bolivianbaby

The only groomer I trust left the facility she was working at. I'm trying to find a new one to groom Hagan and give Jake baths. I found a new groomer. I couldn't find the paper that had the appointment time on it, so I e-mailed her. The appointment was for Saturday. She e-mails me back and says it needs to be an expedient dropoff and pickup because she has something to do afterwards.

She's never groomed Hagan before, so the fact she's concerned about time concerns me. He's a 109 pound dog that's getting the schnauzer cut. I've also had groomers cut him because they couldn't make him stand still. He'll stand still for me and my daughter and anyone who's authority he respects. If she's worried about getting him done in a certain amount of time, that can end badly, ESPECIALLY the first time grooming him. I'm in no rush. I just want him done correctly and safely (for both him and the groomer).

I told her we'd re-schedule. I'll be thinking long and hard about this. I'm not sure she's the one.

iloveengl

I know what you mean. It's like moving and finding a new vet. We'd been with the same kitty/doggy vet for six years, then moved across state. I tried finding a new one, but they all seem incompetent, rushed, too rough with my babies, or they can't even remember their names. Eugh! It's SO hard to trust someone new with your fur babies....

I'm glad you rescheduled; I say go with your gut if she still doesn't feel right BB. Maybe your previous lady could recommend someone?

eiginh

I wouldn't go with her especially if she said it would be time consuming. Forget that, customers first especially for a grooming business. Trust your gut! If you can see if you can get the old groomer to privately groom your dog and pay her instead unless she's moved far away or something...

dvc_r

My husband told me to give you my opinion since I have been a pet and show groomer for 37 years. I have a shop of my own and I don't work on Saturdays because people tend to think they are the only ones who have a weekend and the groomers should dog sit until they are done with their day, which can sometimes be around 6PM. I used to have that happen to me all of the time! This might be the case with your groomer too, however, I suggest that you let her meet Hagan on a non-groom day first. Giant Schnauzers can be tricky to groom ( as you have indicated). I have done some real sweethearts who would jump on the table and stand like royalty and one in particular ( Michelob, I will never forget him) who pinned me in the corner until his owner came to rescue me! If you can have him groomed during the week, it might prove to be beneficial to your dog and your groomer. If not, pick a day that she isn't crazy busy especially the first time so she can get to know your dog and his ways on the grooming table. That will be the only way that you can be assured that your dog will be done correctly and safely. Was the new groomer recommended by a friend who has had a personal experience with her? That is the best way to choose a groomer. Is the shop open enough so you can see what is going on inside--no hidden areas? That is another thing to consider before leaving your dog with someone new. I could tell you stories! But since I've already said too much, I'll leave you with those facts to ponder. Good luck!

eiginh

Nice, dvc_r. What a way to open my mind thank you

Tony G.

Wow bb i hope all goes well. We only trust our neighbor,he is a vet and he personally grooms daisy. Last time we went to pick her up, he said:
"Ahh.. you've come for the demon chihuahua"

LOL

bolivianbaby

Interesting points. I told her any day Thursday-Sunday when I called her. She said Saturday was best. She does the grooming in her home. She made no mention of these afternoon activities when I spoke with her the other day.

Hagan is easy if you have the dominant personality. He's had several AWESOME groomers, but for one reason or another, they moved on to other things. I bathe him in the bathtub and use basic obedience (sit, down, stand, etc) to make it easy on me. He has the work in him, he just has no problem testing people. There's no aggression, he'll just refuse a command if he knows you won't follow through with it.

Most of my friends have smaller dogs, and none have the dominance of Hagan. My 11-year-old can work him through all of his commands, walk him on a leash in a perfect heal and "back him off" of his own food (and hers if he gets nosy). I can do the same. I even taught him "give me a paw" and the "hold" command to make things easier on the groomer and myself whenever I need to check his paws for anything.

I am one of those owners who would rather pick up their dog when the groomer is done with them. I don't like either of my boys staying at the groomer longer than they have to.

Part of my problem with this whole scenario is I HATE finding new groomers. When I find someone who does him well, I'd rather stay with them.

I can definitely see where you're coming from as a groomer. Most people do no work with their dogs and then expect the groomer to perform miracles while they go about their shopping all day. I've put the work into Hagan, I just need to find ANOTHER groomer who can utilize that work. I've groomed him myself, I just can't shave in a straight line and I messed him all up. But he did stand still for 4 HOURS while I struggled through it.

I can tell you this: If anyone were to try to abuse him in order to make him "behave", he'd definitely defend himself. However, he would have to be pushed very hard to reach that point. I've socialized him since he was 4 months old. He's bomb proof in public, with children, and gets attacked by smaller dogs more often than I'd like. He just backs up, knowing I'll step in and back the other dog off.

dvc_r

Hagen sound like a special boy. I wish I knew someone in Georgia to recommend you to. I actually have a Havanese who comes to me from Georgia when his owner is in town. You might want to check with your local kennel club and ask if they have any groomers that they recommend in your area. I never advertise--my entire client base has been word of mouth. I have been in Florida for 20 years in October and have a reputation with the show people as well as pet people. You could also check to see if you have a Giant Schnauzer club in your area. They would know the best people for your breed. I am a terrier person and am presently showing a bull terrier who needs one point to finish his championship. I understand the personality that you are describing all too well. Even though they are in the working group ring, they have the heart of a terrier! " Do not push me because I will win", is their creed.

Any person who " makes a dog behave " with violence doesn't deserve to work with dogs or any other animal.

bolivianbaby

Bull terriers are great dogs. That terrier tanacity can work for ya or against ya, for sure

Hagan is a good dog. He's got a good heart and it took close to 2 years before he realized I was not giving up my alpha position in this household. Now he trusts that alpha position implicitly.

But I've also been working with dogs for years. So I don't allow a lot of the behavior that groomers have to deal with. I also knew he was going to be big, I was expecting 75 lbs big, not 109 lbs big, but I knew he was going to be big, so we started early on training specific behaviors to make my life, the vet's life, and the groomer's life easier.

I will look into finding some clubs around here. That's a great idea. Thank you. It's tough, some people get into grooming because they like dogs, but liking dogs is not nearly as important as being a leader of dogs when they're on a grooming table.

dvc_r

Hi BB:
Sorry but I had to throw my wife off so I can "play" on the computer.

I hope she helped ya. She's been doing this stuff forever so I thought she'd be the most qualified and get you on the right path.

good luck

bolivianbaby

She did, very much, please let her know thank you and

CHoffman

Yikes BB,
I can understand why you would be worried. Our animals are like our kids. The fact of the matter is that you are paying for a service and if she acts like it's a inconvenience or you have a gut feeling then trust that. Doctors, Vets, Dentist, or anyone who provides a public service, if they are good, will understand that. DVC_R you sound like a great groomer so this isn't directed at you at all. If someone that is providing you or your animals or kids with a service and they seem distracted or act in anyway you are not comfortable with, then don't accept it. You are that dogs only voice so say what you think you need to say and do what you think you need to do. Maybe if you call to reschedule with this groomer, explain that he is a big dog and you'd like to make an appointment when she will not be rushed and they can get to know each other. She might be "the one" but just had a off day. Good luck!!.

dvc_r

Lets make this clear... "dvc_r"= Bugman... Groomer= dvc_r's WIFE

So; if dvc_r=bugman and groomer=wife... than groomer= bugman's wife!

CHoffman

Gotcha!!.

dvc_r

Hey BB, I see you live near Atlanta. Are you going to go to the Chick Fil-A Bowl or the parade on New Years Day? We're going to take a mini trip up from Florida because my son and his High School band will be playing there. We're staying at the Westin Peachtree Plaza on Peachtree Street, wouldn't it be funny if we past each other? Should I look for someone walking the streets with a Giant Schnauzer!?

bolivianbaby

No, we're not going. However, I live about 30-45 minutes north of Atlanta, so feel free to PM me. Maybe we can meet up somewhere or you and your family could come visit us.

dvc_r

Wish we could but the two days are packed with events to keep us busy. But thanks for the invite!