I've talked a lot in various threads about the loss of our wonderful groomer. She went on sick leave back in the summer, and shows no signs of returning. We tried her colleague a couple of times, but the last appointment turned out like this: Miserable after grooming :(
Needless to say, we won't be going back any time soon.
So despite my physical limitations (and emotional reservations!) I'm diving headfirst into home grooming our spoo. Some things to know:
I'll use this space for updates, in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation and is comforted by the knowledge they're not alone. We've got some fabulous home groomers on Poodle Forum! Learn from them....and then come here when you need to be reminded that someone's worse at this than you are.
Here's my entry for Day 1:
I made my first real attempt at shaving Peggy's face today. When I brought out the clippers, she took one sniff and ran away. Sigh. But surprise! It turns out she ran straight to the ottoman and hopped up! That's where I've been doing her daily brushing, so this was a rather special moment.
I used the #10 setting on my new Wahl Bravura Lithium. I love that these clippers don't get hot. Peggy also tolerates them much better than my corded Andis, but she was still extremely unhappy with the situation. She was yawning and ducking her head so much, it broke my heart ignoring all her very clear "Please stop" messages. I had to tell myself to toughen up, project confidence, and hold her muzzle firmly, with occasional rewards for tolerating my fumblings. I got about 25% done.
The end result is that she looks like she came nose-to-nose with a lawnmower.
I finished by running the clippers over her ears. She was so happy I wasn't touching her face anymore, she settled in and watched TV while I worked! Progress.
Next up? You can probably guess from that photo....
Her nails!
Needless to say, we won't be going back any time soon.
So despite my physical limitations (and emotional reservations!) I'm diving headfirst into home grooming our spoo. Some things to know:
- I have zero aptitude for this.
- I want to enjoy it, but so far I really don't (probably because it physically hurts me).
- Peggy is prone to resource guarding, so although she's never actually bitten me, I have seen her in a scary defensive state and am apprehensive when it comes to pushing her past her comfort zone.
- She's actually been a dream client for the pro groomers we've used, and I really don't want to undo all that careful positive socialization with my clumsy efforts.
- I'm committed to doing my best, prioritizing her comfort above all else.
I'll use this space for updates, in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation and is comforted by the knowledge they're not alone. We've got some fabulous home groomers on Poodle Forum! Learn from them....and then come here when you need to be reminded that someone's worse at this than you are.
Here's my entry for Day 1:
I made my first real attempt at shaving Peggy's face today. When I brought out the clippers, she took one sniff and ran away. Sigh. But surprise! It turns out she ran straight to the ottoman and hopped up! That's where I've been doing her daily brushing, so this was a rather special moment.
I used the #10 setting on my new Wahl Bravura Lithium. I love that these clippers don't get hot. Peggy also tolerates them much better than my corded Andis, but she was still extremely unhappy with the situation. She was yawning and ducking her head so much, it broke my heart ignoring all her very clear "Please stop" messages. I had to tell myself to toughen up, project confidence, and hold her muzzle firmly, with occasional rewards for tolerating my fumblings. I got about 25% done.
The end result is that she looks like she came nose-to-nose with a lawnmower.
I finished by running the clippers over her ears. She was so happy I wasn't touching her face anymore, she settled in and watched TV while I worked! Progress.
Next up? You can probably guess from that photo....
Her nails!