Chinese Crested

[Pixie]

One of my clients brought her Shih in for her regular grooming. Along with that dog client also brought in her daughters two dogs, Chinese Crested and a Chi (both in same crate). The Crested is a puppy and has never been to the groomer, the Chi has come to see me before just to have nails done. The daughter wanted the Chi and the Crested to have nails done (this had all been agreed on earlier) and to shave the face on the Crested (this had not be agreed on earliler). I said sure no problem. My client leaves. I bath the Shih and HV her and put her in crate with the dryer on to finish drying. Do the Chi, nails, then I go to get the Crested out of the crate. NO WAY was she going to let me get her out. I set the crate on the floor and figure ok I'll just let her walk out and see there is nothing to be afraid of. She does come out, and starts screaming bloody murder, I haven't done a thing except talk to her a little. She is peeing all over the floor too. She finally stops screaming, I squat down to her and talk really nice, she starts to walk over to me, I hold out the back of my hand to her so she can smell me, she bites me and runs away screaming. She runs into another crate, I shut the door and leave her alone. I finish up the Shih and wait for the client to come and pick up the dogs. When she comes I told her I was not able to do the Crested, she is just so scared. She gets her out of the crate, we actually had to dump her out because she wouldn't come to my client either. Client gets her in her arms and the pup is shaking. With client holding her I'm able to pet the pup and finally able to shave her face a little and clip her nails. I forgot to mention that this poor scared little dog is wearing a SHOCK COLLAR!!! (would like to put that around owners neck!) I'm sure that is part of the reason this poor little dog wouldn't come near me. Every time she screamed she got shocked and probably blamed me for it. If it comes back the owner/client will remove the collar and hand me the pup. I will not take her out of a crate until she gets use to me. Poor thing, what a bad day she had.

[pamperedpups]

Poor puppy... no wonder she was so scared and stressed out!!!

[Misty]

Some people should just be shot. That is horrible to do that to a puppy. I have a customer with a maltese, the mother had a GSD and a Pom, and the daughter had the Maltese. The daughter was living in NYC and would bring the Maltese home on the weekends and I would groom it if I was there for the other two dogs. The Pom and GSD loved me and were always happy to see me. The Maltese hated me. So one day the mother is asking me about the Citronella bark collars. I said no they weren't cruel. So I take the Pom in the house and they had put the collar on the Maltese and of course he barked at me and as far as he was concerned "I" sprayed him in the face with Citronella. He really hated me after that. Now I pet sit him and bring him to my house. The first time I swear he thought he was living in a nightmare. Now he stays with our younger German Shorthairs and he loves them. Every time I go to his house he wants to come home with me.

[diamienono]

UGH, put the collar on the owner and pinch them to make them scream. You don't do that to a puppy.

[Helly]

What kind of person would put a shock collar on a puppy? That's just absurd. Shock collars have their uses, but a substitution for proper puppy training is not one of them.

Izi says "Glad my new Mommy has a brain and a heart. Grrrrrrr."

[bow_wow_wheels]

I'm sorry, a shock collar??? WHAT are they thinking? I wouldn't use a shock collar on a little one like that! Did you counsel the owner as to the use of the shock collar and what it does, and does not do, for/to the pet? Poor thing....

[astrordog]

What is wrong with people?!! Another thing that needs to happen is the dog needs to be socialized. I've had dogs come into the vet clinic where I work with the same results, screaming, biting,peeing. We have them come in once a week just for "day board". That way he/she can get used to us and being left by owner. Has worked beautifully on some.
I might also suggest a dog behaviorist.(sp).

astrordog

[CountryCanines]

Aww ... I do one Crested, and I just love him. He's a powderpuff and is so adorable. I cant believe they have that pup in a shock collar! Poor girl

[Kim in SD]

I would've put the collar on the owner. Made them scream to shock them, then ask, Ok, do I have your attention? Leave the collar at home..And offer training from a reputable trainer!!!

[Pixie]

I'm sad to say I didn't think to counsel her about the collar. I guess I was just in too much shock when I saw it wearing it. I just couldn't believe it. I'm ashamed of myself for not saying anything. I'll get in touch with the owner and talk to her.

[Kifaru]

I'd strap the collar to the owner's wrist and pinch her until she yelped hard enough to set it off. What is she THINKING? A toy breed pup with no hair to insulate against the shock? The poor thing's going to have electrical burns on its neck!
If Sparky ever comes back, take the kennel apart, drop a towel over her, scoop her up, and get the bloody thing off her neck. She'll be your best friend.

[milhasavilla]

I'm sad to say I didn't think to counsel her about the collar. I guess I was just in too much shock when I saw it wearing it. I just couldn't believe it. I'm ashamed of myself for not saying anything. I'll get in touch with the owner and talk to her.

Oh I've done this before too Diane! It's easy to think of things to say later, and not so easy for me to think of the right thing to say in the heat of the moment. In this situation it might be better anyway to wait and talk to the owner directly, at least then you can also plan carefully what you're going to say. Hopefully she'll receive the counsel well - you can always come ranting to us if he/she doesn't. Good luck!