Oh boy....

[Fluffy Puppy]

Got a call from someone new to the area. Wanted to know if I would give his dog a "Try". I know what THAT means. He said it was a Cocker with a "personality problem" LOL...great.
He said his problem is mostly with other dogs and he is usually good for the grooming. However, he mentioned the other groomer use to muzzle him for his feet. At least he is honest about it.
I told him I would give it a try and see how he does, but if he is too hard to handle or real nasty, I would have to send him home (being 8 months along, I dont want to fight them) He's coming tomorrow.

Wish me luck

[milhasavilla]

Be careful

Don't ya love calls like that. You're right, at least he was honest, but still I always dread those! I muzzle alot now, more than I ever used to. I'm new to the area and have had so many dogs come in that were rejected else where - some of them now rejected by me sadly. I'm not even 8 months pregnant and I won't fight with them. Be careful and don't overdo it girl! I know you hear it all the time and if you are anything like I was when I was pregnant I rarely ever listened...I have pics of me shearing our sheep at 7 months pregnant. My mom was lecturing me the entire time I was shearing, I just sheared faster... Wishing ya the best of luck tomorrow, hoping you'll be pleasantly suprised!!

[diamienono]

I wish more people were honest. Then I would know what I am in for. I hate suprises.

[Terry]

Good grief!

Jessica, be careful! The only dog I have had to "fire" is a cocker spaniel who goes ballistic for her feet and her face. The GH works for the feet but not the face! (Unfortunately she is my next door neighbor, LOL) I know you know, but still...! All the best tomorrow - I'll send positive thoughts.

[BeyondBlessed]

I USED to avoid the muzzle...

Not anymore.

I have a nice little reminder of why I should use them if I even have a question about it. It's an ugly scar on my left wrist from a cairn terrier 8 weeks ago. The worst thing is...I've been working with this dog for over 3 years. We had it down to a comfortable routine and he had done well for quite some time. Come to find out that the client is remodeling her house, so the dog was all upset about the constant activity, loud noises, etc. Man, he got me good and out of nowhere.

Those muzzles don't hurt the dog. Seems silly now that I was so reluctant to use them. No dog is worth your well-being.

Congratulations on your pending arrival. Be safe!

[furrybestjob]

Here's hoping that it turns out that the dog is very good for you. It is possible! There's been more than one occassion where a customer tells me that their dog is bad, or that I might want to muzzle it, and they end up being just fine. Of course, it's possible that her warning might be right on target, and then you're not in for such a good time. Let us know how everything goes.

[Jadenlea]

I dont mind naughty dogs. They are a challenge and I see them as the chance to grow. You can learn something from each one of them.

[misscatahoula]

Good luck tomorrow. At least the owner gave you a heads up on his dog's behavior. I had a lady come in with a pom once. She says "she's nervous". Actually she was a shark from the get-go; a screamin meemie with gnashing teeth. During the freakout she bit her owner very hard, making her bleed, and I decided to pass on grooming her. I prefer complete honesty.

[sheilabgroomer]

I don't mind the naughty ones either Jade. And like others mentioned, the dog may be just fine. I have noticed that it seems like the dogs that you are warned about you have no problem with. It is the ones that the owners gush about how sweet and lovin their little baby is that will nail you!!!...lol

[Chihuahuafan]

My first thought was ....I sure hope she has a "GROOMERS HELPER". I'm still saving up for one myself. Working at a Vet Hospital we get atleast one of these type of dogs or cats every other day in it seems. I can't fire em' or send them home half groomed. If they are really out of control atleast we can ask the owner for permission to give a sedative to help calm them so I can get the job done safely. Although alot of times these are senior animals with an attitude and mom/dad don't want "Fluffy" even lightly sedated so it is very challenging alot of days.

[Fluffy Puppy]

I do have a groomers helper!

I too have noticed that alot of owners will tell me to be careful, or the dog can get nippy, or even tell me to muzzle the dog...are usually pretty good. I think alot of people that do that are the ones who actually care, and don't want us to get bit...even if their dog doesnt bite.
But then the ones who KNOW the dog is a ticking time bomb won't say anything because they just want the dog groomed and know that if they let us know how bad he/she is, we may refuse the dog.
I told the guy I would make an attempt...I always like to give it a try, and only a few I have sent packing. I also told him that if he was too much for me to handle right now, I would be willing to try again (depending) after I had the baby.

[HoundLover]

we have one old crotchy dog that we muzzle throughout the whole grooming... bath and all. he is older and just a crotchy dog...but we still do him. we know what hes like, he dosnt put up a fight for the muzzle as he knows he has to be muzzled and the lady came to us as a last resort. as my boss says hey someone has to groom them! but being pregnant i wouldnt groom a crotchy dog unless you have someone there to help you. this dog for us is a two person dog. we also have a cairn terrier that comes in...the lady spoils this dog relentlessly...its sad. he is a nasty lil bugger...and if he gets off the table and runs out of the room catching him is a nice fun job. we do appreciate the people that warn us that the dog might try and bite us for no reason. we have a rottie that came in once that we muzzled because she was so scared (had a horrible experience at the last groomers) so we hope that eventually we will be able to work with her without a muzzle sometime in the future. and yes sometimes the dogs are perfectly fine...Until they get to know you and show their true side! LOL! yes we've had this happen too...the dog gets mighty comfortable and then becomes a snotty biter! we have a bulldog that comes in once a month and he decided he wants to try and bite the water and the dryer...so we tried not talking to him last time and it worked better...he still trys to bite the nozzle and the hose...but i just aim it at him, brace the table and stand back so he dosnt nail me. hopefully he will get tired of doing this...but hes a bulldog and still younger so...who knows LOL!
Hound

[Wisconsin]

I do have a groomers helper!

I too have noticed that alot of owners will tell me to be careful, or the dog can get nippy, or even tell me to muzzle the dog...are usually pretty good. I think alot of people that do that are the ones who actually care, and don't want us to get bit...even if their dog doesnt bite.
But then the ones who KNOW the dog is a ticking time bomb won't say anything because they just want the dog groomed and know that if they let us know how bad he/she is, we may refuse the dog.
I told the guy I would make an attempt...I always like to give it a try, and only a few I have sent packing. I also told him that if he was too much for me to handle right now, I would be willing to try again (depending) after I had the baby.

I'm with you Fluffy, Sheila and Jade. I like the challenge but besides, a little terror to someone else might actually be OK with you and someone elses angel is the devil in disguise. I'm always willing to give it a try. Only turned away one dog so far...a little Schipperke. I swear the eyes were red from the get-go (maybe lack of oxygen...or truly the devil).

For whatever reason sometimes the groomer to dog chemistry just isn't right and sometimes it works. I had a goofy dog of my own, thought he was unpredictable but he just hated my goofy sister. Turns out he was a good judge of character. lol. Just kidding sis.

[Pixie]

You have received some great advice so I won't add anymore. I just want to wish you luck on the groom, oh, be careful too.

[Poodlefluff]

You know one thing I found when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter and grooming dogs, was the dogs seemed calmer, and less aggressive. Maybe I was just calmer, but I had fewer dogs stress me out. It was like they could scence the difference.