I have been using a different groomer for the last year for my pooch. They gave her even cuts (although much shorter than I requested), but she always came back to me jumpy, strongly trembling and with a rash that went away in a couple of days each time. They said they used their most gentle shampoo, but some dogs just have such sensitive skin they still react, regardless. Never having had a hair dog before or Poodle, I took their word for it. Although I did ask my vet and she stated that was very possible.
Her second visit, she came back to me with visible fleas. We had her in our home, taking her to parks, walking her in the neighborhood regularly and out in our yard daily for over six months and seen not one flea before.
The flea hitchhikers snagged a ride on my girl the next two visits (three months between each visit). I would clear my home of fleas and treat my lawn and snapped a flea collar on her, as recommended by her vet.
I verified there were no fleas in my home within a week of having her home, as I attacked everything in the house. Each time, within an hour of picking her up, I saw fleas on her back side. Once, I chalk up to could be from elsewhere. Twice, makes me have doubts about the groomer, as they always show up right after taking her there and I eliminated the dog park. The third time, after being sure I had eradicated them at home yet again, I can't help but think it was them. I'm not taking any more chances.
So, I looked up other groomers and found this one had good reviews and was willing to book my mutt on a day with no cats in the morning, as I have anaphylactic shock if I touch a single cat hair. It stinks. That was their first plus.
Their second plus was that they are not just a groomer, but a great pet store that carries my Orijin red pet food that she eats, along with several grain free, respectably sourced snack products and healthy toys from smaller companies (I like to support smaller companies).
Their third plus was a ten percent coupon on their website for first time customers. I was able to apply that to her grooming as we were new to the shop.
I arrived to drop her off, and the pluses just kept piling up. The shop is the front of the store and the groomer is in the back. They were very good at listening to what I wanted. Despite Rowan being a poodle mutt, I like more of a terrier, simply trim (basically clean up the feet, face, and tushy). (For a simple cut like this, it was $35 for her being a miniature sized Poodle mix. I also comb her out every other day at home between groomings, keeping her hair in good shape and I'm certain this can make a difference on the cost/work involved.)
Then, when I explained that she is a rescue, and I would appreciate them not coddling her when she gets insecure and fearful, but correct the behavior, they were great. The lady grooming a Scotty (I believe) gave her a great, firm "sshhht" correction when she began to panic upon being separated from me. I have worked hard to help her understand that state of mind is not desired and telling her "good girl" when she's insecure and panicky is only going to set back all the progress I made thus far. They were great about that.
Lastly, when I picked her up, though she was trembling silently a bit from her typical nervousness in new places/situations (we're still working on that), she was quiet, much more calm than I ever saw her upon pick up at the other place, and even had little green bows in her hair for St. Patty's Day. :-) Less than two minutes later and she was calm and back to her much improved, quiet if cautious self.
Her hair is silky and healthy. Her skin is happy, with no rash whatsoever. I have had her home for a couple of hours and no fleas!!! We have a winner. I hope these guys are around for decades as that's how long Rowan will be coming back. My only regret is not trying them first. read more