Amen Sista', I had to do that with own dog and it's heart wrenching!! But, I was not going to allow him to suffer just because my heart would break in a million pieces. People who keep their dogs alive for their own mental purposes to me are abusive when the dog suffers a long slow death. I appreciate you!!! Thank you for your honesty. This video needs to go to every groomer in the country.
Great discussion Suzanne, and a very important one. Pet owners simply DO NOT understand the risks and the stress (for the dog) involved in grooming a super senior dog. I have a few seniors that I’ve been grooming since they were pups, they’ve become very difficult and I have to really calm my energy and stay focused on being as gentle as possible while getting the job done, but no matter how gentle I am, they still have senior panic moments and I have to stop what I’m doing. Sometimes I don’t get everything done and certainly not perfectly, I just do what I can do while ensuring the dog is as comfortable as possible and always being mindful of that particular dogs stress threshold (which can change from session to session). If a senior dog is extremely matted and thrashing and panicking, I will refuse service and refer to a vet. Medical professionals can monitor the dogs wellbeing and they have the medical knowledge and equipment to treat the dog if needed. If the dog dies in their care, they can give the pet owner an explanation from a medical professional’s perspective, whereas if it dies in my care, in the pet owners eyes, I will be negligent or incompetent and they will never be convinced that I didn’t cause the death. We, grooming professionals, are blamed constantly for all sorts of things, by pet owners but also veterinarians, which is sad and disheartening. I take on as little liability as possible after 25 years in the industry. People, these days, are too quick to slander businesses on social media or try to file lawsuits without justification. Great video ❤️
Fantastic video Suzanne, I think one of your very best! This information should be prerequisite viewing for every student in grooming school, as a refresher towards continuing education for established working groomers and especially for every pet parent. This video should be shared far and wide, I can safely bet that in some cases, these thoughts have never crossed some people's minds.
There is NO ONE in this field like you!!!! 💪👑👑The balance of compassion yet a backbone is incredible. It’s so rare to see unfortunately. Too many people have poor emotional boundaries they confuse for healthy empathy and it does a lot of damage. Not only do you have incredible skills but the knowledge you have is far greater than any other groomer on UA-cam right now ❣️
I had tears in my eyes more than once while watching. Thank you, this is such an important topic and so few are willing to talk about it because it is hard to think about the end.
You are the best groomer I have found, if I lived nearby I would trust you with my babies. Thank you for always showing love to these dogs and being so gentle. I have watched some groomers and I have had to quit watching because of how rough they are on a poor scared dog. I always love watching you and have learned so much from you. I groom my 4 dogs myself and do a pretty good job as an amateur.
You. Are. Amazing, Suzanne. I am so glad you broached this subject and explained things so frankly and beautifully. I can't believe the story you shared about the aging poodle that you didn't want to shave its face etc and the owner insisted only to then turn around and blame you after. Unbelievable and so unfair! I didn't know any of these things and I wish my groomer had educated me as you have here... luckily my poodle made it to 18 and was groomed to the end without issue but had I known what I know now, I'd have done things differently. Thank you so much. This video is SO necessary and I sincerely appreciate it. Thanks again ❤
I have a 17 year old toy poodle and I have had this discussion with my vet. She had some very comforting words for me. 1. She said just gently brush her a little everyday. 2. Your dog does not know that she is not groomed. So I just do gently the best I can for her and it is working for her.
I have taken care of my old dog's grooming myself her whole life. She has senior moments now and is very frail. At the last vet visit, which was a quality of life assessment, they said she is nearly blind, nearly deaf, very weak, and in some pain. She got new meds to try. I explained that I keep her brushed out but even that is now difficult without her snapping at me, so I'm afraid to do her nails or give her a bath. I was encouraged to take her to a groomer. I think that would be WAY too stressful for her! With her new meds, I was able to carefully bathe her, and I gave her a haircut while she was sleeping. I was even able to give her nails a trim, but not all at once. She is less bitey and thrashey now, so I will keep it up, but I will not take her to a groomer just because i believe it would be too stressful. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this important information. I’m just starting out as a groomer and this is very helpful!!! I love the empathy you have for your 🐶 clients first and foremost!
My groomer has always told me if my dogs were difficult. I had issue with one of my dogs urinating without squatting. Once the groomer told me this. The vet took her in emergent. The groomer saved my dog’s life.
I so wish my groomer had explained why she couldn’t groom my dog any longer. I truly didn’t understand. You may feel you were all over in this video but trust and believe I certainly understand what you are trying to convey. I was able to groom my own pupper so that’s what I did until she passed away at age 15. However, now I completely understand: she was deaf, blind and was having senior moments. I took the groomer’s refusal personally and I understand so much better now. They are truly hard decisions to make but the decisions are the pet parent’s to make. Both my dogs aged so differently from each other but I had no idea what chaos and what a difficult situation I was imposing upon my groomer. May you be blessed for taking the time and care to explain ❤❤
Many times groomers don’t know how to clearly convey to the pet owner, their reasoning for the refusal. And 99% of the time pet owners do not listen to us or even attempt to understand what we’re telling them anyway. They just “assure” us the dog is fine and there isn’t a problem, I’ve even had pet parents tell me that I am in fact the problem. It’s a frustrating situation for everybody I suppose. I’m happy Suzanne made this video, maybe it’ll help other pet owners understand the way it did for you ❤
Thank you so much for making this video. This is a deeply important topic to me and I’ll admit, you got me a little emotional while watching and listening. I so appreciate your honesty, candor, and thoughtfulness. One thing that I have learned from my own experience - daily care for a senior dog is actually the easy part. It’s the grooming part that is the most difficult, nerve wrecking thing I’ve had to do. “They are cute little puppies and the next thing you know they are old seniors. It’s the circle of life.” Isn’t that the truth. This will no doubt be an invaluable video for many people…groomers and pet parents alike. Hands down my favorite video of yours so far. If I could “like” it a million times I would. Thank you Suzanne!😊💓👏
I have a high anxiety terrier mix dog. I have to groom her myself. She just gets shaved off nothing fancy. Getting her in the car for someone else to do it would be detrimental to my dog & possibly the groomer. The quality of life for my pet is more important to me as well as the safety of a groomer. My baby is 9 yrs old this year. You have such a kind heart & som. much patience with the animals.
Suzanne you are the most caring gentle person/groomer who loves all the dogs. I know it hurts your heart to have to stop grooming any dogs because of various reasons. I know that you do EVERYTHING that you can to care for those seniors as I have seen it MANY times. I would never blame you if you had to stop grooming a senior because of serious health issues that could cause death from the stress of a groom. I know senior don't like baths, face touched, brushed etc
Your a very honest groomer. Very refreshing to listen to your delicate talk on senior dogs. I completely agree with you. I have two sweet female Shih Tzus. One is 7 years old Josie and the other is 6 months old Gracie as of today (2/6/24). Before, adopting my sweet Gracie, I researched the Shih Tzu breed extensively. Looking at the common medical issues this breed tends to have, temperment, best potty training method for this breed, what's the best kibble to feed this breed and much more. Then I looked for good breeder who bred Imperile Shih Tzus in her home and was well knowdgable about the breed. I received my Gracie at 8 weeks old. I had a crate for her to sleep in with bumper matt pad inside of it. I set up a dog playpen in my kitchen to place her in when I couldn't watch her. I feed her Nature's Logic /Great Free kibble and top with Dr. Marty's freeze dry kibble. Potty training has been easy because I use fake grass. Gracie is about three quarters way to being totally potty trained. I asked what is the best soft harness for Shih Tzu. Breeders said get the Voyager which are sold on Amazon. They are well made and fit properly. Its the best harness I'v ever bought for any of my dogs. Since I'm not able to have her micro-chipped till she is spaded at 12 months I purchased from Chewy.com a collar with her name and my phone number embroidered on it.Then I purchased a leash.I had all these items set up in my hpme before Gracie arrived to me. Now let me back up a bit. When I decided I wanted a female Imperile Shih Tzu I made the commitment to train her properly and care for her properly for her entire life. I have two vets that I take my fur babies to. The first one is the traditional vet where my pup will be spayed the other is my holistic ve who will do the vaccines & deworming. I have my holistic vet do the vaccines because he bases the serum on the weight of the dog. Traditional vets don't do that. They inject these small pups with the same amount of serum as they would for a German Shepard. Thats not good for these small dogs. They can up having seizures for the rest of their life. I wait till my pups are 12 months and then and only then have the spayed. By doing this it allows for their growth plates to mature and are less likely to have health issues in their senior years. Since I know oner health issue with my Shih Tzus is bad teeth. So I begin brushing their teeth everyday with dog toothpaste. I start the teeth brushing as a pup. These fur babies need to be brushed everyday as well. I have both of my ShihTzu on a schedule with a private groomer who grooms in her home. Ther is no other dog at her home when I bring my fur baby to her for grooming. Presently I'm learning how to groom their coat in case my groomer decides to retire. I don't wish to groom dogs professional rather I just need to know how to properly care for my fur babies between grooms. I started Gracie with a professional groom at 13 weeks old. I introduced her to the bath, clippers, scissors and nail trimming when she first came to me. Much of how to bathe my fur babies and basic grooming of my puppy I learned on UA-cam from Amy Leigh. She is an excellent dog grooming teacher. So you people out there, if you want to adopt a new puppy you need to realize this is a ten to sixteen year commitment. If your choosing a long haired dog they need to be groomed every six to eight weeks. In between the groom you need to brush its coat daily. Trim its nail if needed, clean its ears and properly bathe them every other week. If you can't do that than don't adopt a dog. You need to take your pup for obediance training and properly potty train your pup. Many of these dogs I see on youtube who are uncooperative, fearful etc is due to lack of training on the owner. Both my Shih Tzu love going to the groomer to be groomed and my groomer really enjoys grooming them. If you can't properly train your pup and care for it properly then you shouldn't have a dog..
I understand your difficulty in making recommendations about this matter as there are so many different types of dogs with different needs, as well as owners with different commitments and capabilities. I do agree that one should "step it up" as dogs get older. I have lost 4 senior dogs in the last year. During their final years I increased their care rather than cut back. I saw this as my duty of care. Fortunately, I could do everything myself and take the time necessary to do it as comfortably as possible. If I wasn't it would have been my duty to enlist a groomer to help me, even if I needed to sign a waiver. I understand that some groomers may not feel comfortable in this type of situation, which could be time when difficult decisions need to be made. If this point was reached for one of my dogs I would need to think seriously about his/her quality of life. There is no way that I would allow an animal of mine to suffer or be neglected. .
Suzanne, thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart about this sensitive, and-dare I say-controversial ? subject. You are the best and most efficient groomer I’ve ever seen, and you WILL get the job done in the kindest way possible. BUT…it is very, VERY unfair to you for any pet parent to expect you to put a dog through all that! If and when we get another fur baby, I will definitely take your advice to heart. Thank you for the way you care for these “babies” that bring us humans so much joy!! ❤
Suzanne, I commiserate with you and the behavior of Victoria and Jagger. Squirt is very head shy, too. Her neck is extremely strong and like Victoria's pet parents, I want Squirt's face trimmed close--not shaved necessarily, but no whiskers or top knot to keep her eyes clear of irritation from her hair. I also like for her hair to be very close around the mouth, too, to keep hair out of her mouth and prevent stinky breath and dripping water after she has a big drink. Now, when it comes to super-seniors, I'm understanding all too well with Peanut's end of days. Bathing and drying him is really stressful for him. Thankfully, he doesn't need a trim. It is a hard subject that needs to be discussed openly. Thank you so much for that and for all you do.
You are explaining it as it is, and I love it. I would have done the same. I tell the truth to my clients and 99% appreciate it. Grooming looks easy to a bystander, but it's not. A respectable groomer has to know, dog behaviour, dog skin, dog anatomy, customer service, have artistic eye...and yes how to hold a clipper ans shears! 2/3 of the above is not taught in school, it's up to the groomer to learn it by itself. Do all groomers go to that extent!?! ❤
You are straight forward and you don’t deserve to be hurt either I blame you for not excepting a bitting dog if grooming is bad for the dog then they don’t deserve to be I love how you are so honest that lady was so wrong for asking you to groom her dog in truth the owner kill the dog
It was also just time for that poor little dog, but the owner could have thought about the timing with the move and rescheduled for a calmer time for the pup. Honestly, it may not have changed anything.
This is such an informative video. It's heartbreaking when you give your best for the sake of the dog and then you get the blame for any problems that arise. I personally just won't groom any dogs that have serious health issues or that are senior. I know it sounds mean but it's just a blame situation waiting to happen.
Wow, what an outstanding video! You are very honest and have given us much to think about. Thank you for your honesty. Your video is extremely helpful.
I don't think owners should expect groomers to groom any dog that behaves badly for any reason, age or otherwise. Someone I know had a crazy dog who was difficult to groom so they took it to the groomer. The dog bit the groomer so badly she required several hand surgeries. This could be career ending for a groomer. The dog had a screw loose. However, the owners should never have taken him to a groomer so they are crazy too.
Great explanations, and grooming examples! I'd like to share what i used on my senior toy poodle for around her eyes: a battery operated mustache? trimmer, the size of a Sharpie marker or smaller. It worked really well to keep the fur short in between grooming appointments, and as the battery started wearing out, it was even better! It was fairly quiet, and didn't block her vision or pull on her skin as I "combed" the trimmer through her fur.
My girls used to be traumatised after returning from the groomer could take them a couple of days to recover and after watching yt vids I’m not surprised!! As they get older I learned to do it myself !! Not the best and getting the fur out of the paw pads & their bum & bits was not easy , even learned to clip the claws with confidence, saved much trauma
@@grandestyledoggrooming Totally agree 👍 it can take me a few days to do an almost full groom , always at their pace and what they are prepared to let me do love them 🥰
I am soon to open my own pet grooming shop. I am wondering if i should I have my pet parent sign a form that all care is taken for safety but accidents to happen. I have never had to, but I am not responsible for vet care expenses?
That lady was looking for someone to blame for her grief some people just need to blame someone. Thats why we dont take on these types of clients they are quick to blame
SOME PEOPLE CAN'T HANDLE THEIR RESPONSIBLY OF THEIR OWN BAD CHOICES. IT'S MUCH EASIER FOR THEM TO PLACE IT ON OTHERS. YOU CAN TELL THEM TIL YOUR BLUE IN THE FACE, THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT IF IT REQIURES THEM ANY INCONVINENCE THEY WILL PICK THE EASIEST WAY OUT. FORTUANTLY MOST OF US AREN'T LIKE THAT. PLEASE DON'T LET THESE MORONS BOTHER YOU, THEY SIMPLY AREN'T WORTH IT! KEEP BEING THE KIND, LOVING GROOMER THAT YOU ARE, IT WILL SHINE THROUGH!
When a dog owner says to you groom my dog even though you tell them it's default because the dog is old you should vido the conversation so if the dog do die you can play back your conversation to the angery dog owner have video cams in your shop .
Ruined our day for sure! We rushed their dog to the vet clinic two shops over! The owner did not let us know that he had a heart condition and had been coughing all morning It absolutely gutted us! They were regular customers and the vet let us know that there was nothing we had done wrong We didn’t even get him in the tub The stress of being not at home was all it took We had refused other senior pets Sure leaves a mark on everyone!
Do you ever have the pet parent with you when you groom? If they were there would it be a comfort for a senior dog or would it make a dog misbehave more?
They do not get mean. They do get senile. Let's compare it to people. Some 95-year-old people are still running major corporations, and some are combative with dementia behind locked doors on meds in a nursing home. I said 15-20 percent, just like Alzheimer's.
@DogGroomingTipsandtricks Makes sense. And if they are ill or in pain that would make a difference. I am lucky with mine so far at 15 and 15.5 but I know that could change. However, I would never expect a groomer to deal with that.
Amen Sista', I had to do that with own dog and it's heart wrenching!! But, I was not going to allow him to suffer just because my heart would break in a million pieces. People who keep their dogs alive for their own mental purposes to me are abusive when the dog suffers a long slow death. I appreciate you!!! Thank you for your honesty. This video needs to go to every groomer in the country.
Great discussion Suzanne, and a very important one. Pet owners simply DO NOT understand the risks and the stress (for the dog) involved in grooming a super senior dog. I have a few seniors that I’ve been grooming since they were pups, they’ve become very difficult and I have to really calm my energy and stay focused on being as gentle as possible while getting the job done, but no matter how gentle I am, they still have senior panic moments and I have to stop what I’m doing. Sometimes I don’t get everything done and certainly not perfectly, I just do what I can do while ensuring the dog is as comfortable as possible and always being mindful of that particular dogs stress threshold (which can change from session to session). If a senior dog is extremely matted and thrashing and panicking, I will refuse service and refer to a vet. Medical professionals can monitor the dogs wellbeing and they have the medical knowledge and equipment to treat the dog if needed. If the dog dies in their care, they can give the pet owner an explanation from a medical professional’s perspective, whereas if it dies in my care, in the pet owners eyes, I will be negligent or incompetent and they will never be convinced that I didn’t cause the death. We, grooming professionals, are blamed constantly for all sorts of things, by pet owners but also veterinarians, which is sad and disheartening. I take on as little liability as possible after 25 years in the industry. People, these days, are too quick to slander businesses on social media or try to file lawsuits without justification. Great video ❤️
Thank you so much for your perspective. It is difficult, but we must be the professionals and make the call, because the pet parents don’t understand.
Fantastic video Suzanne, I think one of your very best!
This information should be prerequisite viewing for every student in grooming school, as a refresher towards continuing education for established working groomers and especially for every pet parent.
This video should be shared far and wide, I can safely bet that in some cases, these thoughts have never crossed some people's minds.
As a pet parent, I fervently agree with you that Suzanne’s topic today never crossed my mind 😢❤
Thank you Dotty.
You literally made me cry Suzanne ❤ …..thank you for everything that you’ve ever done
There is NO ONE in this field like you!!!! 💪👑👑The balance of compassion yet a backbone is incredible. It’s so rare to see unfortunately. Too many people have poor emotional boundaries they confuse for healthy empathy and it does a lot of damage. Not only do you have incredible skills but the knowledge you have is far greater than any other groomer on UA-cam right now ❣️
Thank you so much.
I agree wholeheartedly with this comment Suzanne is an excellent mentor
This comment needs to be pinned. ❤
I had tears in my eyes more than once while watching. Thank you, this is such an important topic and so few are willing to talk about it because it is hard to think about the end.
You are the best groomer I have found, if I lived nearby I would trust you with my babies. Thank you for always showing love to these dogs and being so gentle. I have watched some groomers and I have had to quit watching because of how rough they are on a poor scared dog. I always love watching you and have learned so much from you. I groom my 4 dogs myself and do a pretty good job as an amateur.
You. Are. Amazing, Suzanne. I am so glad you broached this subject and explained things so frankly and beautifully. I can't believe the story you shared about the aging poodle that you didn't want to shave its face etc and the owner insisted only to then turn around and blame you after. Unbelievable and so unfair! I didn't know any of these things and I wish my groomer had educated me as you have here... luckily my poodle made it to 18 and was groomed to the end without issue but had I known what I know now, I'd have done things differently.
Thank you so much. This video is SO necessary and I sincerely appreciate it. Thanks again ❤
I have a 17 year old toy poodle and I have had this discussion with my vet. She had some very comforting words for me. 1. She said just gently brush her a little everyday. 2. Your dog does not know that she is not groomed. So I just do gently the best I can for her and it is working for her.
I have taken care of my old dog's grooming myself her whole life. She has senior moments now and is very frail. At the last vet visit, which was a quality of life assessment, they said she is nearly blind, nearly deaf, very weak, and in some pain. She got new meds to try. I explained that I keep her brushed out but even that is now difficult without her snapping at me, so I'm afraid to do her nails or give her a bath. I was encouraged to take her to a groomer. I think that would be WAY too stressful for her! With her new meds, I was able to carefully bathe her, and I gave her a haircut while she was sleeping. I was even able to give her nails a trim, but not all at once. She is less bitey and thrashey now, so I will keep it up, but I will not take her to a groomer just because i believe it would be too stressful. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this important information. I’m just starting out as a groomer and this is very helpful!!! I love the empathy you have for your 🐶 clients first and foremost!
You are so welcome!
You are the kindest sweetest to speak about this issue!❤🙏🙏🙏
My groomer has always told me if my dogs were difficult. I had issue with one of my dogs urinating without squatting. Once the groomer told me this. The vet took her in emergent. The groomer saved my dog’s life.
I so wish my groomer had explained why she couldn’t groom my dog any longer. I truly didn’t understand. You may feel you were all over in this video but trust and believe I certainly understand what you are trying to convey. I was able to groom my own pupper so that’s what I did until she passed away at age 15. However, now I completely understand: she was deaf, blind and was having senior moments. I took the groomer’s refusal personally and I understand so much better now. They are truly hard decisions to make but the decisions are the pet parent’s to make. Both my dogs aged so differently from each other but I had no idea what chaos and what a difficult situation I was imposing upon my groomer. May you be blessed for taking the time and care to explain ❤❤
Many times groomers don’t know how to clearly convey to the pet owner, their reasoning for the refusal. And 99% of the time pet owners do not listen to us or even attempt to understand what we’re telling them anyway. They just “assure” us the dog is fine and there isn’t a problem, I’ve even had pet parents tell me that I am in fact the problem. It’s a frustrating situation for everybody I suppose. I’m happy Suzanne made this video, maybe it’ll help other pet owners understand the way it did for you ❤
Thank you so much for making this video. This is a deeply important topic to me and I’ll admit, you got me a little emotional while watching and listening. I so appreciate your honesty, candor, and thoughtfulness. One thing that I have learned from my own experience - daily care for a senior dog is actually the easy part. It’s the grooming part that is the most difficult, nerve wrecking thing I’ve had to do. “They are cute little puppies and the next thing you know they are old seniors. It’s the circle of life.” Isn’t that the truth. This will no doubt be an invaluable video for many people…groomers and pet parents alike. Hands down my favorite video of yours so far. If I could “like” it a million times I would. Thank you Suzanne!😊💓👏
Thank you so much :)
I have a high anxiety terrier mix dog. I have to groom her myself. She just gets shaved off nothing fancy. Getting her in the car for someone else to do it would be detrimental to my dog & possibly the groomer. The quality of life for my pet is more important to me as well as the safety of a groomer. My baby is 9 yrs old this year. You have such a kind heart & som. much patience with the animals.
Suzanne you are the most caring gentle person/groomer who loves all the dogs. I know it hurts your heart to have to stop grooming any dogs because of various reasons. I know that you do EVERYTHING that you can to care for those seniors as I have seen it MANY times. I would never blame you if you had to stop grooming a senior because of serious health issues that could cause death from the stress of a groom. I know senior don't like baths, face touched, brushed etc
I would trust you with my life… thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and skills … you are superior ❤
Excellent video Suzanne!!!!!
Your a very honest groomer. Very refreshing to listen to your delicate talk on senior dogs. I completely agree with you. I have two sweet female Shih Tzus. One is 7 years old Josie and the other is 6 months old Gracie as of today (2/6/24). Before, adopting my sweet Gracie, I researched the Shih Tzu breed extensively. Looking at the common medical issues this breed tends to have, temperment, best potty training method for this breed, what's the best kibble to feed this breed and much more. Then I looked for good breeder who bred Imperile Shih Tzus in her home and was well knowdgable about the breed. I received my Gracie at 8 weeks old. I had a crate for her to sleep in with bumper matt pad inside of it. I set up a dog playpen in my kitchen to place her in when I couldn't watch her. I feed her Nature's Logic /Great Free kibble and top with Dr. Marty's freeze dry kibble. Potty training has been easy because I use fake grass. Gracie is about three quarters way to being totally potty trained. I asked what is the best soft harness for Shih Tzu. Breeders said get the Voyager which are sold on Amazon. They are well made and fit properly. Its the best harness I'v ever bought for any of my dogs. Since I'm not able to have her micro-chipped till she is spaded at 12 months I purchased from Chewy.com a collar with her name and my phone number embroidered on it.Then I purchased a leash.I had all these items set up in my hpme before Gracie arrived to me. Now let me back up a bit. When I decided I wanted a female Imperile Shih Tzu I made the commitment to train her properly and care for her properly for her entire life. I have two vets that I take my fur babies to. The first one is the traditional vet where my pup will be spayed the other is my holistic ve who will do the vaccines & deworming. I have my holistic vet do the vaccines because he bases the serum on the weight of the dog. Traditional vets don't do that. They inject these small pups with the same amount of serum as they would for a German Shepard. Thats not good for these small dogs. They can up having seizures for the rest of their life. I wait till my pups are 12 months and then and only then have the spayed. By doing this it allows for their growth plates to mature and are less likely to have health issues in their senior years. Since I know oner health issue with my Shih Tzus is bad teeth. So I begin brushing their teeth everyday with dog toothpaste. I start the teeth brushing as a pup. These fur babies need to be brushed everyday as well. I have both of my ShihTzu on a schedule with a private groomer who grooms in her home. Ther is no other dog at her home when I bring my fur baby to her for grooming. Presently I'm learning how to groom their coat in case my groomer decides to retire. I don't wish to groom dogs professional rather I just need to know how to properly care for my fur babies between grooms. I started Gracie with a professional groom at 13 weeks old. I introduced her to the bath, clippers, scissors and nail trimming when she first came to me. Much of how to bathe my fur babies and basic grooming of my puppy I learned on UA-cam from Amy Leigh. She is an excellent dog grooming teacher.
So you people out there, if you want to adopt a new puppy you need to realize this is a ten to sixteen year commitment. If your choosing a long haired dog they need to be groomed every six to eight weeks. In between the groom you need to brush its coat daily. Trim its nail if needed, clean its ears and properly bathe them every other week. If you can't do that than don't adopt a dog. You need to take your pup for obediance training and properly potty train your pup. Many of these dogs I see on youtube who are uncooperative, fearful etc is due to lack of training on the owner. Both my Shih Tzu love going to the groomer to be groomed and my groomer really enjoys grooming them. If you can't properly train your pup and care for it properly then you shouldn't have a dog..
I understand your difficulty in making recommendations about this matter as there are so many different types of dogs with different needs, as well as owners with different commitments and capabilities. I do agree that one should "step it up" as dogs get older. I have lost 4 senior dogs in the last year. During their final years I increased their care rather than cut back. I saw this as my duty of care. Fortunately, I could do everything myself and take the time necessary to do it as comfortably as possible. If I wasn't it would have been my duty to enlist a groomer to help me, even if I needed to sign a waiver. I understand that some groomers may not feel comfortable in this type of situation, which could be time when difficult decisions need to be made. If this point was reached for one of my dogs I would need to think seriously about his/her quality of life. There is no way that I would allow an animal of mine to suffer or be neglected.
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I am so sorry for your losses Yvonne. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you,
@@grandestyledoggrooming Thank you for raising this difficult subject and congratulations on your 24.6K. Keep growing with our very best wishes.
Hey Suzanne 👋You are so amazing you have taught me alot for when evert I get my Pup!!!!
I'm so glad!
Suzanne, thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart about this sensitive, and-dare I say-controversial ? subject. You are the best and most efficient groomer I’ve ever seen, and you WILL get the job done in the kindest way possible. BUT…it is very, VERY unfair to you for any pet parent to expect you to put a dog through all that! If and when we get another fur baby, I will definitely take your advice to heart. Thank you for the way you care for these “babies” that bring us humans so much joy!! ❤
Suzanne, I commiserate with you and the behavior of Victoria and Jagger. Squirt is very head shy, too. Her neck is extremely strong and like Victoria's pet parents, I want Squirt's face trimmed close--not shaved necessarily, but no whiskers or top knot to keep her eyes clear of irritation from her hair. I also like for her hair to be very close around the mouth, too, to keep hair out of her mouth and prevent stinky breath and dripping water after she has a big drink. Now, when it comes to super-seniors, I'm understanding all too well with Peanut's end of days. Bathing and drying him is really stressful for him. Thankfully, he doesn't need a trim. It is a hard subject that needs to be discussed openly. Thank you so much for that and for all you do.
Thank you so much Lois.
You are explaining it as it is, and I love it. I would have done the same. I tell the truth to my clients and 99% appreciate it. Grooming looks easy to a bystander, but it's not. A respectable groomer has to know, dog behaviour, dog skin, dog anatomy, customer service, have artistic eye...and yes how to hold a clipper ans shears! 2/3 of the above is not taught in school, it's up to the groomer to learn it by itself. Do all groomers go to that extent!?! ❤
Exactly!!
You are straight forward and you don’t deserve to be hurt either I blame you for not excepting a bitting dog if grooming is bad for the dog then they don’t deserve to be I love how you are so honest that lady was so wrong for asking you to groom her dog in truth the owner kill the dog
It was also just time for that poor little dog, but the owner could have thought about the timing with the move and rescheduled for a calmer time for the pup. Honestly, it may not have changed anything.
This is such an informative video. It's heartbreaking when you give your best for the sake of the dog and then you get the blame for any problems that arise. I personally just won't groom any dogs that have serious health issues or that are senior. I know it sounds mean but it's just a blame situation waiting to happen.
So valuable this video! At what age would they be oficially considered seniors? THANK YOU ❤
Wow, what an outstanding video! You are very honest and have given us much to think about. Thank you for your honesty. Your video is extremely helpful.
Thank you so much!
I don't think owners should expect groomers to groom any dog that behaves badly for any reason, age or otherwise. Someone I know had a crazy dog who was difficult to groom so they took it to the groomer. The dog bit the groomer so badly she required several hand surgeries. This could be career ending for a groomer. The dog had a screw loose. However, the owners should never have taken him to a groomer so they are crazy too.
Great explanations, and grooming examples! I'd like to share what i used on my senior toy poodle for around her eyes: a battery operated mustache? trimmer, the size of a Sharpie marker or smaller. It worked really well to keep the fur short in between grooming appointments, and as the battery started wearing out, it was even better! It was fairly quiet, and didn't block her vision or pull on her skin as I "combed" the trimmer through her fur.
Great tip!
My girls used to be traumatised after returning from the groomer could take them a couple of days to recover and after watching yt vids I’m not surprised!! As they get older I learned to do it myself !! Not the best and getting the fur out of the paw pads & their bum & bits was not easy , even learned to clip the claws with confidence, saved much trauma
Absolutely. It is best if a tiny bit can be done here and there. So much less stressful for your dogs. It can be traumatic doing it all at once.
@@grandestyledoggrooming Totally agree 👍 it can take me a few days to do an almost full groom , always at their pace and what they are prepared to let me do love them 🥰
I am soon to open my own pet grooming shop. I am wondering if i should I have my pet parent sign a form that all care is taken for safety but accidents to happen. I have never had to, but I am not responsible for vet care expenses?
Yes, but if you know that you indeed cause an injury, I recommend covering the vet bill anyway.
That lady was looking for someone to blame for her grief some people just need to blame someone. Thats why we dont take on these types of clients they are quick to blame
SOME PEOPLE CAN'T HANDLE THEIR RESPONSIBLY OF THEIR OWN BAD CHOICES. IT'S MUCH EASIER FOR THEM TO PLACE IT ON OTHERS. YOU CAN TELL THEM TIL YOUR BLUE IN THE FACE, THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT IF IT REQIURES THEM ANY INCONVINENCE THEY WILL PICK THE EASIEST WAY OUT. FORTUANTLY MOST OF US AREN'T LIKE THAT. PLEASE DON'T LET THESE MORONS BOTHER YOU, THEY SIMPLY AREN'T WORTH IT! KEEP BEING THE KIND, LOVING GROOMER THAT YOU ARE, IT WILL SHINE THROUGH!
When a dog owner says to you groom my dog even though you tell them it's default because the dog is old you should vido the conversation so if the dog do die you can play back your conversation to the angery dog owner have video cams in your shop .
Ruined our day for sure!
We rushed their dog to the vet clinic two shops over!
The owner did not let us know that he had a heart condition and had been coughing all morning
It absolutely gutted us!
They were regular customers and the vet let us know that there was nothing we had done wrong
We didn’t even get him in the tub
The stress of being not at home was all it took
We had refused other senior pets
Sure leaves a mark on everyone!
😢
Do you ever have the pet parent with you when you groom? If they were there would it be a comfort for a senior dog or would it make a dog misbehave more?
Yes, often times they are comforted. But the process can be unsettling for pet parents.
Do dogs suddenly get mean when they get old? My dogs are 15 and 15.5. They are very healthy though. I groom them myself. They are perfectly behaved.
They do not get mean. They do get senile. Let's compare it to people. Some 95-year-old people are still running major corporations, and some are combative with dementia behind locked doors on meds in a nursing home. I said 15-20 percent, just like Alzheimer's.
@DogGroomingTipsandtricks Makes sense. And if they are ill or in pain that would make a difference. I am lucky with mine so far at 15 and 15.5 but I know that could change. However, I would never expect a groomer to deal with that.
Oh brother. So, what's the alternative? Letting their coat grow like mad, and let their nails curl? Please...
As the pet parent, you should never let that happen.
@@grandestyledoggrooming I'm a dog owner, and a professional groomer.