To find a new groomer or to not find a new groomer...

[Laura and Angus]

Hey everyone! 

So let me start by saying Angus has always received a really adorable haircut and good grooming when we've gone. I've attached a picture below and he always looks so handsome. My concern instead if with the service at our groomer's "salon." Every time I have called or visited, I've been met with some attitude by our groomer. One time she was somewhat rude when I asked to keep his hair longer and shared that it depends because if he has matts she'll have to shave him and then proceeded to complain about another customer who brought their doodle in all matted and who was upset when they came back shaved. We owned a standard poodle for 15 years, so I understand the process and what happens if the dog is matted and while I might be bummed, would not throw a fit. Second of all, we brush our pup maybe 4 days a week, trim occasionally, clean his ears, brush his teeth, and wash him...so I don't appreciate the insinuation that we wouldn't be taking care of him (this was not our first visit to them). After our previous visit, she had even told me how easy he was to groom because of all the brushing we'd been doing. What the heck! 

This most recent visit, I had a question about the pricing since the price has changed each time I've gone. It turns out that their online pricing menu is not accurate and they were charging me differently since he was still young. But her response to my asking was not very ... favorable. At any rate, I found out that if I ask for clippers then it's much cheaper than if they do hand scissoring - though they have never once asked me what my preference is for that. The other thing is that the last visit I went, his groomer didn't know who he was (okay so we've only gone there maybe 4 times), but she also thought he was a portuguese water dog and was describing the grooming for that and I said he's not a "porty" he's a goldendoodle and she was all, "Oh yeah that's right of course." And frankly, at the daycare where Angus goes, they knew him by the second or third visit...and knew me! I just feel like there's a serious lacking in customer service.

At any rate, I'm now not feeling so warm to the idea of continuing to go to this groomer, but I know that it can be very hard to find a groomer who does a good job and I've seen so many horror stories. What do you all think? I figured I'd get my fellow DK-ers opinions...

Thanks in advance!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

How precious! I just want to hug him!!!

[Laura and Angus]

Thanks, Diane! I feel the same way :) we have lots of hugs at our house haha

[Bonnie and Kona]

Angus is absolutely adorable but your groomer's attitude is horrible. That being said, if Angus seems happy to go with her when you drop him off, it could be that she is better with dogs than people. I hope you are able to figure out this conundrum soon.

[Linda And Loo]

I agree with Bonnie, your groomer is quite good with the scissors but her people skills are lacking! I would keep a close eye on Angus' reaction to the groomer when you drop him off! If he is skidish when he goes with the groomer, or developes any other negative actions, I may start looking for a new groomer. Angus will let you know if she is better with dogs than with people! Good Luck! Angus is one handsome dog!

[Laura and Angus]

Thank you both! That's what I was thinking too. He rarely gets scared around other people or dogs (he loves everyone) so if I see him acting weird it should be pretty obvious. Ill definitely keep an eye out.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I agree with what the others have said- her people skills are lacking, but she does beautiful work. If you can tolerate her and Angus is well cared for, I would say to stay with her. I work in the medical field, and it's kinda like referring a patient to a excellent sugeon that maybe doesn't have the best bedside manner. :-)

The other thing is that the fact that you take good care of his coat, and he isn't matted, will have a positive impression on her. So, hopefully with time she will start to remember that, "Oh, yeah, this is the goldendoodle that I did before...the one that has a nice coat and is easy to groom..." 

But, that being said, if her attitude gets worse instead of better, I wouldn't hesitate to take you ADORABLE pooch elsewhere.

[Laura and Angus]

Thanks for your thoughts! I'm also hoping eventually she knows Angus ans recognizes that we spend a lot of time caring for him. He just looks so clean ans handsome when he comes home :)

[TYoung]

I agree with all the others.  I would definitely note Angus' reaction to the groomer and the "salon."  Some people really are better with animals.  That said, while Hadley was being groomed I stayed on the premises.  The groomer repeatedly scolded a dog that was spending his time crying.  She was not comforting at all.  I was so glad that I stayed.  I stayed because I wanted to take a few photos of Hadley's first cut.  Anyhow, once I'm done with part 2 of Hadley's cut, I will NOT go back to this groomer.  She was rude to me and to the dogs...goodness!  And, yes, I plan on staying there the whole time.  She is scheduled last so I'm happy to wait 2 hours in waiting area (which is open to the grooming area).  Ill be able to hear and somewhat see the goings on.  At least I'll know how Hadley is being treated.  

[Laura and Angus]

Thank you! That is a good idea to stay. I'd like to do that, but he often needs to be there 3-4 years and I don't know if I could stay in there that long..I'll certainly watch out for behavior changes from Angus puppy. Good luck with Hadley's grooming part 2!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

At the place where I take Loki, he loves the girl who gives him the worst hair cut and won't go anywhere near the one girl who has given him the best hair cut- typical! But I guess Loki will be stuck looking awkward every time I take him in because atleast he seems happy- even though he looks ridiculous. :)

[Laura and Angus]

Haha awww. Well I'd say even the worst cut is still on an adorable doodle, right?? Haha glad to hear Loki is happy with the groomer. I don't think Angus loves being groomed, but he doesn't seem upset going in or coming. Ill watch out for that. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Teresa Joyce]

Hi Laura,

I would not throw out the groomer - if Angus has a good experience and good haircut - that's really the point right?  You would be surprised at how many owners don't have any idea that their dog is matted.  If someone wants a cut longer than the normal owner's ability to maintain, I ask them, do you brush and comb on a daily basis, are you ready to take that responsibility on.... sometimes they say yes, and then a few weeks later call and say that they can't keep them mat free and want a shorter cut.  Sometimes, they do a great job - however the majority probably 90% of owners or above do not do regular grooming at home.  Life can get busy right?    The groomer may be short on memory, however, she or he is being upfront and honest with you based on what they see in the shop.  Good, kind groomers are a wonderful find - I would keep her - eventually, she will probably remember Angus' coat condition is always good..... Good luck!