Andisa

x2 And then tell everyone "look at what that bloody groomer did to my dog - I am never going back there again" um - yep some will blame everyone but themselves. Imagine the shock when under the matted mess is a dog who is skin is skinny - "I thought he/she was fat" - um nope just matted. I had a lady call all panicked that her Cavie needed a trim asap - he has growths on his ears and she has to take him to the vet to have them removed - no idea how long they have been there. I knew where this was going and said bring him in at **O'clock and ran the clippers over the back of the ears and presented her with the "growth" that she was going to ask the vet to remove. It's the same "growth" that I remove with both her dogs every time I see them . It's so hard to be nice and harder still to keep a straight face at times.

I have hit the "Fock it" button and posted it to facebook - lets all hope they are found bloody soon..

I have no idea what to say - I type - delete... . I just can't get my head around how gutted everyone must be right now, feeling so helpless. Fingers crossed for the girls safe return asap. I have posted on FB too and will keep posting until they are found - lets hope it's soon. I hope who ever has them feels the heat and hands them in to a vet or police station soon.

"Though the blood testing shows them to be heavily inbred and from a "closed" herd situation, like many wild animals in similar situations, apparently all defective genetic material has been bred out, i.e., any animals possessing abnormal or imperfect genes were culled naturally, leaving only those with superior qualities designed for survival to reproduce." I think this is the most important part though - mother nature being the hard bitch that she can be has made sure that only the strong survived - we as humans have taken over and nurtured young that would have other wise died.

I was hoping to see good news when I saw you had posted Dyz, good luck - fingers crossed both dogs are found safe very soon. What a bloody awful sick feeling not knowing where they are or if they are ok .

Robbos pet barn in Dandenong/Doveton have large and huge kennels, worth checking them out too. They will deliver locally for a reasonable price (if your in the local area ). Or check out Ebay for a kids cubby - some are cheaper than large kennels.

How is this for timing - I found my old grooming trailer on Ebay. Wonderful business opportunity for those who would love to become groomers too. Perfect time of year to get started, nothing like jumping in deep water (or deep shit) right . I sold this a few yrs ago, the add say's it was built in 2005 - it was built Dec 2000. I sold it empty so I don't know what they fitted it out like.

Just remembered when I did an OES that was very matted - his coat filled up the owners wheelie bin , he was in awful condition. I was so glad that he was docked, it was bad enough what stuck on the way out, imagine what they are like with tails and neglected , I don't do any OES now, used to do several at one stage. Have been thinking about all the cocker spaniels that I have done too .

Trina - these pics were taken a couple of yrs ago, this dog has lovely owners but unfortunately this is the condition she is always in when they bring her to me. It takes ages to do dogs like this and it's harder on the clippers/blades and me. This is a good one - at least she is clean, no shit, no fleas, no maggots and has a lovely nature. I just wish they never let her get like this. Clippers and scissors are only doing mm at a time - getting started is hard enough but the hair is literally wrapped around the legs - tight. Great care is taken so they don't get cut which is so important that they co-operate.

This is why I shudder when I see all the x bred oodles with long hair on their muzzles. Oh - when they sneeze in your face when your are pulling the hair out of their mouths that have been wrapped around their teeth - the putrid smell of rotting teeth and gums , not all dogs appreciate you doing it and will have a go. eta: dew claws and nails growing full circle into their feet, festy holes in their pads. Some dogs need a firm reminder that they need to co-operate so we can help them, any takers yet on the offer I made earlier ;) ?

I knocked back a lady with a Bichon Frise once, she was telling me exactly what she wanted done while she was holding the dog, ok - that's fine, no worries. BUT as I was trying to touch to the dog it was clear he was not comfortable, he was squirmy around her side and she was struggling to hold him. She said he was very nervous, that was an understatement. He had only been done once before, coat looked ok but hard to tell without being able to touch it. When she went to pass him to me he was very frightened, I knew I would not be able to do anything with a dog that I can not even touch so told her to take him to a vet to be sedated. To be really honest - the main reason I said no was because her own hair was puffed up like a poodle and I knew she was going to be very hard to please, easier to say sorry I can't than be abused for not doing what she wants when the dog will not even allow me to touch it.

Are there any markets in your area? I have seen a few people at different markets who sell stickers they design/make on the spot. The quality looks good with the few I have seen.

The strangest thing I have removed from a dog was a fine acupuncture needle, at first I had no idea what it was or how big it was. I could only feel the part that was sticking out, I thought it was a stick or a thorn, I couldn't see through the matted coat, just feel it. As I was pulling it out it just kept coming, by the time I got it out I almost fainted, the dog coped better than I did. I showed the owner and he called me later on when he found out what it was. There was another one still in the leg that I could feel but not get hold of it so they took him to the vet the next to have it removed.

I would like to see groomers get together to write a book - it would be a big bugger. Some of the things I have seen so far have been pretty nasty - when I was mobile I got all those dogs who were so bad that the owners would never put them in the car - so they told me. After 9pm - so most would have had dinner by now :D . Several years ago when I was mobile, I was filling the tub up when I looked out the door to see the most filthy matted dog that you could imagine. Well nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to get up close and personal with. I had only been working on the dog for a few mins when I knocked on the door and asked who owns the dog, a girl about 16 said she did. Right - you can come with me. She didn't want to, but I told her she has to. The dog was nasty when I was trying to do his backside and with good reason - his rear was red, blistered, bleeding and very sore. The dog had a shitty bum, it was wet. There was no way I could cut it out so I had to get it's rear wet to wash it out, it was well and truly stuck there, so I had to pick it off with towels and my hands (rubber gloves)- I changed the water 3 times and that was just cleaning it's arse so I could start. I do not have a strong stomach - I kept putting my head out the back of the trailer for fresh air, I was on the verge of vomiting from the sight and smell of shit. I was lucky though - no maggots. The girl told me she can't stay, she was feeling sick and was leaving - I told her if you go now - so do I. You will be staying here while your dog is being groomed so you can see what you have done to him. I have no idea how she never vomited - but she was not game enough to leave. I had to call the other appts for the day to cancel and rebook, I explained why and the dog was crawling with fleas. There was no way I would wash my own dog in the trailer until I had a chance to clean it out properly so I would not wash a clients dog in it either. That dog took over 3 hours to finish, he was one of the worst matted dogs I have ever seen. Once I got the coat off, he had a bath - the water was changed a couple more times to get him clean. You can't explain how it feels when there are thousands of fleas crawling over your body, all over the dog and the trailer, the girl was horrified and I wanted her to see what it took to sort that mess out. I expected her parents to call me later to complain but I was ready for them by the time I finished that dog. He had Conjunctivitis in both eyes and the worst ear infections, I assume he would have been riddled with worms too. Once I cleaned up his bottom he behaved pretty good, if I was that dog I would have needed more than a muzzle to stop me from attacking, he had reason to be pissed off, the poor bloody dog. His backside was red raw and his coat was done with a #7 blade - I can't bring myself to do a #10 no matter how bad they are. I told them to make sure the house and yard is treated for fleas as well as the dog or they will always have a flea infestation - I do get pleasure in reminding them to make sure they worm themselves too when their dogs are so bad. The next day I was another dog in similar condition - not quite as bad. The warm weather after winter is not my favorite time of year ...

Glad I have the right person - How are you, it has been a long time since I saw you last. I went back through some of your posts and your intro thread and no mention of Star, is she no longer with you? Hope Grover recovers well from his surgery, poor little fella. Looking forward to catching up with you again :D .

Here is an offer for anyone who has a badly behaved dog for grooming. Bring it to my place and do it yourself, I will offer free use of all equipment just so I can sit back and watch you do it . ETA: - Offer extended to everyone in this thread who commented or agreed that groomers are using unnecessary force on dogs to groom them. Don't worry if you don't have a dog suitable - I will arrange them at short notice for you :D . Pretty sure I could sell tickets for this one ;) .

They are fine if the dog has manners, it saves the groomer having to hold the dog up taking full weight of the dog in the shoulders and back which is why so many of us are physically buggered. They are no good if the dogs are feral and resist being tied up in one. They will do serious harm to themselves trying to get away. I had a grooming frame fitted in the trailer I had built but never used it. Much preferred to use the tie up bar they fitted instead. I use a grooming arm on the tables but if the dogs fight sometimes it is safer to hold the dog instead of risking them getting hurt. Well behaved dogs don't need anything but I usually use the grooming arm as back up or sometimes push it out of the way.

Yes - we have spoken about it last night, he knows what to say next time. I will be putting up signage in the shed and with the sign in the front window as well as telling people about the changes. It is long overdue. I have tried it before but some times it is just easier to do the dog, not any more. I need to do something about my shoulder so will be out of action for a while anyway when that happens. They will have to get used to the changes sooner or later - or go some place else if they won't wait. Working from home has many advantages but it in reality it has more disadvantages. It is too easy for some people to just show up with the dog and say they have a party or family coming over and say but since your here anyway why can't you just do it this once. I have been at my parents in Euroa and had calls, when I explain where I am and I can't do the dog they ask me how long will it take for me to get home . Um - I can't do it today, I won't be home for along time, I am about 3 hrs away - some will say sorry and book the dog in, great. But there are always those who will work out if I leave NOW I would be home by ... and still have plenty of time to do their dog. Sometimes it is very hard to be nice.

Maybe this sign will be suitable :D

I was trying to find some photos of a very matted dog that I have posted on DOL before as a reminder of what some owners call "love". If some of you want to point the finger at neglect - point it at the owner. By the way - the majority of dogs that I do are very well behaved and are an absolute pleasure to work on.

You forgot the employment of grooming nooses and harness for dogs that won't stand. Its physical restraint even if its not the groomer's hands doing it. Personally if a bit of growling and physical placement will teach my dogs to stand still (they do anyway) for grooming I'd WAY prefer that to seeing a dog in a grooming noose... ^^ totally agree

Hello littlesquashyguys, thanks for the lovely complement :D Going out on a limb here but is your name Andrea, your Grandfather lived in Knox and you lived over the other side of the City and did Star have lots of skin problems when she was younger? (I hope I have the right person )? Piper is going strong, she will be 7yo in Jan, surprised you remembered her name. I have 2 of her kids with me now, if your over this way again give me a call, it would be nice to see you again. I have had Pugs for a while now, Charli is the only one I have atm.

I think some need to back off with the insults, yes some groomers can be a bit hard, but not once has it been said in here that anyone belts the hell out of a dog - there have been a few owners I would like to slap around a bit though . You do need to be firm with some dogs, no denying that, there is nothing I would do to a dog that I do not do when the owner is standing beside me, actually some owners have no idea just how bad their dogs can be until they see it for themselves. Some are better with their owners staying but others are better if they leave. I don't do many difficult dogs anymore, the worst ones I do eventually get sick of and tell them to go to a vet who does grooming so the dog can be sedated. I only groom a handful of aggressive dogs and the owners stay with me. A close call I once had, I saw what was about to happen in the corner of my eye and moved back just in time, he just scraped my forehead and had a snap at my chest - the owner was there and almost about had a fit. I was more worried about her than what the dog tried to do to me. I knew the dog was difficult, had done him once before but he was ok, unpredictable but I was able to manage him. I had been doing her daughters dog for a few yrs and they asked me about doing this dog, we talked about what to expect, I should have kept him muzzled but I needed to take it off to get to his face, he was ok and I moved further down the body and that was when he had a go at me. A few months later the owner called in to let me know they had him pts, they were worried he would have a go at their grandchildren. He was a beautiful dog, just a shame he was so aggressive. The odd dog has scratched the crap out of my arms while I was trying to hold or secure it - if I let it go it could jump off the table and hang itself. I have no idea how many times my left thumb has been bitten, some really latch on, trying handling clippers or scissors when a dog refuses to stay still, I have cut myself several times when dogs will not co-operate, usually if a dog has some blood on it - it's mine - not theirs. I was asked once if one of my dogs attacked me because my arm was so badly marked - I told them hell no - none of my dogs would ever do that - it was a clients dog. I have no love for dogs that behave like that - I refuse to do them again if they have not settled down by the 3rd time unless I really like the dog or the owner. I have slowed things down a bit due to injuries, I only do a few dogs a day. I love grooming but do not appreciate dogs who are badly behaved, getting shit or pissed on and I sure as hell do not enjoy being attacked. I have a toileting area set up because you would be amazed how many indoor dogs don't get the chance to toilet before walking in the door. Some people just don't think. I allow them to toilet before I start especially if they are nervous dogs hoping they will not do it on me or on the bench or in the bath or on the floor or in the crate. I don't know how many times I have had to turn around and wash the dog again because it toileted in the crate and laid down in it just before the owner comes to get it, dogs who are not crate trained I leave lose in the shed (no other dogs with them) and still have to clean up after them. On a nice day they go outside in the pen. Some dogs that I stopped doing have come back - I might do them a couple of time but I drop them again. It is just not worth it. In the early days I used to feel sorry for the dogs who would not co-operate but as the yrs went by I felt sorrier for myself - I don't need the hassle - simple as that. Sorry for another long rant - but hubby has been clued in to what to do next time :D I don't have a sign with the hrs I work but will be very soon.

Gee this thread caused a bit of fuss . Just got back from a drive, not as much as we were going to do but every bit helps. We like to do a good couple of hours if possible, last week we picked up some spuds just out of Trafalgar - about an hour from home and we were going to go further out this time. I asked my hubby why he didn't tell the owner I wouldn't be home for ages but he said he tried. I think the owner has a disorder of some sort. Last time he was here, again no appt but he didn't mind leaving the dog until I had a chance to get to him - he noticed a tyre a little bit flat and he panicked about it - telling me that he has to go get it fixed now, have to go, have to get air in the tyre now, shoved the dog at me an took off, I tried telling him it is fine for now, he will be fine until he can get to the servo but he was off to the tyre place. Each time he comes he has to be somewhere, dumps the dog off and goes quickly, today was the mechanics. You and I would not have taken a dog with us if we were going somewhere and the dog could not go too - we would leave it home - I really don't know what he would have done if things didn't go as he wanted. He seemed a bit funny that he had to wait for me as it was. Plenty of people call in to get my number if they lose it or the pull up out front and get it off the big sign in the window. Once I had a lady knock on the door at 5pm and ask me to do her dog "now", she was out walking and has some spare time and would like it done. Then she offered to pay me $25 , well you should have seen the look on her face when I said told her no. She couldn't understand why I wasn't interested in the work, I told her I had finished for the day and it's not worth my time to do a mattered dog for only $25 - she was shocked and said that her groomer does it for that. I smiled and told her to go back to her groomer then. I didn't think I hated dogs - why they hell have I been grooming the buggers for 11 yrs - and only had one holiday where my dogs were put in kennels for 4 days - should have gone for at least a week. hmmm just think, if I never had dogs, all the places I could go, pretty things I could afford and .... so why do I have dog if I don't like them ? A groomers job is not as good as what many people seem tho think it is. A lot of time is spent trying to teach some dogs how to behave on the table, how to stand, even how to tolerate being handled, groomed - generally what acceptable behavior really is. I even had one that had never even been used to a collar - I gave up after 30 mins and getting no where. The dog had been treated like a cat, was never walked which is why it never had a collar and they wondered why I told them they will have to go to a vet to have it sedated so it could be handled. The worst behaved dog I have been grooming for about 8 yrs has to be sedated by the owner - this is the most frightening 4kg dog you could ever imagine. The only reason I still do her is because I like the owner and even with sedation she still needs to be muzzled so we (she stays to help) don't get bitten .

Ok - just having a whinge , a client who just shows up at the door with dog and wants the dog done on the spot. I wasn't home, hubby called me to say he was there. I was going to tell him to get his phone number and I will call him later but he puts him on the phone - my phone had a flat battery and it cut out without knowing who it was. I had just picked my daughter up from work and we were going to go for a drive to get her hours up so she can go for her license soon. I called home from my daughters phone and there was no answer - a few mins later he called me on daughters phone. The man was still there and wanted the dog done so was just going to leave the dog there. Hubby didn't know what to do with the dog or if he should take it since he didn't even know what I was doing. The owner told him he had to take his car to the mechanic and can't take the dog with him. It was just easier to say I was on my way home. We pull up and I should have known who it was, this bloke is a pain. I think he must look at the dog and think "you need a clip - now". I have done it on the spot before and that was the worst thing I could have done - he expects this all the time now. The dog is an arse, has no manners, will crap anywhere - even while I am grooming him. He will not co-operate making grooming very difficult, only good thing is he is not aggressive. He picks the dog up and thanks me for doing him on short notice, stupid me says "that's ok" but I did say - here is my number, make sure you call next time because I might not be able to get home this quick again if I have plans. I should have told Hubby to tell him I am not home - give him my number and I will call him later. I planned today off for driving with my daughter and I am the WORST passenger in the world - sitting in the seat beside a "L" plate driver is not what I call a good time but we planned it and should have done it anyway. *whinge over*