[BobSD]

First I would like to say how much I like reading the food, and Dog grooming section. Never thought I would have need of a grooming service but now I have two min schnauzsers. Heres my story...

I had a very hard time finding a groomer I felt comfortable with, My dogs do not make things any easier on me either. They shake so much, and do not want to go in. I am not a drinker, but after I drop them off I usually go to a lounge and have acouple drinks to calm down. I am not worried how good of a job they will do, just that my dogs are not mistreated. The first two groomers I tried out, you just hand the dogs over and you do not see where they put the dogs or the workinf area, and once I asked if I could bring the dogs back to where they will be confined and they let me. They said that cage and when I went to put my dog in, there was a puddle of pee in the middle. I brought it to there attention and they wiped it up with a towel. What bothers me the most is when I pick up my dogs and bring them home they do not act like themselves until the next day, the act lethargic somewhat and sleepy. those groomers always had a serious look on there face. All business!
My third and present groomer, seems to have the best personality, aways a friendly smile. When the dogs come home they get right into there ornery self, chasing squirrels and birds in the yard. And wanting some treats. So is this a good sign, I have the right groomer. The only thing I do not like is when she may have cut the nails too close or nicked them,and they have bled. And she does not tell me. Once this happened and I was horsing around with the male and he started leaving blood spots on the floor and then I only found out.
I book for the year x 6 appts. I tip modestly but give a big cash bonus a week before Christmas, hoping she will rmember me and my dogs, is this bad or good?? Sorry I went so long, I am hoping I do not have to do my own grooming. Thanks Bob

[pamperedpups]

Relax, Bob! It sounds like you've found a good groomer, just know that she's still human and "stuff happens." Keep up a good level of communication with your groomer throughout the year and continue tipping if you're satisfied with the service. As far as your concern about nails being quicked and you not being told, it's very possible that the nails were done correctly but the dogs playing on rough surfaces (carpet, concrete, asphalt) chipped or filed them into the quick after the appointment. I suggest you keep some Quikstop on hand at home to stop the bleeding. If it seems to happen too often for your liking you can always suggest the groomer not clip as much off the nails though it's likely that you should be getting them trimmed more often than one every eight weeks.

[acanoffleas]

What you're experiencing is completely normal. A lot of people don't like the idea of leaving their babies with strangers. You've already got the hardest step down - you found someone your dogs are comfortable with. Now it's time for you to be comfortable. Another good thing to bear in mind is that your dog will pick up on your own emotional signals. If you're feeling anxious, your dog will pick up on that and feed off of it as well. Take a deep breath. Don't be afraid to tell the groomer about your anxiety either. Often times we pick up on it anyway, but personally I always feel better when I straight own up to my fears and concerns.

As far as nails go, like pamperedpups said, it's possible she trimmed them correctly, but in the act of playing and running around the nail ground down beyond the quick a bit. Quicking a nail isn't really that big of a deal - some dogs don't even notice (then there are others who freak out at the SIGHT of a nail clipper). Keep a little styptic powder (quik-stop) handy and use a pinch on the tip of the nail to stop the bleeding. You could also try using flour or corn starch.

Tips should never but expected, but they're always greatly appreciated. I think it's very considerate of you that you're taking that into consideration.

[BobSD]

Thank you both for your replys, they were very encouraging, I think I will talk to her about my feelings. My dogs are probably easy to groom, I do not have the schnauzer cut, its GI Jane, and GI JOE all summer close trim all over even the legs and long in the winter. Thanks again!! Lot of people are not sure what breed I have? especially in the summer, but they are real comfortable with the cut and they perfer colder weather to hot.

[jakl]

nicking the quick in your dogs nail rerely does serious or permant harm. If your dogs nails were too long to begin with, it's really easy to nick the quick, and the only way to push the quick back and get those nails shorter is to get close to the quick when trimming them. also, this type of dog typicaly has hard dark dense nails so that it is hard to see the quick (and therefore easy to nick). most dogs don't really like to go to the groomer, and all of the stimuli of being around strangers and strange dogs may make them act funny for a while, they are on over load for a while. do something really fun after their appointment, like a special treat etc. the groomer is not abusing your dog, it's ok, breathe! and also your anxiety is probbably affecting your dogs, see if a friend will take them to their next appointment (without you, and to the groomer you like) you might be supprised at how much calmer they are. also if you really do think it's your groomer find someonelse with the same type of dog who likes their groomer and try them. hang in there!