What should I do? My groomer "SHAVED" my Sheltie!! --In January!?

Question

This is just great...my dog is basically naked in the coldest part of year, here in Memphis -- 25 to 30 degrees not uncommon.
For the past 10 years we have taken Shelby, our Shetland Sheepdog to the same vet/grooming facility. They always wash her and trim. She usually has hair averaging 4 or 5 inches long -- like "Lassie".
Yesterday, when I picked up my dog, I was in shock when they brought her out! She had been shaved to 1/4 inch or less! SHE'S BALD -- except from neck up! (They said the groomer involved had not been there long -- but she was such a nice person...)
Any ideas?

Answer 1

The groomer owes you a refund and a doggie coat at his/her expense.
Nice has nothing to do with it. It's a service they are paid to do. If they did NOT do to your specifications, the error is at their expense.
Think like...dinner out. If you get the wrong meal or cooked wrong, send it back. If it was a Bad meal and or service, they usually do not charge that meal and make up for it with a free dessert or meal or....you get the idea.

Answer 2

Explain to the groomer that shaving was not what you had intended. Be kind, though -- this could have easily been caused by a lack of communication. If it was truly an honest mistake, she'll likely apologize and perhaps give you a partial refund. If she doesn't and acts rude, you can make it clear in a calm way that you will be having your dog groomed elsewhere when the next time comes around.

As for the dog, buy her a vest. It shouldn't be hard to find a nice-looking vest or dog coat that fits your sheltie. This will help her to tolerate the cold better. Keep an eye on her when she's outside. If you notice her shivering, bring her in.

Answer 3

First off, I would NOT pay the bill. The groomer involved should learn that different dogs get different hair cuts. I think the groomer should be fired or be made to go get more training.

As for your sheltie, maybe get a coat and keep your dog inside unless to go to the bathroom. I am a sheltie lover and I am so upset that you and your dog are going through this.

I hope everything goes okay for you and little Shelby.

Answer 4

If Shelby is cold and shivering a doggie jacket for going outdoors would do the trick. If the dog is cold inside too a sweater might be a better option. They also sell t shirts if a sweater is too warm. I'd let that place know you're unhappy. It's unfortunate she's a nice girl but nice or not she screwed up and people bring her their dogs every day. This should be a learning experience and if you don't let them know they won't really say anything to her. Think of all the other dogs who could end up freezing.

Answer 5

If this was an error on the groomer's part, I hope you weren't charged for the groom.

That said, lots of dogs get shaved year 'round. If your dog is a house dog, this should not be a problem. If she spends a lot of time outside you may want to get a coat for her.

If she were a younger dog I would not be concerned at all, but sometimes with older double-coated dogs the coat does not grow back properly, or takes a long time to grow in fully. As they age the coat does not cycle as well as it used to. Hopefully this will not be the case with your girl.

Answer 6

Poor Shelby! All that you can do for the immediate future is by her some clothes, and then make sure that the next time that you take her to be groomed that you tell them that you don't want only someone that has done her on several occasions to do her. It doesn't matter if the new groomer is nice or not she didn't groom her to your specifications or to the breed standards, and if they do have to let someone who doesn't have much experience do her them tell them that they only way that you will allow it is for an experienced groomer to supervise.

Answer 7

I would at least hope the grooming facility offered something in the way of reimbursement for the messed up grooming. I can't imagine why that person would think a shave was needed unless the coat had been tangled to the degree that a good brushing couldn't fix it.

Answer 8

That's unacceptable. Go get a refund and find a new groomer. As far as what to do for Little Shelby, give her extra blankets, one of those dog sweaters, and just generally try to keep her warm. Her hair will grow back fairly quickly, just try not to let her outside for too long.

PS - I raise Shelties. This is where my expereince comes from.

Answer 9

Yipes! That sucks! I hope they gave you your money back! Most people don't even shave their dogs in the summer (the long hair actually can act as an insulating layer against the heat).

The only thing I can think of is to have your dog wear a sweater when out in the cold. You'll need to keep her inside as much as possible, of course. If you need to leave her outside, I'd recommend looking into a heated doggie house.

At least her fur will grow back soon :)

Answer 10

Someone did that to our German Shepard several years ago. It was also the middle of the winter, and we had NOT requested that they cut her hair, only a "bath and brush". The groomer called it a "Lion Cut". That is one of the cuts they give to poodles !!! We kept the dog inside, but when she went outside to pee, it was so cold, she got bronchitis. We successfully sued the groomer for the vet bill. Fortunately, our dog lived. Groomers need to be more responsible.