"This is the worst dog"

[Toby]

So I took Toby to the groomer for the first time. Waited until all shots done so I am at the four month mark. They tell me it will take two to three hours ( I guess equivalent of full highlights for us ladies) . Three hours later no call, so I call them . Toby still not ready. Another hour. Two hours later ( five hours now total- that's the equivalent of full spa day for us ladies), they finally call me. Groomer tells me he was a "tough one" and it took three people to hold him down ( now thinking this will be equivalent cost to a girls weekend ). So now I go get him. They are still working on him so I go in the back where they are . Yes they are struggling with him and I hear the groomer say, "this is the worst dog". Of course I apologize (although not sure I really did anything wrong). Groomer was nice but I understand he was a handful. Anyway, after paying the near equivalent of full highlights on us ladies, I left with one well groomed , handsome, good smelling puppy. ( and I can now even see his eyes ).

[Shelly]

Hmmm, this groomer hasn't met my little monster ;) (and I am saying this in jest). 

Henry's first grooming appointment was tough on the groomer, but they were kind, patient, and gentle.  He was there for quite awhile but they instructed me on the areas where he gave them trouble so I could work with him.  He's just a bit over a year and doing beautifully.  I agree with so many others that have posted that finding another groomer is in order.

[Melissa Angelini]

Not nice for the groomer to say  the worst dog.  I am a groomer and a labradoodle owner and no matter what dog I have I would never say that.  He was acting accordingly especially if he is not used to getting groomed. That is normal for a first time!  I have spent five hours on dogs and would never say that!  Find another groomer and keep a regular schedule and he will be used to it in no time and be the Best Dog!

[Emily, Jace, & Maggie Devers]

something tells me that the reason Toby didn't act his greatest was the fact that the groomer probably had a bad attitude. Dogs are able to pick up on our emotions and if the groomer was worked up enough to say that when you were nearby then she obviously had a negative attitude the whole time.

[Miss Ellie]

The groomer should be apologizing to you!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good suggestions Cheryl. I interviewed several groomers before deciding on the one that I trusted to handle Tara the way that I desired. I set up a short appointment with them and brought Tara with me to see how she liked them (of course she likes EVERYONE so it wasn't a big help) and to watch how the groomers interacted with her.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Sorry you had this experience and even sorrier for little Toby. You had no reason to apologize. This is inexcusable. The groomer should have had the good sense to suggest you bring the pup for a couple of brief sessions first. Just to get him used to the surroundings, the table, get some treats a light brushing or face trim, etc. If it was me, I would find a new groomer - someone who can calmly work with a young puppy. And don't be afraid to interview any potential groomer and make it clear what your expectations are in terms of treatment and handling.  

[Christine & Camus]

My doodle shed, no grooming needed, so I am the only one he needed to get use to with regard to grooming.  However, my DIL has a dog that requires grooming and she started acclimating him shortly after she got him.  Light brushing, lots of touching of paws, face, etc.  And, then she started to teach him to be calm. As Joanne said, it takes time, but they do get use to being groomed.  I would look for a new groomer - one with experience with young dogs.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This is so upsetting for me to read. I have/had your dog. Spud could not sit still, hated the sensations of some of the brushes, too hyper to stay still for long.
He has improved with age and we took baby steps with him at home.
Vanity is not worth the price!
Sure, you need to keep the dog clean with a healthy brushed coat, but not like this.
You might enjoy and so might your dog grooming together. Small increments at night as you watch TV.
I used to groom my dog in the car as my husband drove.
A good pair of shears and a brush will cost you as much as one grooming. Many of us groom our dogs here

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good advice Ricki, I agree.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Toby is just a baby and was left for the first time in the hands of strangers who were doing nothing less then manhandling him. The fact that they took 5 hours to groom the poor guy and then placed the blame on him is inexcusable. I would not take  him back to that groomer if he were mine. Yes, work with him at home to raise his comfort level but also, if you decide on a new groomer or stay with this one take him back for brief sessions-face trim, sani-trim, etc. so he can become accustomed to the sounds and smells of the shop and being touched by strangers.  So sorry he had this experience and you had no reason to apologize for him or yourself.