I think we found a winner: Groomer

[Heather & Brinkley]

We've had quite the challenge with finding a groomer that knew how to handle Brinkley's hair.  I kept wanting to believe that our previous groomer was good-- and it must have been my fault that every time I dropped him off he'd come back shaved... yet I never understood it because I'm good about keeping up a brushing routine.  Even when I'd tell her not to shave him, I'd show up and he'd be shaved.  I'd argue and she'd say he was matted... but because of things I had read on here about it being better for the dog then being forced to be brushed out, I thought the groomer must know best and I just must not understand what constitutes a matt.  

Well, Brinkley was dropped off this morning-- he was fairly matt free this time but last time he did need some work because the time span between grooming appointments was more than I'd like to admit-- mainly out of sheer fear of leaving him with anyone again after he got shaved over and over again.  Both times he's come back looking fantastic.  She understood it when I said "don't make him look like a poodle".  She works it out so he can be first in line so he's never crated because Brinkley hates crates.  He's a much calmer dog when he doesn't go in a crate. 

Also, another thing I find interesting: our previous groomer would never dry Brinkley.  I'd pick him up and he'd always be wet.  She'd tell me that Brinkley was unruly and hated the dryer.  I didn't mention this to our new groomer because I wanted a totally unbiased report.  When I picked him up both the first time and today, she said he was fantastic-- and very obedient.  When I asked how he did under the dryer, she told me it didn't phase him at all.  Now I'm beginning to see just how lazy our previous groomer was. Also, I think she'd take on too many dogs at once.  She rented out space from our doggie daycare spot so I think by default she'd get a lot of dogs because it was easy for customers to drop off their dog at day care and show up at the end of the day to pick up a groomed dog.  I certainly found it convenient but not worth the terrible haircut.  I'm just glad we've found a winner. Now let's hope she doesn't leave the store where she works. 

A funny story. Picture this:  Today when I came to pick up Brinkley, I entered the grooming room to get my slip so I could go out to the main part of the store to pay the bill.  Normally they keep the dogs in the room while the customers pay and then we come back and pick up our pup.  Well, as I turned around to leave the grooming room, Brinkley saw me walking out so he jumped off the table (he was done being groomed-- he was just hanging out so he didn't have the thing around his neck- thank goodness!).  Then he scaled their half door and took a flying leap over their counter, barely  squeezing himself through the closing door behind me.  He was not okay with the fact I was going to leave him again even if it was for a moment.  To say he's attached would be an understatement.  

Here's his haircut:

[Heather & Brinkley]

I know. I should have stopped using her so much sooner. Ugh!

[Ginny Nightingale]

wow! Gorgeous!! Hooray!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I do things a bit differently here since it is just a small operation in my home--I wash and dry LAST--most groomers do it first after removing mats and they then clip a clean dog--I use a portable dryer and hold the dog in my arms--some dogs like it and some really FREAK out--the ones that freak out often go home damp--i give the owners the choice of totally drying a very unhappy dog or letting them just be dried a bit.

Now, on the other hand, some professional groomers get the dog dry by putting them in a cage and pointing the dryer at them--those dogs have no choice and they really learn to fear the dryer and sometimes even the groomer--some of the dogs i groom now, including one of my own, used to go to a groomer in my town and she cage dries...the dogs who have been there are even afraid to walk down that street!   If Brinkley hates crates and was not in one, then she probably hand dried him on the table and maybe that is why he was easier to dry--he did not have the blower pointed at him in a crate--that has to be pretty awful for most dogs.

[Wendy and Myla]

That's just mean!!!  I can't believe groomers would do that!  When we had our last doodle, Zak, she had EPI and when she stressed, we had to up her medicine significantly, so when I got her groomed, I wanted to be with her so that she wouldn't be as stressed!  I couldn't believe how many groomers refused!!!!  I figured it was because they washed and then crated while they did the next dog and then went back and didn't want me standing around but now I'm wondering what actually happens!  I did find a groomer that let me stay with her and all was well, but now I'm glad that we are learning how to groom Myla ourselves - might not look as good, but I don't want her freaked out needlessly!!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I just heard an ad for a local groomer and part of the ad was "no cage drying" so there must be people that have been complaining. I know one of my doodles developed a fear of the dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc after she was cage dried--now she gets a bath, dries for 24 hours and I groom her the next day.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Cage drying ?!? Oh my!! I never knew. That is terrible.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

A handsome Dood!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

He really looks fabulous and it is so important to find someone who takes their little fears and idiosyncrasies seriously and adapts to their needs.
I do bath and air dry mine before I groom and then a quick rinse to get the tiny little short hairs off afterward and let them air dry again. Sounds time consuming, but in 100 degrees heat, it doesn't take very long to sit in the shade with them and rub them dry.
So no crates, no neck noose, and they get treats and breaks every 20 min or so and I have two happy groomed dogs. It's a lot of work, but not for everyone, so I am happy for you that you found a keeper, I hope!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

He looks GREAT!!! I'm glad you were able to find a groomer to work with you.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Beautiful cut!  He is a charmer!  I would try to get this new groomer's cell phone in case she leaves this place so you can always find her!  Or at least give her yours!  

Love that he took that flying leap for Momma!  

[Heather & Brinkley]

Good idea! I'll do that next time! I don't want to loose her! It's been so stressful finding a good one!

[Amy]

Fantastic haircut!  What a pretty doodle!