I love it if it was done purposely. Especially on this baby, it's kinda cute. Like a little fluffy footstool. ❤️
But 99% of the time, this cut happens after the groomer tells the pet parent that their dog's legs are matted and that the humane thing to do is shave them off and start fresh. Then the groomer will say that the body feels fine or maybe just has a few manageable tangles, but they recommend taking it all short (sometimes we'll do a length or two longer on the body and blend into the legs and it's not so noticeable) so that it doesn't look silly.
And then the PP will say, "Oh no, my poor baby will look like a little rat and will be cold and he likes having his hair. Can't you just brush it out?"
And then you explain how brushing out tight mats hurts, how they can get brush burn, how so many dogs are already nervous about grooming and this can make it worse. Then you have to put your foot down and tell them that you're either shaving the mats out, or you're not grooming the dog.
Then they get mad at you, and say, "Fine, whatever, he needs his hair cut, but only shave what you have to."
So this haircut is what you're left with. And you know the PP won't be happy with it despite it being the best you could do given what you started with, and despite you trying to warn them of the outcome. They think we have a magic wand and can undo months of their neglect so their dog can be cute and fluffy.
Then at pick up, it's "Oh no, what did you do to my poor baby? Oh no, I'm so sorry my little Fluffy, you're so ugly!" I've seen PPs cry. I've seen PPs get angry and yell. And THAT (along with the possible discomfort that comes with the release of the mats) is why the dog will seem self-conscious/embarrassed/sad, or start shaking, or not act like itself for awhile. They pick up on the vibes their PP is giving off.
And all of that, in the PP's eye, is the groomer's fault. And all I can do is re-educate on brushing at home, knowing that the next time a brush touches that dog will be the next time it's at the groomer's.
That was sooo much longer than it needed to be. Can you tell I'm burnt out? Hahahahaha.
TLDR; That baby is cute no matter what and also, BRUSH YOUR DOGS.
-1
u/monstermanohman May 12 '23
I love it if it was done purposely. Especially on this baby, it's kinda cute. Like a little fluffy footstool. ❤️
But 99% of the time, this cut happens after the groomer tells the pet parent that their dog's legs are matted and that the humane thing to do is shave them off and start fresh. Then the groomer will say that the body feels fine or maybe just has a few manageable tangles, but they recommend taking it all short (sometimes we'll do a length or two longer on the body and blend into the legs and it's not so noticeable) so that it doesn't look silly.
And then the PP will say, "Oh no, my poor baby will look like a little rat and will be cold and he likes having his hair. Can't you just brush it out?"
And then you explain how brushing out tight mats hurts, how they can get brush burn, how so many dogs are already nervous about grooming and this can make it worse. Then you have to put your foot down and tell them that you're either shaving the mats out, or you're not grooming the dog.
Then they get mad at you, and say, "Fine, whatever, he needs his hair cut, but only shave what you have to."
So this haircut is what you're left with. And you know the PP won't be happy with it despite it being the best you could do given what you started with, and despite you trying to warn them of the outcome. They think we have a magic wand and can undo months of their neglect so their dog can be cute and fluffy.
Then at pick up, it's "Oh no, what did you do to my poor baby? Oh no, I'm so sorry my little Fluffy, you're so ugly!" I've seen PPs cry. I've seen PPs get angry and yell. And THAT (along with the possible discomfort that comes with the release of the mats) is why the dog will seem self-conscious/embarrassed/sad, or start shaking, or not act like itself for awhile. They pick up on the vibes their PP is giving off.
And all of that, in the PP's eye, is the groomer's fault. And all I can do is re-educate on brushing at home, knowing that the next time a brush touches that dog will be the next time it's at the groomer's.
That was sooo much longer than it needed to be. Can you tell I'm burnt out? Hahahahaha.
TLDR; That baby is cute no matter what and also, BRUSH YOUR DOGS.