New Member

Posts: 6
From:Newark Ohio USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-10-2003 10:08 AM            

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Hi, I have a large maltese that my neice rescued this winter from a snowy ditch. She about 4 yrs old. I took her to the groomers. They called & said to come & get her that she was impossible without sedation. I found that they did not shampoo & brush her first and got their clippers caught in the fur of her rear leg that was not matted but is now. Now I can not groom her as she is afraid of the clippers & sometimes scissors. I am wandering if a pet sedative would slow her down for me to groom her? Matties getting matted. Also she is overly protective of family members due to past abuse. Does she need something for aggression? She's getting better but it's a problem.

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Mattiesmom

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Member

Posts: 616
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 09-10-2003 01:03 PM         

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It is best to ask around for good groomers. Don't just take her to anyone. Talk to the groomers an ask if they have any experience with abused dogs. I clip my poodle and trust me was that a learning experience. She would bite me anytime I nicked her. But she still trusts me. I have gotten much better at it since then. Maybe just take out the clipper set and run it once a day so she can get used to it. Then go at her as if she were a pupy. Just work with her in short intervals and give her treats for when she is a good girl. Maybe cut out the matts for now. She will come around but she is going to need you to be very patient with her. Make sure to brush her everyday so the matts don't overtake. Make sure also too use a quality brush that does not scratch her skin too hard. Let us know how it goes.

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Newark Ohio USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-10-2003 08:26 PM            

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Thank you for your speedy reply. I will take all of your advice. I did decide to take her to the Granville Vet. clinic groomer. They can give her a pill to relax her I guess. They are so loving to my sisters dog. And I think that maybe if Mattie picks up on good vibes, I go in and meet the groomer as they suggest, in front of her, bring things from home of hers, than maybe she will relax. SHe met they in March and was comfortable with the front desk ladies. I think that you are so right about being VERY PATIENT. I have been putting the shears in front & she lickes it. I will introduce her to the clippers also. Maybe just trim a little bit at a time eventually. She is such a sweet little dog & deserves patience from us.
Nancy in Ohio

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Mattiesmom

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Posts: 616
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 09-11-2003 12:00 PM         

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Yes, patience is the key. My husband is originally from Ohio. Cleveland. He was very small when he move to california. But his granny lived there for years until she passed away.

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Posts: 12
From:Phoenix, AZ, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 09-11-2003 03:13 PM         

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Some dogs, because of temperament, past abuse or whatever need a little help when going to the vet or the groomer. I don't disagree with a sedative being given. Shoot, my buddy has a 120 lb. Rottie and Gizmo gets a pill to go and get his nails clipped! Choice of groomer is a #1 consideration, though. I'm the same way with a dog groomer that I am with my own hair: once I find a good one, I'll follow them anywhere!

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Posts: 52
From:
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 09-11-2003 03:16 PM            

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Grooming with sedatives can be a risky thing. I would make sure that if you choose that route, you are getting your dog groomed at a Vet hospital, just in case problems arise. Dogs can lose their sense of balance when sedated and fall easily. It can make them sick, dizzy and even more fearful of the whole grooming experience. Make sure you find the right kind of groomer- and if they advise sedation, ask how it is done, what the effects are and how they plan to steady your dog while they groom. A good groomer is much like a good trainer- someone who has that special touch in communicating with animals. Training and grooming go hand in hand- so ask lots of questions about how dogs are handled. A good groomer will be sensitive to your dogs history, and talk with you about how they will handle a dog with special needs, like aggression and biting. If they don't the time to listen to your concerns or if they do not seem to have that calming, special touch as you hand your dog over- keep searching for the right person who has this kind of experience and expertise. You might find that all your dog needs is the right kind of groomer handling her who is patient and willing to build a trusting relationship with her over time, and you won't need the sedation. I groomed dogs for 5 years- and I never had to sedate one dog. Not that I didn't get my share of biters- it is bound to happen, but I never resorted to sedatives. I think it is just really important to find the right relationship between your dog and your groomer. Your dog needs time and patience to build up her trust in people. It might be best to take small steps in the grooming process- start with just a bath and brushing- if you need certain things done they could use a gentle muzzle (nylon with velcro)while calming the dog with their voice, petting her to trim nails, giving treats and praise while cleaning ears etc. Just take it slow- reinforcing trust between your dog and people is going to take some time.

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Newark Ohio USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-11-2003 05:43 PM            

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Good news, I took Mattie to the right groomer. We know now that the 1st groomer man handled her as she was still a little skittish with some people. The 2nd groomer that decided not to do her didn't bother to bath or brush her. The young groomer was appaulled & said she always washes & grooms & puts on a silicone like conditioner or she can't get thru the fur as easy. Mattie liked Cassy. Cassy really loves what she is doing & had a gentle spirit. I stayed and helped hold her. Mattie did great. Except toward the end she got antsy. I am so relieved. Maybe with a couple good experience I can groom her some myself. I thank you all for you wanderful advice. It shows how much you all love dogs.
Nancy in Ohio

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Mattiesmom

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