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FeliciaZ
11-23-2005, 05:47 AM
It's that time... When I start planning to take the Horace to a groomer and deeply dreading the entire process.

He doesn't like strangers. He scared my last groomer so badly that they called me to come get him without even bathing him. Wouldn't even clip his nails and by Grover, that's the main reason I took him in. I ended up taking him to the vet and she clipped those scary claws for us. I don't think the new vet up here offers that service so I'm considering taking my baby to PetSmart since I noticed they have a grooming area up near the front.

Has anyone used this service at Petsmart? While different stores are... well - different, I'd like to get some kind of input on whether or not the experience was worthwhile and positive. Or not.

I'm terrified to attempt to clip Horace's nails at home. Between the fear of hurting him, I'm not sure which of the eighty billion types of clippers to use or if he'd even sit still long enough to let me do this. A wriggling lapful of wienerdog can make the prospect of safe snipping one that's a very distant possibility.

OH! I had a co-worker in Texas who used to hit the barber shop once every few weeks and get a flat-top. While he was there the barber would offer him a plastic "curry comb" looking gadget for combing. It was really simple, just a finely nubbed piece of plastic or rubber that slipped over the fingers to nestly in the cup of your hand. He never used it, but when he gave one to me it worked great on Horace. Does anyone know if these are standard gimmes at barber shops?

oscarforevermom
11-23-2005, 07:47 AM
I don't think the new vet up here offers that service so I'm considering taking my baby to PetSmart since I noticed they have a grooming area up near the front.

Clipping the nails is routine with any office visit to my vet here. In fact we can take our pups in anytime - no appointment for getting weighed and nail clipping - no charge.

Why not call the vet's office and ask?

I have no experience with PetSmart grooming. Someone will be along with more advice.

fdcutee
11-23-2005, 08:09 AM
No first hand experience with petsmart grooming, but I have known two people who got their dogs groomed there and had positive experiences. I clip my pups nails myself... just take a little off the tips and they're done.

FeliciaZ
11-23-2005, 08:27 AM
I'll call the vet here in a bit and just ask. If he has time today it would be nice to get this done before Turkey Day. I can bathe the old codger, he just won't let me near his feet for longer than 5 secs. That's something I definitely should've started doing with him as a pup... Well, if he'd been mine when he was a pup.

Irminsul
11-23-2005, 08:47 AM
So sorry he's putting up a fight. It's very typical though.

Attitude is everything. If you can, find a groomer who is firm and determined. Put a mussle on Horace and leave the room. They are less feisty when "their" person isn't around.

Good luck!!

helen
11-23-2005, 09:52 AM
Clipping the nails is routine with any office visit to my vet here. In fact we can take our pups in anytime - no appointment for getting weighed and nail clipping - no charge.

Wow, no charge! I'm jealous! My vet does it, but it's a little less than $10 bucks. I've been to Petsmart/Petco numerous times to get Charlie's nails done. I prefer the vet because I think they do a better job at getting the nails as short as they can. Depending on who I get at Petsmart, sometimes I feel like they're as scared as I would be! Some of the workers are good, though. Like you said, it depends on the store. Good luck!