scared of grooming - any solution?

[Willow and J]

Willow is playful, happy, and sweet, but she is submissive and get easily spooked. She's not a barker nor whiner, and even when she gets spooked, she barks just a little (once or twice, usually.)

We take her to Petsmart to groom, and our groomer is very very nice lady. However, Willow is getting more and more fearful, and this morning, she was shivering in the corner with her nose toward door while we checked her in for regular grooming session. She never shivers with fear otherwise, and it's getting worse every time she gets groomed. She's peed in the past in fear, which is also unusual and only took place in the face of the groomer.

I'd like to consider grooming myself, but my hubby is not agreeing, and I can't do it without his help.  

Are there things we can do to make her less fearful of grooming?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Reminds me of "bloomers" that they used to wear under their dresses in the Old West Movies!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara is too sensitive to go to a busy noisy shop like Petsmart too. When she went to a groomer (I do it now) she went to a groomer with a small shop and she loved the dogs. I took Tara there several times just to "visit' without getting any work done so when it was time for her first cut she knew the woman and was comfortable in the shop.

I would encourage you to reconsider grooming Willow yourself too. It is not nearly as intimidating as it appears! And their coat grows back so fast that if you make a boo boo it quickly fills in.  It can become a wonderful bonding experience for the two of you too because she will learn to trust to help her through what is for her right now a pretty terrifying experience.

[Doris]

Bodi used to shake when I took him to the groomers and he wouldn't walk to the back - they had to pick him up and carry him.  They always told me that he was fine while he was there and such a good boy.  Now I use a mobile groomer.  They come in my house,greet Bodi and we discuss how I want his cut. Bodi seems a lot happier with this system!  One time the groomer had to move her truck so my DH could get out of the driveway.  I looked out to see Bodi sitting in the front seat - all excited!  I'm sure he was thinking, "Car ride?"  The mobile groomer takes 1 1/2 hours, the other place had him for at least four hours.

Please post if you groom Willow yourself . . . I'm chicken, but I hear many DKers doing it themselves!

[Willow and J]

Now, it's my time to shake with scissors in hand... :) Will post a picture, for sure. Willow's trimmed very short this time - her mats were worse than we thought. So I have a couple of months to "hone" my skill (that I don't have). 

Bodi sitting in the front seat in the grooming van is so funny!! ("Look, Ma, it's a truck!") 

[St.Clair Labradoodle Kennels]

Many dogs start off afraid of grooming.The best way to do this is to do it slowly,yourself at home.Do not use electric sheers,only scissors to start.Begin by trimming areas she does not mind being touched at and remind her what a good girl she is.You may sit on the floor with her where she is comfortable.Show her the hair you remove and encourage her.You can gradually increase the areas you can do.After a few times you may try letting her hear the sound of the electric shears,but do not use them at first.It takes time but,by starting with scissor trimming she will learn to enjoy the experience.If she is fearful of nail clipping try a drum sander,but again find one that is not to loud and go slowly until she is used to it.

                                                   Good Luck,

                                                       St.Clair Labradoodle kennels

[Margaret & Pebbles]

• Pebbles loves her groomer.  All I have to say is, "We're going to see Chris", and Pebbles wags her tail and her whole back end!  Chris is the owner of her grooming shop.  There are several other groomers, and it's all in the open.  I was fortunate that Pebbles' breeder is also a groomer, so she got use to the sound of clippers and a dryer before I got her.  Here is a photo of Pebbles at 6 weeks on a grooming table at the breeders.

[Willow and J]

Awwwwww.... so cute!! 

[Leslie J]

I don't have the time to groom Cocoa myself, but I now use a mobile groomer.  Cocoa is the only dog she is working on so it goes much faster.  I can also peek in and see how she is doing.  Cocoa doesn't like being groomed (she doesn't even like being brushed by me) but she likes her groomer and isn't afraid of her.  I think there are some good groomers at Petco, but it is kind of like Supercuts for hair- the most talented are likely to move on to an independent shop where they can make more money and have more flexibility.