Groomer advice!

[Ann]

So, I have a friend (a camper in our campground) who does grooming and does it out of her home. She does a fantastic job on Samson. He had his 3rd visit on Thursday and when I went to pick him up, she told me, "as a friend, I want to let you know that you must take this dog to obedience classes". Well.....I feel bad, I have not done this yet. Samson is 9 months old and I have been doing it "myself". I took my chocolate lab to obedience classes (that was 11 years ago) and I was basically remembering things from then, and doing it with Samson. He is very good as I have blogged how good he is...but, I asked her, specifically, what is the problem? She said he doesn't "turn around" in the tub when she asks him too, he doesn't stay standing, he doesn't recognize the words "stay". Now that, I do know, because I have not taught him that. I am contemplating taking him to classes now. I wasn't going to but I guess all dogs need it, no matter how good they are. So, I researched this when I first brought him home, and I found a place but it is expensive. I want to be taught better than my last dog, because I know he is smarter than my last dog. Sigh! I have to find the time also as the campground will be opening April 1st. I guess I have my work cut out for me!!

[Michelle Gundersen]

Do you have a humane society in the area that offers classes? That's where I take Daisy and the classes are only $40.00 for a six week session once a week.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sorry just seeing this. Don't worry about it. I guarantee you that Peri doesn't "turn around" at the groomer. Really, come on! The pup is 9 months old!
As long as he obeys you at home and you work on training for what you need, don't lose sleep over that!

[Lorraine Bromley]

Training is a must and never ends. If expense and time are of the essence there are video programs or tons of books at the library. There was also a group on dk about training together. This is coming from someone who has a perfectly trained dog....ok most days....alot of the time????

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Webber has had three series of classes and we weren't taught "turn around"!! Don't let her make you feel badly. Just take Samson into the tub and teach him to turn around for a doggy treat!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree, I think he will learn as he goes more. Darwin got into the routine of being bathed and around the 5th or 6th time he knew to turn around, stay standing etc.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sorry, but if the groomer wants him to turn in the tub, she needs to teach that as she grooms him. As for stay... I also think they need to go to the groomer often enough just to be able to learn her commands and her expectations.
I think they get better behaved when being groomed over time.
Some dogs just need a little help calming down. My one suggestion to help with the over-exuberance of some young dogs is to give them a calming pill like you might use for car rides with anxious dogs.

[Kathy Spyker]

I know when I bath Lilly I have to GUIDE HER to turn around , if I just say "turn around" she would not know what I mean. I think he will get the hang of it the more he goes.

[Ann]

OH, no, he is not biting at ALL! He is very good. I'm not exactly sure WHAT she was talking about. I know most dogs have to get used to being groomed. Really...I'm not sure what she wants from him. Maybe I should ask her to explain again?? But, I really can't control him when he is with her. Anyway, just wanted to know what everyone thought on this.

[Anna and Achilles]

I agree with Lucy and Sophies Mom!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Honestly, these don't seem like a big deal to me. He isn't snapping and biting and jumping off the table. If she puts the loop on his neck, he has to stand. Why does she need him to "Stay"? Is she walking away from him while he is on the table (I think that is a no no). Do they teach "turn around in the tub" in obedience? Sure, every dog can benefit from training classes, but I don't see from your explanation where she really had a reason to complain. I would think a true groomer would be able to handle such minor things! Just my opinion. I'll be interested in seeing what others think?