qashmir

Yes, you're right. The first thing out of my mouth would have been "what's a fall?". I'm not too proud to say to a client that i don't understand them. I'd rather appear simple than make a mistake from pride. And yes, you don't want a wheaten with schnauzer brows!

As i understand it, but i'm definitely no expert, the motor is essentially a pump. Where i used to work, we used to get a pump place to come out and fix it. May be worth ringing some, if no one else comes up with any suggestions. Good luck!

In order to understand i need to know what breed is your dog? What is a "fall"? In 25 years i've not heard that term. Just trying to see your perspective.

From a groomer's perspective.... If it's not a show dog, CLIP! Stripping is time consumming and labor intensive, especially for a novice. You would be hard pressed to find a groomer who will hand strip and the cost would be enormous. Please clip! Good luck with your pup!

This is not a normal thing for a cav. You need an eye specialist if diet and health have already been addressed. Don't mess around with a general vet. See a specialist when it comes to eyes.

My vet nurse friend and my vet friend, both in different surgeries, often talk about this. We decided they just don't care.

Exactly! I hate notes that tell me in detail what i would already have done automatically. You ask "same as last time?" and you get a note with a list on it, that in actuality is "the same as last time". With some clients i really believe they do this to be superior. Like i don't know to do his nails? Haven't i cut his nails every two months for the last 5 years? Don't you get a written report stating his nails were cut? Then Why do you need to tell me to do it?

Maybe your dog was distressed at being left in a kennel. Plain and simple. People always assume there are groomers, kennels and vets who spend their lives torturing dogs.

my apologies for the capitals, not shouting, just needed to make my comments stand out from yours. Thanks!

Yes. They should be. Sometimes you have to press the release catch to click them in.

Agree! An unusual breed, no problem. But a maltese x, no notes please!

That's why a report card is great. You can write everything you want on it, threats and all ! I have found they don't listen when i speak, so now i write, never get any "next day" phone calls. At first i thought it was a big effort to do report cards but they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to any discrepancies.

Personally, i hate it. I then write a note for them asking not to write me anymore notes. I don't need a note to remind me to do his nails and to instruct me to leave him long coz it's winter now. I tell them if they want the haircut to meet specific requirements then go somewhere where they let you stay with the dog so they can oversee every snip. Sorry, i'm really touchy about this. I basically think it inferr i'm an idiot. The last groomer I took my dog to must totally hate me as I made sure he followed the instructions given to me adding ' Please I would like you to follow these instructions and for her to look like this'. I had photos to show him as well. Hi tosca, for me your case would be understandable. An afghan isn't something a lot of groomers would do everyday. I'm more referring to being presented with lists like "face rounded about 1cm shorter graduating to 2cm around the ears, nails done but not dewclaws, don't make him look like a poodle" , (well he's a bloody schnauzer for starters!) THAT sort of thing. Or they come with a picture of a show bichon and want their westie cross to look like it!!

Tried many. Found WAHL the best. Durable and long lasting.

Personally, i hate it. I then write a note for them asking not to write me anymore notes. I don't need a note to remind me to do his nails and to instruct me to leave him long coz it's winter now. I tell them if they want the haircut to meet specific requirements then go somewhere where they let you stay with the dog so they can oversee every snip. Sorry, i'm really touchy about this. I basically think it inferr i'm an idiot.

Sorry, last post a bit off topic! But largely i enjoy dog grooming or i wouldn't have spent my whole life doing it. I just enjoy the people less and less. There are some sensational clients out there too and at xmas time i'm up to my neck in presents. A groomer is a skillful, rewarding and demanding job and unless i win the lottery, i'll always be one.

I feel so so so sad for little dogs who are obviously not used to being picked up or cuddled. I find it heartbreaking. It's unfathomable to me why people buy a little lap dog, throw it in the back yard and feed it and that constitutes pet care! What about it's mental stimulation, socialisation and it's HAPPINESS!?!?

Lisa M, you are priceless! You are a leaf out of my own book!

Another whinge from me!! Lol!! But i am sick of being ACCUSED all the time. They don't even ask a polite question, they in straight for THE ACCUSE... eg. You didn't do his toenails last time! (well, if you read the report card, you'd see they didn't need doing coz they're really worn down already.) OR THIS OLD CHESTNUT... I don't want him like last time! Last time you shaved him down to skin! (well, last time you let him get matted to skin so i had no bloody option!) Accused all day long!!

I give all my clients a report card. So today's groom is all in writing for them. I got sick of answering the same questions all the time. I keep a photo album of dogs clipped off, before and after and say 'this is what he'll look like', if you don't want that, then take him somewhere else. I also give handouts about various subjects like 'why is my dog clipped short' and 'grooming an unwiling puppy'. They include a list of tools required and maximum time between visits etc. So now i just grab a sheet and highlight stuff and hand it to them.

The owners i mean, not you, settrluvr!

I think that might be the definition of "ignorant"!!

Many years ago, like over 10, i groomed a very sweet cocker whose coat, it seemed, was cemented on and set hard from rain, urine and not being touched for about 2 years. As i clipped the bottoms of his ear leathers, maggots came oozing out! I asked the client if she wanted the dog at all as it could come and live with me. But she insisted they loved him so i gave him back. I did report her to the RSPCA but they told me that coz she got him groomed, that constitutes as being treated and caring for the dog. What crap!

Lisa M you are hilarious!! Thanks everyone for making me feel a little better. I run my own business so i am comfortable with telling people to go elsewhere. I have several i have "fired" as clients but i get those passive, annoying ones who just chip away at me, ever so gently, contributing to my insanity!!

Hi there, i think 15, max 20 mins is ample for a youngster. If he's still energetic then as someone said, some backyard playing would be better. Alternatively if he's really restless maybe 10 mins morn and night would be better.