Help matted ears

[sanat130]

Hi all,
I've been really bad and not done enough grooming on peppa so now she is all matted round the ears and back of legs. She had a full groom in dec at pets at home which was her 1st 1. I went back to make an appointment over the weekend to get her groomed again and they are refusing to do her because she was so scared of the hairdryer the clippers and them, apparently it took 4 of them to hold her down. They are suggesting I go to my vets and get her knocked out and the vet to shave her fur off and start again. Has anybody any ideas what I can do and if anyone knows a groomer in or around leicestershire that takes timid dogs on I'd be really grateful. I came out of pets at home feeling like a leper!

[wendall]

Sorry I don't know of any groomers on your area, but you could try phoning round and see if any groomers will let you stay with peppa while they groom her. I`m sure if you explained the reason they would understand. I have done this locally although not because of matts just nervousness and have had no problems in being able to stay with the dog. Good luck...

[Sirius Mum]

Wow that's harsh I wouldn't take my dog to a place that didn't know how to care for a nervous dog.

Do you know any spaniel owners locally because they will probably know who has a good reputation?

I'm sure there are quite a lot of groomers around but it's important to find one that understands a cocker spaniels long silky coat. I think I would look for a smaller place with only a few dogs in at any time as this would be less stressful. I don't think the vet would be too impressed at their suggestion. Your poor little girl needs someone prepared to spend a little extra time building her confidence after such a rotten experience. This may mean that on your first visit it will be more expensive especially if the matts are plentiful but once she sorted it will be easier for you to help her stay more comfortable inbetween appointments. the new groomer should also be able to give you some tips on maintaining her coat inbetween visits.

I hope you find someone good soon.

The lady who grooms our dogs would prefer it if we int stay because sometimes the dogs get more stressed when you are there but she was very happy for us to visit and get to know the place before a first appointment.

[its.sme]

"It took 4 of them to hold her down!" what kind of place is it that thinks it's OK to do that to a dog, no wonder you now have a nervous dog.

The first time at the groomers is so important, they need to build a relationship based on trust.

I would try a local obedience or breed club, or even if you see a cocker with the cut you like you can always ask the owner who done it.

Shame on pets at home

[pipkoi]

Hi
I'm in Leicestershire & know several excellent groomers. One of my boys is very nervous & she has won him over. Also, every new boy we've had, have settled with her.
She is very busy but you could contact her.
Depending where abouts you are I may know others. Let me know

[Archie bean]

"It took 4 of them to hold her down!" what kind of place is it that thinks it's OK to do that to a dog, no wonder you now have a nervous dog.

The first time at the groomers is so important, they need to build a relationship based on trust.

I would try a local obedience or breed club, or even if you see a cocker with the cut you like you can always ask the owner who done it.

Shame on pets at home

Totally agree. They have done you and poor Peppa no favours at all.   
If there are any breeders in your area they may know of a groomer or offer the service themselves.
Archie was a nightmare to groom right from the start. He wouldn't tolerate the hair dryer at all so I had to wash him and let him dry naturally the night before. We then had a short road walk (wearing an equafleece) so he was still as clean as possible before being trimmed. The groomer gradually introduced a little bit of hairdrying on each visit and now he is able to wash and dry him with very little trouble. Although he still doesn't like his feet being dried! Once you find a good groomer I am sure Peppa will eventually be fine. You could try building her confidence at home by giving her a little bit of a brush for a few minutes each day and perhaps introducing her to a hair dryer slowly and very briefly at first, rewarding her with treats so she starts to associate it with good things.

[linda c]

I certainly wouldn't take my dog to somewhere they were doing that. Poor girl must have been so stressed.
There are lots of groomers who are kind and patient and understand the needs of a nervous dog, with the right one she'll be much more relaxed although it may take time after her experience at Pets At  Home !!!

There should be someone on here that can recommend a good groomer in your area. Sorry I can't help but it may be worth you phoning a few and have a chat with them and explain what's happened, there will be one that will understand and hopefully help you out 

[sanat130]

Thank you pipkoi. I am in leicester but I'm willing to travel to find a good groomer. I appreciate any that are any good will be fully booked for the next few months but I'll try any numbers you can give me. Many thanks for your help. Thank you to everyone else thats replied too 

[pipkoi]

I've pm'd you the details. Let me know how you get on. I have and can get other contacts if necessary

[lynda]

Hi
We know a great lady in Northampton (not so far away). She shows her own cockers (blacks, with coats most of us can only dream of), and specializes in spaniels. She is the only one I trustl with our "Monster" who hates being groomed.
Let me know if you need details.

[its.sme]

The right groomer will help peppa overcome her fears, she may not ever enjoy it but hopefully will learn that nothing bad will happen while she is there.

My girl is not a fan, she has a good old moan and groan when the dryer is on but her groomer (who has years of experience) has worked out that Bea likes to have Ollie her jack Russell in with her, there are no other dogs there as she only works on a one to one basis.

The result is a little less moaning etc 

Sounds like you have some recommendations for your area already, I'm sure she will be fine.

[jesse]

I tried 3 different groomers before I stuck with one. For them to hold her down will put her off grooming. My older dog was in a terrible way after first grooming... Nervy. Seemed he did not like hair dryer and they forced him to sit. I found a lovely lady now and we came to an agreement . I bath  him and let him dry naturally day before, them she comes and just clips him. Much happier dog x

[Bunbury]

What happened at Pets at Home sounds awful, sanat130 

I have a contact in their management team and, with your permission, think it should be drawn to their attention to look into.  I know most people at P@H love animals, e.g. office staff are allowed to take their dogs etc. in to work and often do, so I'm sure they'd be just as horrified as everyone here.

Maybe you could private message me with the name of the store if you don't want to say here?

[Murphys Law]

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a similar problem and I don't think that it needs a new thread. Murphy has never been easy to groom. He likes to eat the brush but a few treats takes his mind off things and I can give him a quick going over.

However, he has got a big matt under both ears and I just can't get at them. He tries to grab the scissors and if he can't get them, my hand. I am worried that I might accidentally stab him in the eye.

We have a groomer who we are very happy with, and she also has a working cocker. I am worried that she won't be able to handle Murphy. Is this something that groomers are used to dealing with?

I certainly don't want to sedate him to get rid of these matts.

[JennyBee]

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a similar problem and I don't think that it needs a new thread. Murphy has never been easy to groom. He likes to eat the brush but a few treats takes his mind off things and I can give him a quick going over.

However, he has got a big matt under both ears and I just can't get at them. He tries to grab the scissors and if he can't get them, my hand. I am worried that I might accidentally stab him in the eye.

We have a groomer who we are very happy with, and she also has a working cocker. I am worried that she won't be able to handle Murphy. Is this something that groomers are used to dealing with?

I certainly don't want to sedate him to get rid of these matts.

I would say it is something groomers are definitely used to - When Brodie has an infection I can't brush her ears as often, so they can get matted (the ear drops don't help either). She has a very sensitive left ear, with or without infection, so my groomer is very patient with her and is able to remove the matts. I always stay so I can help her if I'm needed (which is rare these days).

My groomer sees a lot of dogs that have matts and aren't keen on getting them removed, but she manages fine with the vast majority. It is rare that a dog comes in that can't be dealt with.