Grooming the dog myself - - HELP, please

[weluvdizne]

Our cockapoo is very high strung, always has been. He freaks out when he gets his haircut, but he doesn't shed, so he has to be groomed a couple times a year. We used to take him to one vet that would sedate him so they could do it. Then, I found a new vet who said she could groom any dog, and wanted to try him. She did not sedate him, but said that since he freaked out so much, she won't do it again without sedating him. Do you know how expensive it is to sedate a dog to get him groomed?
Anyone have any hints how I could try it myself? I have the clipper set, and have tried it a few times years ago, and he freaked out, so I gave up. I would realllllllly like to save the money and find a way to do it myself.

 

[wenrob]

As someone who used to groom dogs I can tell you it's not an easy task. More importantly if he freaks out that bad you and the dog could both wind up badly hurt. Clipper accidents happen to even the calmest dogs and in professional hands. My advice would be to have him buzzed a couple times of year by someone with a LOT of experience. You could think of it this way: 1)Spend the money to have him sedated (or find an awesome groomer) a couple times a year or 2)End up spending a bunch of money for an emergency vet visit AND a possible ER visit for you.

eta: Have you ever had him to an actual groomer?

 

[doggydoc]

Sorry. The sedation is not just to make the job easier it is for the safety of your pet. You can try some of the OTC herbal calming agents but in my experience they are ineffective at best and toxic in some cases. As you said you tried grooming your pet yourself and are apparently aware of how difficult your pet's disposition makes grooming. This is a common problem I encounter, people want the breed of dog they want but are not prepared to accept the negative consequences inherent in the breed. Any cocker spaniel, poodle, shih tzu, pomeranian or yorkshire terrier is going to require a minimum of grooming to maintain health, this includes mixes of any of these breeds. These breeds can also be high strung making grooming extremely difficult. Sedation is often required. I suggest, for your pet's sake, you make room in your budget for sedation and grooming.

 

[weluvdizne]

Thank you to the above two responders. I appreciate the honesty. Really, I do. You have helped me to decide that it is best for everyone involved, dog, me, to take him to be done professionally, under sedation. It's just going to be something we force into the budget. Don't need any more medical bills this year, or any, actually.

I really do appreciate the honesty. Thank you!!!

 

[grumpyskirtgirl]

I pay to have a mobile groomer come to the house for my Yorkie. He is less stressed out not having to go in the car and not leaving the house. Plus I can check out all the facilities and groomer from my window. He is much more calm during/after his "spa day" since I started having the groomer come to the house. TOTALLY worth the extra expense.

 

[labdogs42]

A good, experienced groomer might be able to groom your dog without sedation. I think the vets office is a stressful location for dogs to begin with, so that might be adding to the problem. A groomer might be less stressful for the dog. Don't pick one at a PetSmart or Petco, go with one in someone's home or a grooming shop. Ask around for a good groomer in your area and give that a try. It might be worth one more try!

ETA, if you happen to be in the Lehigh Valley area, I can recommend someone!

 

[hsmamato2]

I also think asking everyone,everywhere for recommendations is a good idea. I know of a local groomer/dog boarder who is SO GOOD- she had no issues caring for my high strung (read,rotten tempered) chi mix -whereas NO ONE ELSE outside our family gets to touch the dog....
SO put it in your budget,and then ask ask ask till you find someone you like a lot!

 

[aidansmommy]

As a groomer, I agree with the PPs who suggested making room in the budget for sedation. Sometimes dogs just can't safely be groomed in a regular groom shop setting. If you already know your dog is high strung and stresses out while being groomed, it would be unfair to put him through it just to see...know what I mean?

I would suggest getting him shaved down with a #7 or #10 blade all over to make it last longer-it won't be as cute, but if you're only having it done a couple of times a year that's most likely what you'd have to do anyway. Plus, it'll last longer! Good luck and safe grooms for your pup!

 

[SunnieRN]

If you google groomers, there are usually reviews of the service/atmosphere at the shop. We have a golden doodle, named Gabby. She is a typical golden, HYPER!! We have a groomer who is also a border. She has a huge play area, an outdoor obstacle course, a big "playroom" where the dogs can interact, as well as individual "resting pens, where after grooming, they get to rest on a pillow, in their own pen, (clean for each dog).

A grooming, nail grinding/buffing, anal and feminine cleanse and eye care, $50. She comes home happy, hyper and beautiful. Did I mention hyper?

It is her "playday!! There is a 12 year old Golden who goes to "day care" there They are great friends and he is STILL hyper!! Any non shed (read poodle mix), variety will need constant brushing or short clips. Even brushing Gabby, she still knots and mats, if not brushed every day, or if she gets wet, rain, dog bowl, sprinkler, puddles, jumping in the shower, etc. This dog can ALWAYS find a way to get wet! I've never met a dog with a bigger heart though! She's a big lover girl!!!