Owners are nice, but the dog is insane!

[misscatahoula]

I have an older couple that used to bring their poodle in. Their poodle was very sweet & well behaved. After she died they adopted an adult collie from somewhere and this dog is a total nutcase. Just wired. Barks and whines constantly, horsekicks on pads and feet, hops around & tries to launch herself off the table, whines & snaps on brushing,etc.etc. They're trying to work with her at home; they do their best with brushing, have taken 3 sets of basic obedience classes, but everything's still a battle with her. Grooming her is exhausting and time consuming; I dread her arrival. But the owners are so nice to me, and they're trying take care of her properly. She comes in every 8 wks. This dog is only about 4yrs. old. I could possibly have this dog for 10 more years. It sucks when a nice client dog is followed by a new crazy one.

[sheilabgroomer]

Been there done that!!!! Luckily it can also work the other way. The insane dog croaks and is replaced by a good one! Hope this nutcase starts to behave better. Just keep working w/her, and hopefully the family will keep working and maybe she will start to act halfway normal!

[Helly]

You might suggest they ask their vet if using something like Bach's Rescue Remedy would be ok. I'd also give Comfort Zone a try. It couldn't hurt.

[Mary1980]

I would suggest the dog whisperer. I love him. He works miracles.

[misscatahoula]

I think I might run the rescue remedy idea by them. Maybe a couple drops for me too,lol.I'm also revisiting the pheromone (sp?) idea, but don't know how effective they are. And oh yeah, I agree Sheilab! I had a nasty old cocker die and the owners now have a nice golden to groom; like it better when it goes that way.:

[Raggs]

Wow sounds like a Collie I used to groom.... I'm sorry...

[Helly]

I'm also revisiting the pheromone (sp?) idea, but don't know how effective they are. :

Comfort Zone either works very well, or not at all, it seems. I used it for my own dog who had a fear of thunderstorms, and it worked very well. And I've used it in the shop with mixed success. But when it does work, it's been great.

[scullysmom]

I know this sounds crazy, but try the collie trimming etc on the floor. Sometimes really crazy big dogs are better on the ground (sometimes not) but it is worth a try. Try to have them just bring her in for brushouts or nails or pad trimming. Something which would be inexpensive in between grooms, but have her have a less stressful experience. I know I got an old couple of episodes of the dog whisperer at one of the chain stores only 9.98. A great present for good clients. Might give them direction.

[mustluvdogs1]

Comfort Zone?

I have resue remedy w/ separate PLASTIC dropper for safety. but where do you get comfort zone...does one work as well as other?Sometimes rescue remedy does nothing.