Puppy HATES GROOMER!!! Help!!

[jennifer78]

I have a 18 week toy poodle puppy. He is so wonderful! Great with people and other dogs. The problem is that after his first visit to the groomer the groomer said that he did not do well. (I figured that since I had problems cleaning his ears the weeks prior). She reccomended her "puppy grooming classes". Once a week for 6 weeks and he should be better.

I took him for his first class last week and the groomers said that he did much better, this week she said that he did horrible, and that she will not be completing the classes with him. So now I have all these questions!

Do poodles grow out of this phase? Should I learn how to groom him myself and forget about the profeesional groomers? Should I look for a groomer that will take her/his time and work with my puppy? What should I do?

Advice please!

~Jennifer

[snowface]

What does your puppy do that ticks the groomer off? If your puppy is using her as a chew toy, couldn't she put a muzzle on him?

Personally, I'd try another groomer. Instead of barhopping, do groomerhopping. Shop until you get one that you and your puppy like.

[jennifer78]

According to the groomer he hates being in his crate, and that he jumps on the table too much and she can't clip him.


Thanks!

~Jennifer

[KellyJean]

And so you've hired the groomer to teach your dog to accept the groomer, and your groomer is backing out because the dog jumps around a bit???

Time for a new groomer.

Kelly

[Dax]

Are you doing any grooming at home? If not, it is time to start. Get your dog used to handling. Touch the toes like you're going to trim them. Touch the ears, comb and/or brush often. Make the situation similar to what the groomer would be doing. By having you do it often, you are desensitizing the dog. Be sure to praise for even the smallest amount of cooperation to begin with. Then I would stay with the groomer next time - there may be a lack of chemistry between your dog and the groomer.

[Moo]

I'm with Dax on this. He's still very young and just isn't used to being handled that much yet. Why did such a young puppy need a professional grooming already? I think it will be harder to desensitize now that he's just been pushed into the grooming situation.

[ToyPoodle]

Toy poodles need to be clipped every 6 to 8 weeks but the brushing you could at home.Start geting him used to being touched around the face and toes why the face is cause if you want the faced shaved close the groomer will have to touch his face and his head.What you should do is start puting him on a table and everytime he keeps still give him a reward.Also brush him on the table so then he will get used to being on a table.Make out that standing on the table is fun so then he won't be scared or worried being on a table.Most dogs will do anything for a treat when his on the table and is keeping still give him a reward (treat) and give him a pat.Then get the brush and start brushing him if he keeps still say good boy and give him another treat.Keep doing this until he lets you touch his toes and face he will soon learn that brushing on table is a fun thing.Then when you take him back to the groomers stay with him also tell the groomer to give him a treat now and then you bring the bag of treats tho.This way the dog thinks going to the groomers is fun he gets treats then slowly reduce the treats to pats on the head.

[ESlover]

Originally Posted by KellyJean

And so you've hired the groomer to teach your dog to accept the groomer, and your groomer is backing out because the dog jumps around a bit???

Time for a new groomer.

Kelly

I agree kellyjean, or learn how to do it yourself. It would be a ton cheaper that way too. groomings not too tough. very time consuming though. It does take time to get used to it. your first few times it may look awful but at least you would know your dog is not being possibly abused at the groomers either. There are good and bad groomers out there. If they aren't willing to work with at pup that young they must be on the bad list. Good luck.

[pet groomer]

I agree that you need to find another groomer. for goodness sakes, a puppy is a puppy.. When a puppy comes into my salon the first thing I do is sit on his/her level speak softly to him/her, play with the puppy as well as hold it and put my hands all over it. If you do this when the owner is there, the puppy will know that it is ok to befriend you and will trust you. There are also essential oils for anxiety that you can place on their nose. It really works..along with patience and persistance. I also agree that the first trip to the groomer or vet will make a lasting impression on the pet. signed pet groomer

[Moo]

This is an old thread, Jennifer has not returned to Pro Dog since July of 2005.

Moo