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....

 

 

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

OMG!  I completely agree with everything you said.  Even though I said do not cut/trim anything but a little by his eyes so he can see better and they still cut around and between his eyes and I can't tell where his ears start! But I swear I didn't get upset until after I saw how upset he was.  I never said that to him that he wasn't the cutest thing ever.  And he is, it's just I didn't love what they did and I was worried that cutting so close to his eyes would freak him out.  The groomer said he was fine but it took two groomers to hold him and she said that he was quite a nipper.  She said it 3 times. And I was like he's 14 weeks, of course he's mouthing... He also seemed scared because of the dogs barking.  He is a very calm puppy (or at least every single person we meet comments on how calm he is)  Hindsight!!  I'm so mad at myself, all I kept saying was how could this happen in 3 hours!  I checked out 4 groomers and this one seemed the most concientious of it being his first time.  But the person that groomed him was not the person I spoke to.  Ugh! I'm just so mad that it happened.  Thank you so much for commenting I really appreciated your words of advice.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Once you do find a groomer you like make sure you always get that groomer.  When Gracie did go to the groomer I only let one person do her.  I also went as far as to bathe her myself the night before, comb all the tangles and mats out myself and then had the groomer call me when she was ready to actually work on Gracie.  I only lived 5 minutes away.  That way she wasn't in a cage waiting her turn and less time was spent at the groomers.  The bath and drying is a huge part of the process and I was able to cut that in half by doing it myself.  There are some groomers who are small operations and only take one dog at a time so there isn't the barking and ciaos.  They are hard to find though.  Just know that you are not alone and we are all here to help you when ever you need it.  You might want to join the Grooming Group and read back in the archives (when you have a chance) to get tips of other's experiences.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Maybe he was just scared that you wouldn't come back for him, maybe he was treated the "best" while there? Everyone seems to have a bad experience with a grooming appointment. Glad he's hanging with you again. Take pictures!!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

That came to mind too that maybe he was mad that I letf him...That would the worst.  Thank you for so much for commenting. 

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

WOW!  you guys are amazing!  I really could have used you all on Friday but better late than never!  I can't thank you enough for your support and comments.  I'm thrilled to be apart of this group and so excited to get to know all of you.

 

 

[shelly]

I KNOW EXACTLY how that feels!  Most of us have had bad grooming experiences!  We all know what you mean with the Poodle cut... not that I don't like poodles (hey - they put the "OODLE" in our dogs), but.... that 'look' can be shocking when you're not expecting it.  I know Tori feeds off our feelings.  In fact - poodles in general are very in tune to their owners' feelings.  Perhaps he was picking up on your disappointment and shock.  But I do think they can have feelings of being down.... next time, hopefully their won't be a next time... try not to let your feelings show through.  Welcome him by being excited to see him and go all googly over him.... be upset away from him in another room!  I can speak from experience when I tell you the worst hair cuts do grow out....not that makes you feel any better NOW.  Hopefully you will find another groomer for the next time.  It took me 3 different groomers until I found the 'perfect' one!  Make a list of DON'TS right now while everything is fresh in your mind.  Hang in there... there truly is a groomer out there who WILL listen.   Perhaps go tot he shop by yourself.... talk to the groomer, explain what happened and perhaps you can even get a glimpse of how the groomer reacts with the dogs....ASK if she/he has ever done a "DOODLE" before.... bring pictures (copy from some here to show what you want).... Good LUCK!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

Thank you!  Dreading the search!  I will make a list now (great idea).  I can't believe the support from this community!  You guys rock!

[Leigh & Allie]

I had a horrible first experience also......their fur grows......thankfully. He will look his old young self in no time. I would, as others have suggested, look for a new groomer. I would be reluctant to take him back since he reacted so badly. I always go with my gut and my gut is telling me that groomer is not for you.

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

I will definitely NOT going back.  I did call them and tell them how upset he was and the owner was mortified and so sorry that we had this experience.  But hey understand that we won't be back.  The shame of it, is I didn't get the best feeling from the actual groomer and I should have NEVER left him there by himself, but the owner was really great and I feel bad that I had this experience too.  Luckily I live in an area where there are lots of grromers...but I'm dreading the search.

[Leslie J]

Cocoa has come home from the groomer's very stressed out the last couple of times.  She just ran in and slithered under her favorite table.  I think being at the groomer's is stressful- lots of dogs barking as well as being washed, dried, combed and trimmed.  My neighbor uses a mobile groomer for her doodle- the groomer does it right in her van.  It is a bit more expensive, but sounds much less stressful- no waiting, no crate, no dog barking, etc.  The whole process is much faster because  your dog is the only dog being groomed, and you can watch!

[Jayd (Dempsey)]

I will check s mobile groomer out!  Thank you sooo much!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi, it seems you've gotten all the advice you need. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. When you get a chance I would love to see pics. I just had my doodle groomed for the first time, and it's ok, but not exactly to what I asked for. In the Grooming Group someone shared with me the "Doodle Doo" checklist, which I provided to the groomer, and she largely ignored. oh well, she was nice enough, and did a fairly good job so I think I can continue to work with her.

Good Luck in your new groomer search!