Professional Grooming?

[myshel]

We have a 2 year old black lab/ terrier mix (could either be wirehair or Airedale). Normally, we give him baths at home along with clipping his nails.

I've noticed recently that the fur on his paws is starting to get longer than the pads. I swear that I've heard that this is bad for dogs and definitely want to get this taken care of fairly soon. I also think he just needs a bit of grooming.

So, is it crazy to take our dog to a professional groomer? Also, what should I look for in a groomer? One thing I'm totally scared of is having my dog come back, looking like a freak. He's got a very unusual look (think black lab with a beard and long eyebrows and some feathery hair at his nape) and I would hate to have that completely destroyed.

[myshel]

Apparently, no one gets their dogs professionally groomed? I'm just curious about what to expect in terms of services at a "doggie salon" and what a reputable one should be like.

[Chimichanga]

we haven't gotten our baby groomed yet - but I'm sure I will. He's a purebred black lab.

However, my sister has taken her pooch in a few times. Just be very specific with what you expect from the groomers. One time she didn't tell them exactly what she wanted and the dog was shorn very short. He's a Chihuahua. the next time she told the groomers what she wanted, how short, etc. He looked fine after that.

[KimberDK]

I get my dogs groomed all the time. Most groomers are pretty good at following directions, so if you explain what you like about his individual look and what you want done, they'll probably do it just like you say. It's not like groomers have any desire to make your dog look a certain way; they really just want you to be happy. And of course, worst case scenario, if your dog gets a bad haircut, it'll grow back. But I have given specific instructions many times (eg. leave her tail alone, don't trim her face this time, etc.) and they have always listened to me. A couple of times, they've called on my cell phone to ask about deviating from an instruction for some reason, but they've never just done it without asking.

I think the best way to find a groomer is through reccomendations. If you don't know other dog-owners who like their groomer, your vet can probably give you a few names. But, you can also choose one on your own, basically assesing it the same way you might assess a hair salon for yourself. If the shop seems dirty, disorganized, or unprofessional, you don't want to be there. The staff should seem friendly and professional, and not make you feel uncomfortable if you want to discuss your pet's needs. And, while you would expect some noise, it shouldn't be incredibly chaotic with ucontrolled barking from every direction. They should be somehwat able to keep the dogs calm and content (although there will be some barking of course, there are a bunch of dogs there).

There are also mobile pet groomers that will come to your home with a trailer, and they will usually let you hang out inside the trailer while they work if you prefer, so if you're really nervous you might want to look for one of those. Where are you located? I can certainly give you some great groomers in south florida.

[Katy]

I get my little guy done a few times a year (3-4). Since he's a schnauzer/cocker mix groomers tend to give him the schnauzer face. Me, I like the face short with shorter eyebrows and beard, so I like to go with a picture. Once you go a couple times, they remember how to groom the way you like.

I'm in the process now of finding a new groomer, on one hand, I like the ease of Petco, but I think they're too expensive and half the time they don't do it completely like we like. His hair now is the longest it's ever been on his head because they didn't trim his head last time (so I'm going to mohawk it up :D and take a picture before we groom him back to "normal")

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I take Bernie to Petsmart. I was in a bind one night (he had had surgery earlier that day and they finally took off his collar--there was so much funk that he had to get a bath, and I couldn't do it) that I called there and they offered to squeeze me in at 6:30 the night before Thanksgiving. He did a great job while there, so I have gone again. They actually argue over who gets to do him (the only St. Bernard that goes there) :) I will admit, they do do a good job. I told them to only trim the tail (no more than 1/2 inch off), and where to begin/end the shave on him (so he still had fur on his head), as well as what else I wanted done. They do a great job with the bathing and cutting. I'm not impressed by their nail or teeth-brushing skills, but that's another story ;) I will say, they are slightly over-priced--it runs almost $100 to shave him (no bath or anything included!), and $50 to wash him (this all pre-tip, of course).

[greenbunny]

Hijack:

I've never heard of the paw pad fur long as being bad. My cat has this. Is it something I should be concerned about?

[Jane&Andy]

I've never heard of paw fur being bad for them and I can't imagine how it could be bad. Groomers typically cut that fur just b/c it can drag in dirt - its just a cleanliness issue (to the best of my knowledge).

When you take a purebred dog to a groomer - there is a set style that each specific breed is groomed in. A poodle cut, a schnauzer cut, that sort of thing. But if you take a mixed breed dog in for something specific - like just bathe the dog and trim the paw fur - then thats all they will do. A good groomer will listen to your instructions. Just like a hairdresser - they make their money off of repeat business.

To find a groomer ask friends/neighbors or your vet for recommendations.

I have 4 pets (3 cats, 1 dog) and I don't trim their paw fur at all, never have.

[myshel]

I guess the paw pad fur comes from the fact we live in a colder climate. I've heard that if dogs get water on their paw pads and it gets cold or frozen for some reason (like while out for a morning walk), it can be painful.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I did get a few recs from some people who have dogs and am going to try one of the places out in late August. DH did manage to get the big guy in the bath, so he's clean but I'd like to make him feel a little special since his world is going to be changed a bit (new baby coming).

[Jane&Andy]

aw, that makes sense. I do remember that my dog's paws got a lot of snow stuck to them this winter. It didn't cause him any problems but he was still a pup and didn't have his full fur coat. Plus we don't get snow all winter long, just some brief snow storms.

Drying their paws off real well after walks should help with that in between grooming.

[jesvet]

A good groomer is worth their weight in gold. I would definitely go by references. Some places may allow you to watch if you are particularly concerned.

[wendalah]

Agree with Jesvet--I drive WAY out of my way to take my dogs to a groomer they are comfortable with and that I trust. Oddly enough, it's Petco, but I only take them to a certain Petco because the staff at that particular branch is so good.