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!

[Laura and Angus]

Thanks for your input, Teresa! I totally agree and completely understand the groomers' perspective. It was really what she was saying as much as the way in which she said it. Somehow it and me feel bad for even asking to keep Angus' hair longer...I just didn't think that was right. But I agree...hopefully with time she'll remember Angus!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Well the deed is done. Hurley has had is first summer cut.  The groomer did an amazing job.  He looks great.  Having said that it is not my favorite look.  I like the long coat better but I know this will be much more comfortable for him during the summer.

So here is the before and after.  

[Kimberly Cook]

Hurley looks great Diane! You are so lucky. :D
And Angus looks great too. I feel your groomer attitude pain but I say keep her if she does a good job. I get a lecture every time I get Chopper groomed when I ask them not to shave him. I bring them a mat free doodle AND tip well when they do a good job. Oy... I'm taking Chopper to a new girl in the morning. Hope he looks as good as these boys. Tonight's Nightmare "Sorry Mrs. Cook we found a small mat at the base of Choppers tail so we had to shave his whole body because obviously you are not fit to be dog owner." :"O 

[Laura and Angus]

He looks adorable Diane! I just love his coloring :) Haha Kimberly oh man...hard to figure out how to do it right sometimes! But thanks for your thoughts..glad to hear I'm not alone!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Hurley looks awesome! I had to laugh at myself because the pictures are situated "after" and THEN "before." So, I was looking at the "after" picture and thinking, "Oh my goodness- he looks AWESOME! Why did he even need a haircut? And then I scrolled down....."  :-)

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

A short story about yesterday's experience. Hurley and his two doodle buddies always go to the groomers together. We did not even think to let the groomer know that all 3 were to be summer cost groomed. Our bad. Top that off with H's buddies had the runs so she had an added challenge. They were there from 10AM to 6PM. Luckily they love it there as they get to run free within the grooming area.
Well, Jennifer is amazing and quite a gem. I had a class to teach and my brother had a meeting at church so we could not pick the trio up at 5:00 Jennifer brought the dogs to my house after she closed up shop. It was way out of her way home but she offered. That is what I call a great groomer.
We generously tipped her, of course. And I am going to be sure to write a thank you.

[Kimberly Cook]

Now THAT is excellent service!
I'm nervously waiting for my pooch to be finished......

[Laura and Angus]

I agree with Kimberly..that's amazing! See I have such a tough time deciding..what do I tip this lady who does a good job grooming Angus, but is rude to me all the time? I can imagine this lady going out of her way at all, but maybe she'll warm up a little? hopefully??

[Kimberly Cook]

I tip between 20% and 40% to all my service providers. Lower for meh service and higher for excellent service. That way when I need to book an appt with someone that is popular/excellent they WILL remember me and do their best to accommodate me. This also works in restaurants and hotels. Kimberly's Guide To The Art of the Grease coming soon..lol...
Now on to Chopper's spa day. I don't love it but I don't hate it either. I wanted his face, ears and top of his head a left a little longer. The girl was very young and very sweet. I think I could have worked with her for future grooms but she is moving to California in June. :(  So I am still in need of a decent groomer in NOVA. His fur is mixed so it's hard to get the classic doodle cut like the tubed/boot cut legs I prefer. His fur is a thin curly fleece on his body and a thicker wooly fleece mix on his head and chest. At least he does not shed.

Here he is before: a hot mess asleep on his couch and after his groomer finished him.

[Laura and Angus]

first of all: your pup is adorable - both before and after the grooming. He looks so soft in the bottom picture! Secondly, you tip 20-40%?? Wowzah. I definitely give at least 20% to waiters and my stylist, but have not considered giving that much to my groomer - expecially becaus I don't think I can afford to give a $20-$40 tip...Also, I'm not exactly comfortable giving loads of additional money when someone is outwardly rude to me - I don't like to reinforce unwanted behavior (this is due to the nature of my job haha). 

[Kimberly Cook]

Thanks Laura :) He is very fluffy and soft. His hair is starting to fill in and look better now.
I tip that way for 2 reasons.

1. I know doodles are not a groomer's favorite dogs to groom. I feel guilty every time I call a groomer and they ask what kind of dog I have. I feel like I'm admitting something horrible...lol..

2. I was in the customer service business for many years. Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs. So I know the power of a good tip. ;) I'm not rich either but many times it has paid back in other ways that were very worth it.
But also because I was in customer service I personally feel rudeness toward a client is not acceptable unless it is warranted. I'm used to dealing with people like your groomer and would probably say "Am I special or are you just a b***h to everyone" or something along those lines with a big smile on my face. But that is me. I never won any Miss Congeniality contests obviously. Thankfully my family still loves me. :D Like I said before if she is good stay with her and find out how to get on her good side. Maybe some fresh baked cookies from a bakery as a peace offering to sweeten her? Some of my rudest customers were my favorites because I learned to not get offended and be just as rude right back to them. I made a few very good return customers this way. I miss them some days. Too bad we don't live close. I would bring Chopper in and size her up for you. ;)

[Laura and Angus]

Ha! I hear you on that. I wish you could come size her up and give your pro opinion ;) The consistent rudeness baffles me, BUT I think you might be right...better increase my tipping and see how that goes. Not sure i can hit her back with rudeness, cuz I'm too much of a sissy haha ...perhaps ill just hit her with some sass at our next visit :) don't typically do that with strangers lol