posted 02-16-2004 12:18 PM         

Today Milo went to the groomers. I was so shocked when i saw him. He was cut so cute. He looks so funny. He has a skirt??? (don't ask). He looks so different he looks like another dog. I just have one question. Is he supposed to be bleeding? Just a question. I am so mad right now. The groomer cut his hair so short. He looks cute and all, but is he sapposed to be cut? I mean i know that it must not be easy cutting a dog's hair because the dog is probably moving around and all. I could completly understand if he had cut him and just told me about it. I even asked the vet how everything went. She said that Milo was great! I Specifically told the vet. Milo's hair is about 3 inch's long right now, could you please cut it about 1/2 of that. make it 1 1/2 inch long. Well Milo's hair is about a few centimeters long. I am so upset.

What do you guy's think i should do? Should i call the groomers and complain about this or should i just accept what had happened and not take milo there again (because he ain't)

posted 02-16-2004 02:34 PM         

I picked up Milo around 2:00pm. I didn't notice that he was cut untill around 3 - 3:30pm. He is cut right under his belly. I didn't say anything to the groomers about the hair cut that he had recieved because i didn't want to be rude or ungratefull. I just feel that if i ask the groomer to cut him a certin way then it should be done, UNLESS it can't be done. If maybe i am asking for something that might just be to complex ( i dunno, cutting maybe an inch off of him might be to complex). I am a little upset at this matter and frankley i don't think i will take him back. Do you think i am over reacting? My boyfriend said that the groomer probably didn't even notice that he cut Milo. I think he would have though because if you cut someone by accident (i am not saying he did this intentionally, i know that it must be very difficult to cut a animals hair) but, if you cut an animal by accident, the animal would react in some sort of way. That might explain why Milo was all shakey when he saw me. I don't know, maybe i am just rambling on. Does anyone agree with me? am i wrong here? could my boyfriend be right? maybe the vet didn't even notice? I have no problem if the groomer accidentaly cut him by accident. But don't let me find out about it on my own when i am playing with him, Tell me about it. Should i call the groomers and give them a piece of my mind?

So many questions!!!

Thanks everyone,

posted 02-16-2004 03:51 PM         

Wow, I am appalled!!!

Here are a few of my comments concerning your situation:

~If you told the groomer to cut Milo down to 1.5 inches, that is precisely what your groomer should have done, period. (If he/she was off by a little, no problem, but to be as far off as you state, that IS a problem.) If your groomer knew the cut could not be done (why it couldn't I haven't a clue) then they should have told you before you walked out the door and left Milo there!!! You have every single right to be upset, and it is not ungrateful to be. You paid for a certain haircut, and that is what you should have received, nothing else! I would have said something when I arrived and saw Milo not cut to the specifications I had stated!

~Dogs should NEVER come out of a groomers with a cut (in the skin) *UNLESS* there was an accident. Accidents happen, that is a fact of life, but for the groomer not to say anything, simply unacceptable. If indeed it was the groomer who cut Milo, Milo surely would have reacted in some way or another!!! Therefore, the groomer would have seen/heard Milo react and investigate further. Upon finding the cut, he/she should have made note of that and made CERTAIN that they told you. There are absolutely no excuses for not telling the owner what happened! Once I found out about this, I would have been on the phone to complain faster than the speed of light! (Note: I would do the above only given that it was the groomer who cut Milo!)

~I would NEVER go there again! To harsh? Some might think so, but I surely don't think so!

~You are undeniably justified in your complaints, and should not be ashamed of voicing your concern!

OK, I am done ranting now!

posted 02-16-2004 04:02 PM         

legolas

posted 02-16-2004 04:17 PM         

If you gave specific instructions when you dropped Milo off, they should have been complied with, unless, for example, Milo was matted and leaving him long was either not an option or the dematting would have been so extensive that he would have suffered. Now having said that, it should have been made clear to you when you dropped him off that the groomer wanted to take him down short.

As for the cut, I believe it's possible that the groomer didn't know it happened. Some dogs are very sensitive to pain and others on the opposite end of the scale. I'm a groomer and once I had someone call me after she got her dog home to say that there was some kind of abrasion on her dog's belly. At no time during the grooming did I notice an abrasion, nor did the dog wince at any time. That doesn't mean I can be 100% positive I didn't cause it. Of course if something like that happens and it's noticed the owner should be told, definitely.

I don't think it's necessary to handle this in an accusing, ranting manner. What I suggest is,

1. About the actual grooming. You do sound a little, well, vague about it. Are you sure you gave clear instructions? I'm asking because you say you like the clip, it's cute, it's funny-looking- I mean it just sounds a tad unclear. In any case, if you're sure you were clear abou what you wanted, call and ask to speak to the groomer. Explain your problem and ask why your dog was clipped so short. If the groomer said it was too mattted to do anything else with, I would tell him/her, that you feel you should have had this explained to you at the time, and it wasn't.

2. About the wound- also ask about it. It's not likely that the groomer will say he/she noticed, because if they noticed and didn't say anything before, they're not likely to now. If they really didn't notice, well, then you'll have the same answer, won't you? It's going to be up to you ultimately to decide whether or not you'll go back there. Ask yourself if they're polite and sound concerned about your issues, or is their attitute an 'I don't care" one?

In any case, I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience.
Sometimes you have to go through a few groomers to find one you feel comfortable with. Best wishes!

posted 02-16-2004 05:36 PM         

First i just want to say that when i first say Milo, i was a little shocked. Naturally if i disagree with the way his hair was cut, the type of person i am, i am not gonna cause a scene in the veterinary office. To me i would have felt that the groomer did his best at cutting milo's hair. I don't know what the situation was at the groomers. I know from personal experience of trimming the hair by milo's eyes that it can be a pretty good chore. Milo just dosn't like to sit there. I have no issues with the groomer about cutting milo's belly. None at all (well to a certin extent) because 1. i don't even know if it was the groomer. Heck for all i know Milo could have gotten that with me, i highly doubt it though. But i am going to stick with i didn't see the groomer do it, therefore i don't know if it was him. The only thing that i wish for is that if it was the groomer and he new then i would expect a phone call, or even a little note.

As for Milo's hair, I can only imagine how hard it is for someone to cut a pup's hair. The pup wouldn't stay put and i am sure try to nibble on what the groomer is using to clip him. I would have to say that if for any reason, the groomer had to clip his hair a different way, at least give us a call. I don't know if anyone here is in the Toronto area, but it's cold. There is snow everywhere, and the third cold warning has been in effect starting this week. The way he was clipped i don't think he can go outside because he will freeze.

Maybe it's just me, I'm not a groomer, i can only imagine how hard it would be to be a groomer, but to me, if i gave someone the kind of service that i recieved then i wouldn't have any customers.

I have decided on my decision. Tommorow i am going to call the groomer and just ask him how everything was. I want to ask him about why the hair was cut so short, maybe the hair was matted, maybe he did an error and cut to much because Milo had moved and wanted to even everything out, or maybe he forgot it was me who had placed the call. I would find it funny if someone else recieved their dog with a completly different hair do. LOL. I am also going to ask the groomer if he had noticed anything on his belly. I am going to say that i noticed that there was a mark on his belly that looks like a wound that is fresh. If the groomer has no idea where it was, then hey, i don't know if he did it, therefore, i can't say he did.

As for Milo, he is still a cuttie no matter what kind of hairstyle he has. I just kind of miss his old shaggy style, i thought he had a cute bum. Is that wrong for me to say? about my dog's bum?lol.

Anyways, thanks everyone,

I'll be sure to post tommorow when i am at work and fill you in on everything.

Oh Karma, Before I forget, Milo is a shih-poo. It's cute now because not he dosn't look like a shih poo he looks like a scottish terrier? am i correct i think. Has anyone seen the movie lady and the tramp? The older dog? i think it was a scottish terrier? Anyways, hey the good news is that mylo got a breed change lol.

here's milo a few month's ago.
[IMG] http://www.dogster.com/photos/4827/1.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks again everyone,

posted 02-16-2004 06:22 PM         

Absolutely, I agree with you 100%. The statements I expressed above in my post were merely my feelings if indeed the groomer did improperly cut (speaking of the haircut), and cut (the skin) her pup and made no mention of it (if it was known to her).

In any case, when a complaint/concern/etc. arises and one wishes to confront who is responsible, it must always be done in a non-confrontational manner with a cool head!

Just my two cents,
Kristi

posted 02-17-2004 05:06 AM         

Sorry if there is any confusion on the names
"MILO" and "LEGOLOS" I was at my boyfriends parents house last night and his little brother saw the discussion board and created an account "LEGOLOS" i went to reply a message a didn't see that he was logged in. Anyways the last message frome LEGOLAS is really MILO. If there was any confusion i hope this settled it.

Thanks all.

P.S. I am gonna call the groomers. Just speak and find out what happened. I think i am a little cooled off now. Anyways i'll post when i am done.

posted 02-17-2004 05:20 AM         

I spoke to the groomer. He was very polite! He had asked me how i like milo. If i thought it was good. I said i did, (i don't want to start anything). Anyways, i had asked him why his hair was so short because i had called and told him how i had wanted (it was 3 inches long, please cut it to about 1 1/2 inches) he had said that he used the longest razor that he had had because Milo is still to young for the scissors. So that was why it was so short. Is it just me, but then why didn't he have called me, or informed me of this when he was dropped off? anyways. I also asked him if he had noticed a mark on his belly. I said i was not sure how it got there and if maybe he had seen it too. He then told me that because on his belly, it is rather sensitive, and that the pup had moved around to avoid getting his hair snipped in that area and accidentaly cut him. He said that it was fine and that he will more then likely get used to getting his hair clipped there and for me not to worry about it. Hey that's fine with me. I know from experience of cutting milos hair (around his eyes) that he dosn't like it. But am i wrong for wondering why I had to call him and find this out? Shouldn't he have said something to me about it?

I am naturally more calm now after sleeping on it and after talking to the groomer. If your wondering if i am gonna take him back to the groomers. Well right now i fell probably not. I don't think that it is right for me to chase somebody about what had gone wrong. But Milo isn't due to go to the groomers now so in a few months who knows.

I will give the groomer this, he was very polite on the phone and i didn't feel like i was getting the run around. Also, Milo smelled very good when i picked him up.

Karma, I will give you this, To be a dog groomer i think you have to have alot of patience, because i am sure that to groom a pet it must be hard, and i am also sure that if you do your best and think the outcome is great, that there are parents (or dog owners) out there who think differently. I hope i didn't upset you with this. I was just trying to vent about what had happened and ask people for some advice.

To everyone who responded or read this, thanks alot for all of your imput.

posted 02-17-2004 11:25 AM         

My goodness, no, this hasn't upset me! I'm not here to be defensive about my profession. It sounds as though you had every right to be upset, and this is a terrific place to post a problem of this kind.

I'm glad the groomer was polite and that he was honest about the cut on the belly, but I am a little disturbed that you had to call him the next day to get the info. That doesn't speak well for the issues of trust and good communication that I feel are necessary in a good relationship between pet, owner and groomer.

Please don't let this bad experience sour you on groomers altogether. I know you know that every profession has its good and bad.

As for the shortness: the longest blade should leave the hair length anywhere from say, about half an inch to about three quarters of an inch. I'm giving you such a wide range because the same blade used on dogs with different hair types and used by groomers with different techniques will leave different lengths. Now, there are blade extenders. These are actually plastic snap-on combs that fit over metal blades. With these it is possible, again allowing for differences in hair and technique to leave hair as long as, oh, maybe 1 3/4 inches to almost 2. Then, there are other techniques that allow longer coats to be left..... all this to say that probably the groomer could have gone a little longer than you say he did.

But, of course the hair will grow back and the cut will heal and hopefully you won't harbor bad feelings about groomers. And I don't mean to second-guess your groomer-- I'm just going by what you've said.

posted 02-17-2004 01:01 PM         

Karma: Sorry about Milo's Link.. I'll try agian. I havn't been altered about groomers. I think that it is a great proffesion. I would love to work with animals everyday. I just hope Milo hasn't. I am going to have to take him back to the groomers again at one point in his life.

The groomer had told me that he had used that largest blade that he had to cut milo's hair. Milo's hair must be like maybe 1-2 centimeters in lengs. Except for around his sides. They gave him a "Skirt" Basically around his sides is long to the ground.

Basically i feel that I had a bad experience at a groomer. It dosn't mean that every groomer is like that. I just hope Milo feels the same way.

Anyways lets see if i can post a pic for you.

Thanks,
Christina

posted 02-18-2004 05:22 AM         

Ok i just wanted to thank everyone for their time in reading about my little dilema. And for all the GREAT advise i was given.

Thanks again from me and Milo

posted 02-18-2004 05:25 AM         

There are some groomers who are self-proclaimed 'old school' and don't bother to learn about new techniques and equipment. I'm not saying they're wrong. I'm simply saying they limit themselves.

I just don't want to give Christina the idea that snap-ons don't do a good job. They leave really nice cuts on dogs like hers.

I am in touch with many other pet groomers all over the country. I know the field. If you doubt the widespread use of combs among professional pet groomers both new to grooming and in the field for 25 + years, try going on a groomer's forum or chat. You will not find many who never use them. Please don't limit yourself or others based upon your working in two salons. It's simply not an accurate picture.

posted 02-18-2004 07:37 AM         

How do you think he will react next time i take him? I think i will end up by taking him somewhere else, but do you think he will remember and retaliate back. I know my parents have a pikanees (spelling?) and he bit the groomer once, now he has to wear a muzzle each time he goes.

posted 02-18-2004 04:46 PM         

Thats a good point. If milo senses that i am worried or have concerns about anything, He will pick up on that. Good point.

Next time milo goes to the vet i am gonna be confident. Hopefully he will be ok.

Thanks,

posted 02-18-2004 08:39 PM         

I have to say the same thing.... I admire your groomer for being honest with you (cuz I'm sure there are people out there that wouldn't have fessed up), but the cut should have been pointed out to you. ESPECIALLY since they took your money - would have been a perfect time to mention it! HELLO!? Not to mention, is there some sort of topical antibiotic that should be applied? (or am I just a germ-paranoid mommy?) hehe.....

As far as the length: look at the bright side -- he saved you a trip (and $$) to the groomers in a month! Now you don't go for about two months hehehe.....
Speaking from experience, when I first took my dog to the groomer I had nooooo clue how things worked. I told her the length that I thought I wanted him at and she pretty much told me she would do what HE ALLOWED HER TO DO. She usually starts out slow with puppies until they get used to her, and coming to the shop, and learning the "stand still and behave" rules. hehe... So, she told me that she would just do the hygiene "cut" on him and see how he does with the scissors. (I didn't want her to use the clippers/shaver on him cuz he still has that dandylion fuzzy hair and I thought that wouldn't look good.) Sure enough, he's gone about 4 -5 times now and each time she's able to do a little bit more. I still stay with the scissor cut, so she isn't able to get his hair very short (otherwise it looks choppy). She shaves his belly, hiney and around his eyes tho..... So I am GUESSING (cuz I'm nooooo expert) that your groomer just tried to appease the parent's wishes, instead of trying to work with the puppy first.

But again, he still should have told you that he was cut! Speaking of that... it had to be fairly deep in order to be bleeding hours later! how is he doing? I'm assuming better.

posted 02-19-2004 05:20 AM         

You bring up a good point. About if something should go over his cut. Obviously his cut has stopped bleading, and is scabbing over a little. It dosn't bother him much anymore (when we first brought him home he kept licking it, thats how we noticed it.)

Also a good point is that the groomer probably just started out with what he can. Maybe he figured that Milo might get used to going to the groomers if he did it quick and easy, hense the short hair cut. I have to get a picture of Milo on the discussion board. He looks completley different then his other picture. Me and my boyfriend feel that we dropped off Milo a shih-poo and picked up "milo" (obviously he answers to his name) the scottish terrior. LOL, kind of cool because we get 2 dogs for the price of one

posted 02-20-2004 05:02 PM         

I live in Pickering, and I know of 2 excellent groomers in the east end, Scarborough.

I guess it is okay to post their names on here.
1. Birchmount Groomers, it is in the Birchmount Vet Hospital @ Birhcmount and Ellesmere. I do not have their number handy. But you can look them up.
2. Paulmasc Pet Stire & Groomers @ Kennedy & Eglington, Penny is the groomer and she has been doing dogs for like 15-20 years, she is AWESOME!

I have had my dog groomed at both a few times, she is only 8 months, and I always love what they do.