msminnamouse

That's it? That's not bad at all. Why aren't you located near me?!

I was doing more groomer shopping today (calling around) and one of the things I was concerned about was how my dogs might be treated. I was told that the dog "needs to be shown who's boss" and that "yelling at dogs is like dogs barking at each other" (so apparently, it's okay), and more of that kind of stuff. Sigh.

I understand and respect that a dog has to be kept still for their own safety and also the groomer's safety. In fact, I insist that any dog on a table needs to be in a loop and have a hand on them at all times (so they don't jump or fall off and get injured or even killed). I understand that you have to be firm to keep them still and in position. But that's different from bullying and manhanding. I took the time to counter condition and desensitize my dogs to being groomed and I don't want to make a stressful situation (they're never going to be fans of it) even worse for them.

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Lou

I loved it when i started using a FIRM/KINDA LOUD : "AH-AH!", it works for us....

I say that, sometimes when she is about to do something wrong, like put her mouth on my shoe (not chewing yet) it gets her attention! she immediately looks at me, and sometimes i say a "NO!" right after to make sure she gets it.
:-)

it works :-) but, i have to stay consistent, and say it e-v-e-r-y time she puts her mouth or nose on the shoe. or ya know... anything I dont want her to do....

good thing I obsess on things... hahahhahaha "ocd"

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[IMG] Lou poser gorgeous girl 8mo by Louthespoo, on Flickr[/IMG] Universal Love...

brownlikewoah

Yeah, unfortunately there are good and bad people in every profession. I wish I could say there weren't any shops in my town I wouldn't want to leave my own dogs at, but sadly that's not the case. When looking for a groomer I would try the findagroomer page, call around and see who does grooming competitions. That's a good sign that the people are passionate about what they do. See how long the groomers have been grooming. You can ask if they have any certification (not needed in the industry). Go to the shops first without your dog and see what the place is like, dust everywhere? Hair everywhere? Dogs completely freaked out?

Lou

I went to a place a block from my place... i heard dogs yelping like crazy, never heard a dog cry like that.... sounded like their were being beat up (im sure they werent but..) anywas... i brought a flyer from this place home.. Lou (my poodle) sniffed it and toof off away from it, with her tail in between her legs.. SHE HATED THE FLYER... it was the freakiest thing! Like she was scared ... ive had other papers/flyers near her she never cared.... I think she could sense something - i looked the place up online, and the reviews said bad things, one lady said she saw a groomer slap a dog in the face!!! :-o its a block from me...and its a vet hospital as well... i will never take my dog to be groomed there, but if we have a life threatening situation I guess I'd take her there to save her life... but...

cindyreef

Im in the same situation...looking for a first groomer until I can do it myself might be a while before I learn but I know where not to go.....At our biggest animal hospital here, they have a grooming business in the same building. I realize some dogs can be yappy, but there are ways to calm them down. I was bringing my dog in for shots at the vet when I heard the grooming "lady" upstairs screaming very loud "SHUT UP, GOD JUST SHUT THE ----- UP".
Imagine how this would affect the dog she was working on? She wont get her hands on my baby thats for sure..

msminnamouse

A dog getting slapped in the face at a grooming shop isn't the worst I've seen or heard of, unfortunately.

If you can find a groomer that you can trust and your dog likes, don't let them get away!

I can't so I'm taking grooming lessons from a certified, 20 year experienced, professional groomer anytime now and then lessons from another professional, experienced groomer this winter.

People don't realize how harmful yelling and even just spraying with a jet of water can be to dogs. One of my dogs has an anxiety disorder and Canine Compulsive Disorder. Her obsessive behaviors get worse with stress. So being intimidated and physically punished would just be wonderful for this sensitive, neurotic dog! She tolerates being misted when it's hot and for fluff drying but not for corrective purposes. Same with my other dog (enjoying a nice, cool mist). My other dog I don't want being intimidated or physically punished either. They're my dogs and it's my choice so I'm not okay with some one else doing these things to my dogs.

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Presley

Presley hate beeing groomed, because of the tangles is hurting him. I use a poodle comp, since the carding hurted too much. I do it while he is relaxed, and only so much he can handle, since he has bit me a few times (totaly my foulth).
But when i get my mony I will bye som tangle remover to help him, on the tummy he likes to be brushed, but where it can hurt he sits on guard waiting to bite when it hurts.
My dog is 2,5 years old and have to be learned to be brushed, so its apsolutley not too late, just a bit harder.

msminnamouse

Try using corn starch on his tangles.

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Mel

Before I had my grooming table I had my counter top, Dh's work table (he cuts wood on it, or a desk. Any of those work. Some people use wood on top of a kennel.

Petedge has grooming arms or you can one off of ebay. As long as the table isn't too thick you should be able to attach it without a problem. Before I had a grooming arm I tied a leash to the kitchen cabinets.

I made the mistake in not training Sandy to let me brush her on the floor (she thinks its a game) so now I'm working on that.