A very sensitive puppy!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Hi there! I'm new to doodle kisses and I'm a new doodle owner!!  I couldn't be happier with my choice.  I had the craziest thing happen last week and would love if someone had any insight, thoughts or ideas about the ofllowing...  On Friday I took my 14 week old puppy to the groomer for a bath and to get his nails cut.   I also asked them to clean his eyes and trim the hair a tiny bit so he could see.  Well he seemed a bit anxious when I left him but the groomer said she specializes in puppies and had 22 years experience.  Well I wasn't thrilled with how he looked when I got him back the gave him poodle feet and trimmed completely under and between his eyes.  He didn't have any of the shaggyness I love.  When I got my puppy home he was so sad, despondant wouldn't even wag his tail!  I was absolutely besides my self he wouldn't even come to me unless I had a treat and even then he would take the treat and wouldn't let me pet him.  Even my husband couldn't believe how sad he was.  This went on for 2 days!!  On Sunday morning he started getting back to normal and today he's completely back to normal.  I really thought I lost my silly and very happy pup.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to avoid that kind of response again....

 

 

[Jane Smith]

I'm so sorry he had a bad experience.  Your best bet is to take a picture into the groomer, and teach her how you want him cut.  All the experience in the world doesn't mean much if they don't do what you want them to.  It took me several groomers until I found one that would listen.  I was going to suggest covering all the mirrors, but then I started laughing.  Take a picture of his face close up right now, and take that with you next time as an example of what you DON'T want. 

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Oh that's a great suggestion.  I just posted the post groomer pic.  He's still a cutie but I hope he never feels like that again.  He was very mad at me.  I had to keep asking my husband if I was imagining it.  And he couldn't believe how upset the puppy was at me.  He was ok with my husband and my daughter (still sad but would at least wag his tail) but not with me.  Completely ignored me for the 2 days (and I'm his favorite!) I cried...a lot! 

[GBK]

I had a foster for just 24 hours and my girl Kona wouldn't come near me for the next 24 hours.....  I couldn't believe it either.  Buddy had no problem, big bear hug, when I got back from dropping her off.  Not my sensitive girl! 

[Michael Gurley]

My girl, Sunny, wouldn't come to me for a few days after I kept a puppy overnight for a friend. She was very mad!

 

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It may depend on the groomer and exactly how the dogs are treated throughout the process.  I was on a waiting list for a year for the groomer we have now.  She takes only a few dogs at a time, they are all temperament tested (by her), they are never crated, and the whole experience is really fun for the dogs.  Now my guys love going there...it's a treat for them.  Sometimes it just involves finding the right groomer for a sensitive dog.

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

I'm certainly going to be on the look out now.  It turns out that the dog trainer we go to for puppy kindergarten has a grooming service at their facility..and they are wonderful so I may go somewhere he is comfortable..  Wish me luck!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Is it possible that he was mad because you left him, rather than because he got groomed?

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

That's what I'm thinking but I also think he was freaked out by all the sounds.  I feel just horrible about the whole thing.    Thank you for your comments!

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

When I did a home grooming course the instructors of the course told us never to laugh or make 'fun' of a dog as it can hurt there feelings and depressed. Also don't show your puppy your disappointment in the groomer as he may think he did something wrong.
Also take photos with you of what you want.

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

I was disappointed but didn't make fun.  He really is a cutie regardless of the cut.  But I will definitely bring photos next time.

 

Thank you for your comments!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

They rounded his paws (they said it was to prevent matting) but he looks silly,in my opinion. I liked his shaggy paws!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Doodles are very sensitive and feel your every mood.  If you were sad, upset, mad, crying or any of those things he would pick up on it.  There have been people who openly say in front of their Doodles how horrible their hair cut is and go on and on and then wonder why the Doodle is so sad.  Kids and husbands come home and laugh at the poor Doodle and make fun of him.  That is the worst thing you can do.  No matter how much you hate what the groomer has done you have to not let your Doodle see your disappointment.  You need to reassure him that he is beautiful or handsome and that you love him.  Hair will always grow back.  We have all had the exact hair cut you have described and we all have felt just like you.  After that I was always very specific as to what I wanted.  I took pictures.  Always said to keep the face Doodlish, no shaving the snout or between the eyes. No toe cleavage showing (Poodle Feet), mini sani.  Gracie Doodle was shaved bald under the tail and all the way down the insides of her legs.  She looked like a Baboon Butt.  There was nothing left to the imagination and it was embarrassing.  Beard or no beard.  Trim the tail or don't trim the tail.  We have never cut Gracie Doodle's tail because she is a goldendoodle and has a beautiful plume.  Also, make sure they don't do the poofer like a top knot like Poodles have.  They need to keep it sort of long and blend it into the ears.  There should be no definition as to where the ears start...these are my criteria.  Everyone is different but you can see that there is a huge list of instructions you must give the groomer.  Give your baby lots of hugs and kisses and he will be fine.  Start making your list now for next time!  Good Luck!  Oh, by the way...after almost two years of having Gracie Doodle groomed I now groom her myself and have been for the last two years!!!  She didn't like the noise and barking dogs at the groomers.  Some are only one dog at a time but the one I went to did a great job but it was total ciaos and dogs everywhere and Gracie would get really stresses.  She is anything but a stressed Doodle...very laid back.  So I decided it was not fair to subject her to something so unpleasant since she would be there for 4 hours!