How many trips for finding a groomer?

The only groomer I have found so far that was good with the work she did was the previous owner of Lola. I have been to two places since and although the price was reasonable and the groom was good it did not last long. The first groomer (Previous owner) when the grooming was done would last about 6 weeks. So I am still shopping groomers. Lola was groomed 3 weeks ago and it now looks like she wasn't groomed at all.

Now your probably wondering why not just go to the first one. That is impossible because she closed her home based shop. The house is up for sale and has been since last November. She moved out and I was able to contact her once where she said that the number of me was on her caller ID but she was not allowed in the house to retrieve it so she was glad I called. I had told her that I had a groomer scheduled but would cancel if you want to do Lola's grooming and she did so she said I will call you Saturday afternoon and will schedule it for Sunday. That was back in December and I have not heard from her since. I have left several messages on her cell phone and I have given up. The last message I left her basically said that I have had Lola groomed 2 times since she had last groomed her and she did the best job out of all of them.

The first groomer we used was someone we could get an appt with on a day we were available. I thought we were clear in what we wanted but it was Mojo's first groom so I didn't expect miracles. I took in photos and gave specific instructions so there wouldn't be confusion by just saying "puppy cut." When we picked him up though, she hadn't cut any hair except just above his eyes because she said it was already the length we requested when in reality it was 1.5 inches too long and I had measured with a ruler. Like I said though, it was his first groom and knowing how he hates grooming at home I didn't really blame her that first time and assumed (incorrectly) subsequent trips would get better.

The groomer we used last week was a vast improvement over the first--she actually cut his hair! For the most part it looks alright although there are a few things I'd change. Also, there are a few spots she missed (I'm seriously debating trimming up around his tail myself because it's bugging me) but again, I'm wondering if that's something that would improve with feedback and subsequent grooms or if I'd be better served just trying another place.

The biggest reason I want to try other places is because they offer different services. One place I'd like to try is a mobile grooming service and having the groomer come to me offers some advantages! Another place has a doggie daycare service that we're thinking about trying and it would be nice to drop him off for daycare and not worry about scheduling a seperate grooming appointment. The third place we'd like to try I just found out about and it was so highly recommended by several different people that I was interested in checking it out.

I use someone I trust. I have a friend that use to work for a groomer that mistreated the dogs if they didn't "act right". In fact, she worked at a vet’s office doing the grooming for dogs that came in and was fired for breaking a dogs leg. She later opened her own shop grooming dogs. (Be careful where you leave your dog!)

So, with knowing this, I (now you guys are really going to know what a FREAK I am) went and sort of interviewed groomers before taking my Bella to one. I went in and watched how they were with the dogs (that speak volumes as to how the dog behaves with them) and how the dogs looked that were coming out. I also asked them how they felt about standard poodles (if you do not like poodles, you are not touching my dog). And then, like magic Tosha (my groomer) appeared!!! She LOVES dogs, works with a rescue, does grooming (for free on her own time) for animal control and she owns 4 standard poodles!! Just what I wanted to hear!!

I love her and Bella loves her and Bella looks like she is going to the show every time I pick her up. She takes a lot of pride in her work and I trust her 100% with my dog. In fact, she even keeps Bella when I have to go out of town!!

You may find that dropping your dog off at a daycare isnt going to get him groomed as well. The groomers will have dogs scheduled for appointments. You will have to do the same. Then when your dog is finished being groomed it will be turned out into the daycare to have fun. But dont be shocked when you pick your dog up and he has snot and other doggy items on him. Even after being groomed. Your dog will be playing and having fun. Being humped and slobbered on. But having fun. I would know. I am the groomer for a doggy daycare/boarding/grooming facility. And as for changing groomers so much. You are upsetting the dog. Your dog needs to get to know their groomer. Also if your dog is young and just new to grooming. Dont expect a miracle. You will not get a best in show hairdo the first time. Puppies dont sit still. They freak out. The best first groom is bath, brush nails and trim above eyes and potty area. feet trim if needed and possible. Then slowly build up to that " I want my dog a half inch all over" clip. Try doing it yourself just once. You will settle on a groomer right after. It isnt easy. I have groomed for 35 years. I have some clients who really love me. And some who now love someone else. No groomer can make everyone happy. Just pick one who has experience and loves dogs. Preferably has show experience. Good luck and happy groomer hunting.