who wants her picture set up in front of the dog the whole time???

Any other advice or comments are appreciated!!!
-C

Nico29 · 08-04-2009, 05:24 PM

She's a cutey. Past experience has taught me TO BE VERY EXPLICIT and REPEAT exactly what you want. Our little man went to the groomer at 5 months and all we asked was for them to "trim" his hair around his eyes...They SHAVED OFF HIS TOP KNOT starting just above his nose. I was in tears. If I understand you correctly, you don't want her cut short just trimmed...cleaned up right? Tell the groomer...not the receptionist...that this is her first grooming and you want a sanitary cut, nails clipped, and then you need to explain how much you want trimmed and where. For example, the corner of her eyes where the hair might poke her....do you want it cut super short or just trimmed? Also, decide what you want to do with her top knot. If you want to put it up...tell her not to touch the top knot. If you want to lose the top knot and do a visor thing be very specific. Personally, I wouldn't suggest saying, "Puppy Cut" because that means different things to different people. Some people consider it almost shaved. Show the groomer how how much hair on her body you want cut. I'm sorry this is so long but we have been very upset by two different groomers. One last thing.....how do you know she needs her anal glands expressed? Is she scooting on the floor? I honestly don't know about that one but it might be a little intense for her on her first groom. These are just my opinions....I wish someone had told me what to look out for because it would have saved some bad haircuts on my baby. I tell my groomer "less is more" in regards to the amount of hair cut because you can always cut it more but it takes a decent amount of time to grow it back. Good luck to you.

Nico29 · 08-04-2009, 05:39 PM

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...need-vent.html

I was thinking that you might want to read this post. I am not suggesting you groom him yourself. I wouldn't attempt it myself, but many people do. The name of the post is, "I'm so upset and need to vent".

Cirlonde · 08-04-2009, 06:41 PM

Thanks so much, Nico! I'd rather have length and know what I'm getting into than be disappointed later!!

I have used one of the groomers that our vet recommended before on my last dog (a poodle) but I wasn't as concerned with how he looked...just wanted easy upkeep. To be honest...they'd probably have had to shave him bald before I'd have been upset. It was pretty much just the same length all over. I'm hoping the groomer will ask all the right questions to help me out!

As for grooming Chloe myself...I'd probably cut an ear off or something! She holds pretty still for brushing, but if she shakes or jerks, I'm not going to be damaging her with a small brush like I could with scissors. For a top knot...I'm just not sure. I'd like to be able to put a small bow in her hair from time to time, but it doesn't necessarily need to be a knot if that makes sense. I can usually get one to stay in now with her length, as long as I keep it small.

Regarding the glands, she was scooting quite a bit yesterday and the last time she did so (a little over a month ago) we took her to the vet and they did a worm test on her but she was clean. Vet said it was her glands and they fixed them, no more scooting. Sooooo...I just made the assumption that it must be the same problem again. How often do the glands need to be expressed? My poodle only had the problem once, so I figured his groomer must have been handling it behind the scenes.

Thanks again for your help!! I'm such a nervous mom.

-C

Patti · 08-04-2009, 07:21 PM

Can you stay while they groom her? If not just make sure you are specific and I would write it down for them. Definitley tell them any quirks she may have. For instance my Cali is a leeper and will try and jump out of your arms. I always tell the vets, techs and anyone who will be holding her. Also make sure you tell them you DO NOT want her shaved just even the coat out. Good luck.

Nico29 · 08-05-2009, 04:16 AM

I think most of us Yorkie moms are nervous especially after all the bad stories we've heard. Like the poster above me noted, I would speak directly to the groomer and write it down. Being an "annoying" customer (which I sometimes feel like I am) is better than being upset at a haircut you're unhappy with. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of her. Ask if you can stay being that it is her first time.

TeresaM · 08-05-2009, 03:44 PM

Taking a picture(s) with you to show the groomer what you want is always a good idea. If you can, do a lot of surfing looking for pictures. Even if its several different pics, one that shows the head, one for the legs, one for the body of the way you want her cut it'll help to avoid a lot of mis-communications.

AprilLove · 08-05-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeresaM

Taking a picture(s) with you to show the groomer what you want is always a good idea. If you can, do a lot of surfing looking for pictures. Even if its several different pics, one that shows the head, one for the legs, one for the body of the way you want her cut it'll help to avoid a lot of mis-communications.

This is a great idea I was just going to suggest, lol.
You could also start a new thread asking for pictures of 4-6 month old Yorkies with their first cut, and get an idea on what to show the groomer.

bailie · 08-08-2009, 11:14 AM

hi, having a proper first groom is to much for ur furbaby, the first groom should consist of; getting to no and trust the surroundings and all the scary noises, a lot of attention from the groomer , then the bath, dry, and scissor round feet. sanitary areas eyes ears. and nails. as long as the coat is not matted. first groom is very important , not to make it a scary experience for the little one.

Cirlonde · 08-09-2009, 09:36 AM

Well, we're back and we both survived mostly in tact!! The groomer was excellent and very patient with us both.

Chloe really didn't seem to have any trouble (though she is sleeping it off at the moment!) and it didn't take as long as I thought it might. The groomer also said that Chloe was well behaved, especially while they did her feet! To see pics, you can view Chloe's album at Picasa Web Albums - Chelsey - Chloe's First....
-C

bailie · 08-09-2009, 10:13 AM

she is gorgeous, thats great she was calm, not all puppies are.

Nico29 · 08-09-2009, 11:28 AM

Chloe looks beautiful! I'm so happy things went well for you and your baby. What a sweet little girl.

08-04-2009, 04:07 PM	#1
Cirlonde YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Norman, Oklahoma, United States Posts: 402	Questions: First Trip to the Groomers So...I'm going to be taking my four month old puppy, Chloe, to the groomers' for the first time this weekend. I'm a little nervous!!! I've spoken to our vet and she recommended a couple of good places that are strict in their requirements for shot records, but I'm not very well informed about what I should be telling the groomer. For example, how do I go about explaining how I want Chloe to look? I know that I want a "puppy cut", but does that phrase mean different things to different people? I still want Chloe to keep her gorgeous fur, I just want it a little shorter and cleaned up/evened (but definitely not shaved!). I also want her feet and under her tail trimmed, face/eyes/ears trimmed and cleaned, and her anal glands expressed. I'm not sure how much of this I should be expected to request specifically and how much is considered a part of the "package". Another thing I'm concerned about is Chloe's little "quirks". Like...her "no" word is a sharp "uh uh" sounds because no and Chlo sound so much a like. She usually responds appropriately to the negative sound, but pretty much ignores the word no. Also, she's got a certain place on the back of her neck that almost puts her to sleep when scratched and I use it often when I need her to be still. Are these things a groomer would like to know, or am I just going to sound like that parent who wants her picture set up in front of the dog the whole time??? Any other advice or comments are appreciated!!! -C

08-04-2009, 07:21 PM	#5
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Can you stay while they groom her? If not just make sure you are specific and I would write it down for them. Definitley tell them any quirks she may have. For instance my Cali is a leeper and will try and jump out of your arms. I always tell the vets, techs and anyone who will be holding her. Also make sure you tell them you DO NOT want her shaved just even the coat out. Good luck. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

08-05-2009, 03:44 PM	#7
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	Taking a picture(s) with you to show the groomer what you want is always a good idea. If you can, do a lot of surfing looking for pictures. Even if its several different pics, one that shows the head, one for the legs, one for the body of the way you want her cut it'll help to avoid a lot of mis-communications. __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

08-09-2009, 09:36 AM	#10
Cirlonde YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Norman, Oklahoma, United States Posts: 402	Well, we're back and we both survived mostly in tact!! The groomer was excellent and very patient with us both. Chloe really didn't seem to have any trouble (though she is sleeping it off at the moment!) and it didn't take as long as I thought it might. The groomer also said that Chloe was well behaved, especially while they did her feet! To see pics, you can view Chloe's album at Picasa Web Albums - Chelsey - Chloe's First.... -C __________________ (`•.¸Proud Momma of Chloe Belle and Karli Sue¸.•´) ~.•* Jersey's Four Leaf Clovers *•.~

08-04-2009, 05:24 PM	#2
Nico29 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 734	She's a cutey. Past experience has taught me TO BE VERY EXPLICIT and REPEAT exactly what you want. Our little man went to the groomer at 5 months and all we asked was for them to "trim" his hair around his eyes...They SHAVED OFF HIS TOP KNOT starting just above his nose. I was in tears. If I understand you correctly, you don't want her cut short just trimmed...cleaned up right? Tell the groomer...not the receptionist...that this is her first grooming and you want a sanitary cut, nails clipped, and then you need to explain how much you want trimmed and where. For example, the corner of her eyes where the hair might poke her....do you want it cut super short or just trimmed? Also, decide what you want to do with her top knot. If you want to put it up...tell her not to touch the top knot. If you want to lose the top knot and do a visor thing be very specific. Personally, I wouldn't suggest saying, "Puppy Cut" because that means different things to different people. Some people consider it almost shaved. Show the groomer how how much hair on her body you want cut. I'm sorry this is so long but we have been very upset by two different groomers. One last thing.....how do you know she needs her anal glands expressed? Is she scooting on the floor? I honestly don't know about that one but it might be a little intense for her on her first groom. These are just my opinions....I wish someone had told me what to look out for because it would have saved some bad haircuts on my baby. I tell my groomer "less is more" in regards to the amount of hair cut because you can always cut it more but it takes a decent amount of time to grow it back. Good luck to you.

08-04-2009, 05:39 PM	#3
Nico29 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 734	http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...need-vent.html I was thinking that you might want to read this post. I am not suggesting you groom him yourself. I wouldn't attempt it myself, but many people do. The name of the post is, "I'm so upset and need to vent".

08-04-2009, 06:41 PM	#4
Cirlonde YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Norman, Oklahoma, United States Posts: 402	Thanks so much, Nico! I'd rather have length and know what I'm getting into than be disappointed later!! I have used one of the groomers that our vet recommended before on my last dog (a poodle) but I wasn't as concerned with how he looked...just wanted easy upkeep. To be honest...they'd probably have had to shave him bald before I'd have been upset. It was pretty much just the same length all over. I'm hoping the groomer will ask all the right questions to help me out! As for grooming Chloe myself...I'd probably cut an ear off or something! She holds pretty still for brushing, but if she shakes or jerks, I'm not going to be damaging her with a small brush like I could with scissors. For a top knot...I'm just not sure. I'd like to be able to put a small bow in her hair from time to time, but it doesn't necessarily need to be a knot if that makes sense. I can usually get one to stay in now with her length, as long as I keep it small. Regarding the glands, she was scooting quite a bit yesterday and the last time she did so (a little over a month ago) we took her to the vet and they did a worm test on her but she was clean. Vet said it was her glands and they fixed them, no more scooting. Sooooo...I just made the assumption that it must be the same problem again. How often do the glands need to be expressed? My poodle only had the problem once, so I figured his groomer must have been handling it behind the scenes. Thanks again for your help!! I'm such a nervous mom. -C

08-05-2009, 04:16 AM	#6
Nico29 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 734	I think most of us Yorkie moms are nervous especially after all the bad stories we've heard. Like the poster above me noted, I would speak directly to the groomer and write it down. Being an "annoying" customer (which I sometimes feel like I am) is better than being upset at a haircut you're unhappy with. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of her. Ask if you can stay being that it is her first time.

08-08-2009, 11:14 AM	#9
bailie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: northern ireland Posts: 947	hi, having a proper first groom is to much for ur furbaby, the first groom should consist of; getting to no and trust the surroundings and all the scary noises, a lot of attention from the groomer , then the bath, dry, and scissor round feet. sanitary areas eyes ears. and nails. as long as the coat is not matted. first groom is very important , not to make it a scary experience for the little one.

08-09-2009, 10:13 AM	#11
bailie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: northern ireland Posts: 947	she is gorgeous, thats great she was calm, not all puppies are.

08-09-2009, 11:28 AM	#12
Nico29 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 734	Chloe looks beautiful! I'm so happy things went well for you and your baby. What a sweet little girl.