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Midnight Writer

(21,751 posts)
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:15 PM Aug 2021

Need help. Advice regarding dog groomers.

I came into possession of a Yorkshire Terrier about three weeks ago. Animal control recovered him from a backyard pen and he is very overgrown. Adult male, about two years old, weighs 12 pounds. Very raw, not trained in any way, but he is coming along. He is very affectionate, but he is still a little afraid of me. If I speak in a loud voice or a stern tone, he cowers or flops down in a "bear rug" posture, sometimes urinates. He's got a crooked hind leg that splays out, and a messed up ear.

I had a devil of a time finding a groomer. They are all booked up for weeks, and I think he needs more immediate attention. I went to a local Pet Smart today and they can see him tomorrow. I've never done this and I have a couple of questions.

1) Is this going to be something traumatic for him? Does the owner usually stay in the room, or should I just trust them to handle it? I I noticed they were working on 2 other dogs and the owners were not there.

2) Is a tip appropriate? They estimated about $50, but they haven't seen him yet and that may change.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks to you all.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Need help. Advice regarding dog groomers. (Original Post) Midnight Writer Aug 2021 OP
He will probably spend some time alone in a crate. Mr.Bill Aug 2021 #1
Thanks. I spoke briefly to the guy who is going to do the work, and he seemed cool. Midnight Writer Aug 2021 #2
That's good. Mr.Bill Aug 2021 #3
I've found most groomers have seen it all. multigraincracker Aug 2021 #4
Thanks. I am a little nervous about this. I feel like I am just gaining this little guy's trust. Midnight Writer Aug 2021 #5
Dogs are pretty much in the here and now. multigraincracker Aug 2021 #6
He'll surely feel better. He is very cute, but his fur is a mess. Midnight Writer Aug 2021 #7

Mr.Bill

(24,282 posts)
1. He will probably spend some time alone in a crate.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:25 PM
Aug 2021

Tell the groomer exactly what you have told us, so they know the situation. As far as tipping, I sometimes tip around the holidays. Remember if you tip, it's only logical they will expect it every time. They never have acted with me as if they expect it. I have no idea what other people do, but then that's why it's a good idea to post the question here.

Midnight Writer

(21,751 posts)
2. Thanks. I spoke briefly to the guy who is going to do the work, and he seemed cool.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:29 PM
Aug 2021

He has two Yorkies of his own and seemed sympathetic.

Mr.Bill

(24,282 posts)
3. That's good.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:31 PM
Aug 2021

I have Yorkie/Maltese mix and the groomer always tells me she behaves very well. I'm sure it will go fine.

multigraincracker

(32,674 posts)
4. I've found most groomers have seen it all.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:32 PM
Aug 2021

We can't touch the feet of our small dog to trim his nails. She has no problem.

Midnight Writer

(21,751 posts)
5. Thanks. I am a little nervous about this. I feel like I am just gaining this little guy's trust.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:38 PM
Aug 2021

I would hate for him to think he is being punished or deserted.

multigraincracker

(32,674 posts)
6. Dogs are pretty much in the here and now.
Wed Aug 18, 2021, 07:42 PM
Aug 2021

They are not good at putting things together. Give em a treat and they are happy. He'll be glad to see you and feeling better about being cleaned up.

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