Groomer "Taped" My Dog's Muzzle?

[Heather]

Rook was groomed the other day and the groomer did an awesome job - not too long, not too short, just like when we got her as a puppy! My neighbor mentioned that she saw Rook while she was being groomed, though, and that Rook had what appeared to be blue tape around her muzzle. (I'm assuming/hoping it wasn't really tape, since that would rip her fur off.) The place also mentioned to me that there were certain parts when Rook wasn't so happy, so I guess maybe that's why she got the "tape"? Whenever I brush out mats on her or anything she may put her mouth on my hand or on the brush, but she never actually bites down.

Anyway, I just came here to ask if "taping" a dog's mouth shut during grooming is a standard practice/humane thing to do, or if perhaps I need to find another place. Thanks!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I would definitely ask and I would mention what my neighbor saw. My first thought was painters tape because it would not pull her hair out or the elastic nonsticking bandages. Never the less, I would want to know so I could work on the problem. I would not want anything like that done behind my back.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The precaution of using a soft muzzle is really a protection for the dog, too. If the groomer is using scissors or clippers, or cutting nails, and the dog makes a sudden movement that makes the groomer think she might get bitten, she could jerk her hand away, which could cause the dog to be injured.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I don't know how old Rook is, but putting her mouth on the groomer or you when being brushed or combed is not good. If you've worked with a trainer, get them to show you how to clicker train her so that behavior stops. I clicker trained Connor to have his ears checked thoroughly, his feet combed and toe nails trimmed, as well as tolerate and now LOVE being combed. It isn't difficult, just takes a little patience and consistency. You can turn it around pretty quickly. DEFINITELY talk with the groomer to find out what really happened. :-)

[Stephanie]

As a dog groomer I'm pretty sure it was a muzzle.  If not, she should not be grooming dogs.

With that said if a dog is mouthy I am not only obligated, but required to muzzle the dog.  It's better for YOU and better for ME if I do so.  For instance, if for some reason I get bit (depending on your state law) but in North Carolina I have to report the dog bite to the police and animal control.  I also have to go to the doctor to have it properly cleaned.  Police will show up to meet the dog in question and verify vaccines.  If you can't provide vaccines the dog will be held in quarantine.  

I've been bit once while grooming and I don't fault the dog at all.  It was a Cockapoo and he was having a seizure on the table.  I still had to report the dog bite to animal control and go have my bite looked at by a doctor.  I also had the police show up at 6am the next morning to interview me about the bite.  It was a hassle for me and i'm sure for the owner.  If I could do it over again I would have lied and just said I stabbed myself with scissors or something to avoid the hassle.  If there is one thing that they take seriously around here...it's dog bites!

Also, some states have a 3 strikes and you're out kind of deal.  So, never be angry with a groomer for putting a muzzle on your dog.  I promise we don't do it because we like making the dog look funny.  We do it for their safety, for ours and to make grooming a better experience.  (Most dogs calm down when wearing a muzzle..even excited but nice dogs can benefit from a muzzle)  A calm dog is much easier, and safer to groom!

[Patti]

If they had used tape, I wouldn't even think twice about changing groomers. But first I'd really give them a heck of a hard time.

[Lynette Main]

When Shea first went to my groomer she told me she taped his mouth,but it was because he was such a licker that she didn't want to cut his tongue. He loves her and still licks,she works around it. Does your doodle lick?? I always show up early,just to see whats going on. I have three doodles and I have not seen her do that anymore.

[Eric & Rufus]

Another possibility is that the groomer used what's called "dry vinyl tape". The tape is made from PVC and has no adhesive. It doesn't stick to anything but itself. It absolutely will not stick to hair/fur, but holds very well when wrapped around itself. Plus it's reusable.

Just a thought.