posted 01-07-2004 09:07 AM         

Are they very barky? Someday, in many many years when I am free to choose another pet, I will get a shih tzu or a shih-a-poo or yorki-poo or something. I keep looking into them so when the time comes I will know which type of dog I want.

As for grooming, can't help you much there. I would think you could learn if you were determined and not afraid of a few bad haircuts. My sister learned how to cut her son's hair to save money, and I know she trims her Golden to some extent.

Maybe you could learn and then start a part-time business where people bring their dogs to your house and you groom them and charge less than $54.

posted 01-07-2004 09:29 AM         

I groom my own dog....I have a poodle and thats one of the most difficult dogs to groom. It is much better to have a few shabby haircuts as you learn how to groom than to be shelling out that much money all the time. Invest in a good pair of clippers (expect to pay 80 to 100 bucks for a decent pair) and a book that talks about grooming. Its really very easy. The first time I groomed my poodle I was so nervous and it took me like 6 hours. The second time....3 hours...the third time....closer to 1....each time her haircut looked better and better. Every now and then I have a friend groom her for me if I'm feeling lazy and need her to look tip top.

I would highly recommend getting clippers and learning yourself. Then you can groom your dog as often as you want and keep him looking beautiful all the time instead of stretching it and seeing how long you can go while your dog looks shabby in between groom appts.