Should I groom my Terrior myself?

Question

got her from the pound several months ago, the lady from the pound did not know if she has been groomed before (as in hair cut) so I'm not sure if I should do it or have a professional b/c I am not sure how my dog will take someone else doing it(I don't even know how she would handle me doing it). Otherwise, her temperament is so-so. (baths even make her nervous). The reason why I did not send her to a groomer a long time ago was because other things got in the way such as HUGE bills (I know it sounds horrible but it's true) and have had a hard time getting that extra money to do this.

The pound lady said she's a "Terrior-Mix" and her hair is long and wire haired lol her name in the pound was indeed "shaggy" but i since changed it.

Answer 1

Hi, I would definitely get her groomed by a professional. Let them know her history as far as you adopted her from the pound and that you are unsure about her grooming history, that way they can know how to go about doing it. The reason I say you should get her professional groomed is because if she is not groomed properly it could cause skin problems and possible infections underneath her coat. Let them remove all of her matts and get her to the place you can manage it at home. That is what I do to my Pomeranian. I take them when their hair gets to the place I can no longer manage it, then I let the groomer get them all spruced up.

Answer 2

I don't think not taking her to the groomers because of bills is not horrible, it happens, have you not bathe her and brushed her yourself, that in my books make you a good owner. The important thing about grooming an animal is to keep the mats out which hurt the dog. I think most of us over bathe our animals when all they need is to be brushed daily on long hair and weekly for short hair. Should you clip the dog yourself, give it a try if you think you can do it. If the dog gets nervous you can stop for a while and make it more relaxed for her. Keep in mind if you take her to a groomer they are used to nervous dogs so it should be o.k., just tell them in advance you are not sure how your dog will handle it and they can be aware. I have always tried to check out groomers, go in and talk to them in person before i make an appt. because in my experiances some can be more rough then I like or not as clean as I like. I also ask other dog owners were they go if I like the way there dog looks. Good luck

Answer 3

Well the good news is that is isn't very expensive to groom a dog, 20-30 dollars most places. I only have to take mine in about once every 2-3 months. As far as your dogs temperament keep in mind that you have relationship with your dog. It knows how far it can push you and when you will back off. On the other hand these groomers are professional and have encountered all kinds of dogs with all kinds of temperaments. It will actually be easier with out you there because your dog will by instinct be more submissive in unfamiliar surroundings. Have them do it. Good luck.

Answer 4

So much depends on the animal. What I would do would be to brush her everyday to get her used to you touching her without hurting her, and when she behaves for the brushing, reinforce the behavior with a treat. As you two get more used to each other, her trust in you will increase and baths won't be as much of an ordeal. If you have the proper tools, I would suggest you try grooming.
Many groomers are accomplished, experienced professionals who can put dogs at ease. If you decide to go the professional route, see if you can schedule a "drop by" first to see how your dog reacts to the groomer. Then take it from there!

Answer 5

If you're talking about brushing and bathing, with nail clipping and ear cleaning, then by all means do it yourself. It's a great way to bond with your dog if done routinely, and a good opportunity to check him over for potential health problems.

OTOH, if you're talking about clipping, I really recommend a good groomer. An inexperienced, nervous dog with an inexperienced, nervous owner doing the clipping is a recipe for injury. Unless your dog is really nutso a good groomer will know how to handle her.

Do select your groomer very carefully, get references. I don't know how many first time clients I've had come back and tell me "This was the first time I took Fluffy to be groomed that she hasn't been depressed/nervous/traumatized afterwards." Some groomers are very patient with nervous dogs, others can be rougher than they need to be.

Answer 6

I have a Westie-Poodle mix that I groom myself, because she's very shy and I want her to be comfortable. She seems to act fine when I do it, and I think she always looks great because I trim her the way I want to. When I trim her, I put some cushion and and a sheet over the table so she's comfortable. I put on some soothing music and just try to make her feel calm. She's a little frightened of the clippers at first, but calms down after a few minutes. I also give her little breaks periodically, so she gets a chance to stretch.

Kim at: http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com/natural-pet.html

Answer 7

it's up to you but if you do it and she's taht nervous it may backfire on you.
If you find a good professional groomer you will find they will know how to handle a dog correctly, they wll take their time and comfort teh dog giving a godd experience.
I have found when I groom the dog withthe owner around the dog is much worse than when done withthe owner leaving the dog.
A professional groomer will also be able to cut the nails and express teh anal glands

Answer 8

baths are my dogs worst nightmare but she still needs them u_u i think a lot of little dogs are really touchy about water, just be kind and gentle with the poor things. mine is almost a cat but she still can't clean herself.
if your dog has mats (un-doable knots) you should get her groomed. it's not the nicest experience for the dogs but it's better from them in the long run.
try to comb her at least every other day. if my dog gets matted, sometimes i just cut off the mats myself (very carefully!). if your dog looks like her fur is unhealthy or she's in pain, go to the groomer.

Answer 9

Go for it! It doesn't sound like this is a show dog, just a pet. I have always gromed all my dogs myself. Groomers are just way too expensive for something I can do myself. My dog is a nervous one too, especially about the baths, but he really seems to enjoy the rest. Good Luck, go slow, and you and your dog will both be happy!

Answer 10

Does she really NEED a groom? Some breeds get groomed, just for looks. Others actually require some basic grooming.

Don't groom yourself, until you have a professional groomer show you how to do it.
P.S. It's Terrier.