Beware of what you might find

[Kim in SD]

Just wanted to share...
I get to a new clients house, they had just gotten their Wheaten X at a local shelter right before Christmas, cute dog, well loved, nice man.
The client hands the dog to me and I'm holding him going over what the client wants. The dogs kissing me, really friendly. Client shuts the door, I start walking to my bus, and the dog goes crazy. Bites me no breaking skin but really freaking out, I had to drop him. (I know, very unprofessional, yes I know better than to take a dog w/o a my leash around it. But the dog was sooo good, and sweet, kissing my face etc.) We finally get him to come back home, and into the bus, I start the sani on him.
The dogs back to normal but real afraid of me now. AT this point, Im still very confused, nothing made since, the dog went crazy.
Until I notice, a staple in his sack. That poor sweet dog. How do I win back his trust? I know now that, that staple had caught on my sleeve and I pulled it real hard.

[HoundLover]

oh that poor dog! did the owner of the dog know about the staple? if not i would tell him about it before the owner does the same thing then freaks out because the dog bit him! i would just try going really slow with him...and explain to the owner what happend and the dog is now afraid of you...explain that you didnt realize it until after you started the groom and that you are willing to groom the dog again. and i would try going about this as you would any scared,nervous skittish dog that hasnt been groomed before...or has had a horrible experience before. just treat it like the dog has been like this the whole time...and see what the dog does the next time you come around to groom him. if he is still acting scared and skittish then go slow. if hes back to his normal bouncy self then go about it normally.
thats all i can give you...
HTH
Hound

[milhasavilla]

OMG! I have never seen a staple there before, I have seen one in a paw & in a lip - I'm sure you felt bad after the fact. But you didn't know and couldn't have. Just keep reassuring him each time you meet him, talking, petting, treats, etc. After some time passes, I'm sure he'll come around. I'm sure, too, others will have much better advice for you. Good luck with him!

[Admin]

I remember rubber bands embedded into the gums wrapped from side to side around their upper teeth, and I've seen paper clips embedded in the upper mouth palette. Some people just don't pickup those off the floor immediately and look where they end up.

[diamienono]

OUCH. Poor little guy.

[Kim in SD]

I have to clarify, this was a surgical staple, left over from a neuter, and yes the owner took the dog to the vet as soon as I got done grooming, to have it removed. Did a call back last night to check on the dog and owner..lol no he didn't know. He was as upset as the dog. Owner and dog are fine now. He said, "Riley" is much happier now.

[Crystal]

oh no, I've never seen where vets use staples. I bet that hurt too. That's awful, but glad you figured out what it was.

[nuk]

seems most of our shelter dogs around here have/get staples

[toomuchfunbnme]

Oh no. That must have hurt. I'm glad that you shared this. It's good to make a point to be cautious of this when grooming newly adopted pets from a pound or rescue. Thanks

[pamperedpups]

Edited.

[pawsforthought]

I never ever ever take a dog out of the house without a safety lead. I won't even accept a leash and collared dog. I can never trust that the owner has the collar adjusted properly. Even though I am carrying a teeny-weeny in my arms the safety lead is on.
A couple weeks ago I was carrying a 4 month old Malteese and made the mistake of baby talking to him on the way to the van. He suddenly wriggled with glee right into air. He ended up landing on my chest which I somehow danced my way under his fall and he ran down to the ground while I was still in a Limbo position. The safety lead was the guiding wand in this micro second. I was shaking like a leaf and my heart was pounding like crazy. He had no clue that he came so close to a trip to the vets for breaking something.
Even though the little ones are relax in my arms, I always try to be prepared for the unknown...like an off lead dog, a squirrel, a loud noise.
I am so happy to hear that the dog came back. Being a rescue and frightened.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Well, you live you learn. I think the dog will forgive and forget, they're good at doing that. I would go there next time with the same attitude as you came with this last time. The dog will sense it. Don't worry, he will gain his trust in you. It is so hard when you can't communicate to them.

Tammy in Utah

[plushpuppy]

Poor thing, what a place to have a staple. Just love and reassure him and things should get better

[sheilabgroomer]

Dogs can be incredibly forgiving of the hurts that humans intentionally and unintentionally inflict on them. I would guess that this pup will be easy to get his trust back since you left on a good note and he seems to have a bubbly personality. Hopefully he will no longer be in pain when you groom him again. I bet the owner was impressed that you were so concerned for the well being of his new baby. I am very glad that this baby has such a great new home!!

[BeyondBlessed]

As a former field training officer for County Animal Care and Control, I am appalled!

What kind of backwoods institution uses staples for a routine castration?

UNbelievable.

I am so glad that you aren't hurt and that you caught the dog. That's a nightmare.