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New dog with matted hair and can't get groomed

8810 Views 27 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  cburnett565
I went to petco to try to get my dog groomed and they wouldn't do it because he was growling at them. He's a poodle mix (probably shih zoo).
We got him recently and he has very matted fur. We cut a little around his eyes so he can see better. He really needs a haircut.
Is it a bad idea to do it ourselves? We don't want to hurt him. He doesn't like strangers and honestly, I don't think we are going to be able to get him to any time soon even with having a trainer.
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We got him cut. He's all shaved down. He got it done Monday. Ever since he got his cut, he's been acting different. I think his sedation is worn off. However, now when it's time to take him outside he starts shaking. I thought maybe he was chilly, but it's not that because he does it before we even leave the apartment. Plus, he did it tonight and it's unusually warm out tonight.
We actually had to carry him to the grass to get him to go.
He also doesn't seem to want to leave the couches.
He went to sleep with hair, woke up with none. I'd be freaked out too.


Take him to the groomer soon if he'll have to be shaved often, even just for bath or nail trim. Make it a positive experience so you don't have to avoid the groomer altogether if it will be a necessity
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I would prefer sedation thats if you are unable to personally groom him.
PLEASE DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF!
Matting pulls on skin, if it is tight enough it can create so many problems the average person is not capable of dealing with!! Please find a private groomer who can take their time with him and is not afraid to handle a little attitude from him! Petco can not groom any dog that shows aggression of any kind, it is in their policy. Petsmart is able to do difficult dogs but i recommend trying a private groomer first. The atmosphere is typically calmer which will help your pooch. If the matting is too bad he may have to be sedated and done at the vet, there are so many health concerns with a severely matted dog. Good luck!
Edit: I just saw you had him done under sedation. I agree, and highly recommend, you find a groomer willing to take him on and work with him to make grooming a positive experience before he needs another haircut. Bring him just to meet them, lots of treats and praise, then slowly work up to a simple brush out, a light face trim, a bath, then nails and work up to a haircut. The sooner the better!
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Some dogs, like yours, and our Samantha, a poodle/bischon mix, because they do not shed, need consistent grooming. We take Samantha to the groomer every month, which, though is an additional expense, we knew that was the trade-off for the non-shedding. In addition to the monthly professional grooming, I brush and comb her daily, to keep her from matting, which she is certainly inclined to do. She now understands, that is just part of the every morning ritual, along with brushing her teeth also. I doubt she looks forward to the process, but she is tolerant of it, now, and her objections are mild and infrequent. I tell her its the price she must pay for beauty.
I am glad you had someone else clip your dog down. A skip-tooth blade in particular can also cut their skin if you do not know what you are doing. I clip my own dogs and if I happen to get a dog that needs clipping right down, I use a #10 blade as it goes under the matts easiest.

Remmy is almost nine years old and I have clipped him several times a year since a puppy but he always acts strange for a while afterward. As I do him myself, I know the blade is not too hot but he still must feel funny as he walks along then sits suddenly. It only last a short time, then he is back to normal. Another one kept spooking after being clipped down as she could feel her tail on her back.
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Now that you have him 'caught up', so to speak, as his hair grows out, be sure to brush and comb daily, and if his coat is anything like Samantha's, he will need to be groomed monthly. We have her done by the groomer at our Vet's. She knows Samantha, and Samantha knows her. Groomer will spend time playing with her as she grooms, to make it a bit more of a positive experience. Its important to find the right groomer, and we have found, build a relationship between your dog and the groomer. It all helps make what your dog may see as a grim, unpleasant experience, more tolerable. I don't believe Samantha exactly looks forward to the grooming, but she doesn't freak out either and is resigned to it. She also, now knows that immediately after grooming, we always pick her up and take back to the safety of home.
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You might want to get him a little t shirt to make him feel more secure.
Sorry I ment to say thunder shirt
Dog Anxiety Vest | Shop Dog Anxiety Treatments | ThunderShirt
Hi,
I am a groomer, and I can tell you Petco and petsmart are not allowed to take any dogs that show aggression. These type of pets need a lot of patience, and need to build a trust worthy relationship with a groomer.

I have dogs that others can not groom and at times some of them need to come in several times and we take baby steps to get them accustomed to being handled with that groomer and this gives them the opportunity to trust to person. I would find a groomer that is willing to do one on one, or a mobile. This would be a quite atmosphere, which will help a great deal! I hope things work out for you and your pet.
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