Should Labrador be trimmed by groomer?

Pinklady11

Hi all,

I had a mobile dog groomer call to groom my Labrador today. It was the first time I had ever got him groomed. The main reason I decided to get him done was I had read that the groomers can get a lot of the dead hair out with the blaster and reduce shedding.

So after having this company recommended to me by a couple of friends and discussing with the groomer what I wanted done in advance of the booking I was quite shocked when my Lab was returned with his coat clipped...in fact it looks like a botched clip. His gorgeous golden coat is no more and he is practically white now. His coat is uneven and just doesn't look right at all.

Maybe I'm wrong but I always thought Labradors didn't get trimmed as they have a short coat. I'm just wondering is it standard for Labs to get their coat trimmed when groomed or did I get a not so good groomer?

Rommie

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone trimming a labrador before! What was the point? Was they just too lazy to deshed the dog?

Pinklady11

Yeah that was my thought too. In fairness I didn't even discuss trimming with the groomer because I thought they didn't trim Labs. I just wanted him washed, brushed, blasted and ears cleaned. My poor dog just had his coat ruined. I hope it grows back quick.

tk123

Are you sure it was clipped? I wonder did they thin it with a furminator?! My guy was groomed once - I was heartbroken when they clipped his lovely retriever tail - we'd waited so long for it to unfold!

jimf

as a rule dogs regain their coats quite quickly but thats not the point i may be wrong but ive never heard of a lab being trimmed by the way i hope you didnt pay for this obvious botch job

Pinklady11

tk123 wrote: »

Are you sure it was clipped? I wonder did they thin it with a furminator?! My guy was groomed once - I was heartbroken when they clipped his lovely retriever tail - we'd waited so long for it to unfold!

It was definitely clipped. I had asked if they did the furminating treatment and they said no but that they could give him a really good brush and use the blaster which would help remove the dead hair and reduce the shedding. No mention of him being clipped.

On closer examination I have found a couple of bald patches where he was trimmed right down to the skin. It's like all his top coat is gone and his undercoat is all thats left. He is now white where as he was golden.

Pinklady11

jimf wrote: »

by the way i hope you didnt pay for this obvious botch job

Unfortunately I did. As it was my first time getting him groomed I didn't know if it was standard or not. I was in shock when I seen him and I just paid the woman and sent her on her way.

tk123

Pinklady11 wrote: »

t's like all his top coat is gone and his undercoat is all thats left. He is now white where as he was golden.

maringo

Had a lab and never got her trimmed - never heard of a need for it - a good brushing usually kept her in good condition as she shed a lot without a regular brushing. Maybe a doggie coat would be an idea as he may be feeling the cold with the top coat having been taken away in the winter. Just a thought.

And I'd give that groomer "a wide berth" ! Totally unnecessary haircut.

Millem

Pinklady11 wrote: »

It was definitely clipped. I had asked if they did the furminating treatment and they said no but that they could give him a really good brush and use the blaster which would help remove the dead hair and reduce the shedding. No mention of him being clipped.

On closer examination I have found a couple of bald patches where he was trimmed right down to the skin. It's like all his top coat is gone and his undercoat is all thats left. He is now white where as he was golden.

That's awful. I can imagine what he looks like. One of my labs has a trimmed patch on her backside as she has a growth and it looks odd!

Pinklady11

Ok I'll post before and after pics of him just so you can see for yourselves what has been done to him.

Before

HPIM1367.JPG

After

HPIM1372.JPG

mymo

No groomer who knows what they are doing would clip a Lab.
A wash good brush (furminator or similar) and blaster, would leave the coat thinner looking as the dead hair would be gone, but never clipped.

Labs have a good coat when kept in condition it keeps them warm and dry. To shave it would be ridiculous!
Some so called groomers are butchers, had one shave both my dogs to the skin, tails and all, I asked for a small trim as it was winter, and I brush them daily, they weren't matted. I heard later she does the same to every dog that goes in. I asked did she pluck ears or do glands and was told "I don't do that sort of thing, ask you vet" :mad:

Edit: that is definitely clipped
He's lovely, poor dog.

RubyGirl

Poor dog op, he was def clipped and looks like they ruined his coat. I'd report the groomer. And get your money back, how much did they charge.

Pinklady11

Yeah it's very uneven with a couple of bald patches. He just looks butchered. It's not what I expected at all. Feel like crying everytime I look at him. Paid 55euro for the groom.

jimf

nothing short of a disgrace that these kind of people are allowed to operate and call themselves groomers get your money back asap

after all this not just a dog its a very obviously much loved family member

Boombastic

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Yeah it's very uneven with a couple of bald patches. He just looks butchered. It's not what I expected at all. Feel like crying everytime I look at him. Paid 55euro for the groom.

Your poor dog and €55:eek:
Go demand your money back from that 'groomer'


I just signed up to do a dog grooming night course at my VEC. It only cost €45. No mad clipping groomer will get their hands on my dog's lovely long coat.

boomerang

That person obviously has no clue what they're doing and doesn't deserve to be called a groomer.

I'd be looking for my money back, too, OP. Too many charlatans in the grooming business.

DBB

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Ok I'll post before and after pics of him just so you can see for yourselves what has been done to him.

Before

HPIM1367.JPG

After

HPIM1372.JPG

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I find myself in the uncharacteristic position of being lost for words OP

They made an absolute balls of him. I don't know what would possess anyone to clip a Labrador's coat... short-coated, high-moult breeds to not need to be clipped, ever.
I would absolutely, categorically demand my money back from this charlatan (thanks for putting this word into my head Boomerang ) and give her a serious ear-bending. What an idiot :mad:

On a positive note, what a lovely, lovely dog! That first pic of him with the bed in his mouth is just so.... Labradory! He looks like a lovely, gentle chap

Magenta

Slightly off topic but anytime I see a Cavalier or Cocker clipped down to their skin I die a little inside! They're supposed to have lots of lovely feathering!

ABajaninCork

WTF??? Dog's definitely been clipped, and by the look of it with blunt blades as the coats so uneven!!! :eek: Poor thing. It's like destroying a beautiful painting by slashing with a knife.

I bet she's never bothered to maintain the clippers, oil, disinfect and sharpen the blades. **** knows what else this silly cow's done to other dogs...

Yeah, get your money back from this idiot, and spread the word about her. She hasn't got a Scooby.

ABajaninCork

AND the cheeky mare charged E55! :eek: I clip my dog myself now, but when he went to a groomer, she never charged more than E30 - and that's for a Shih Tzu!!

Pinklady11

Going to send an email to them now... but to be honest getting my money back just isn't my main concern. It's the state my boy's coat is in now...no refund will help his hair grow any quicker.

I would hope that my complaint will go some way towards no other dog getting treated like mine did.

He's the third child in the house and it's so upsetting to see him like this.

Any idea on how long it will take his coat to recover?

jimf

best to try and forget about it now and put it down to one very bad experience

after all hes healthy and still perfect in your eyes

as for hair growth i trim my springers in summer and within 2/3 weeks you would not know they were trimmed dont know about labs

mymo

Lab hair doesn't grow like a springer, takes time for new hair to grow and old to shed out. Hopefully that will be quick.
I would look at getting even a cheap coat for walking in this weather, labs top coat keeps out wet and wind, undercoat traps heat to keep warm. Without the layers poor chap may feel cold.

DBB

mymo wrote: »

Lab hair doesn't grow like a springer, takes time for new hair to grow and old to shed out. Hopefully that will be quick.
I would look at getting even a cheap coat for walking in this weather, labs top coat keeps out wet and wind, undercoat traps heat to keep warm. Without the layers poor chap may feel cold.

Good point mymo. The exposed undercoat will soak up water, and hold onto it without the protective topcoat, so if he gets wet out on walks, he could get cold quite quickly.
However, I would not buy a cheap coat for him.
I would be making sure the groomer buys a damn expensive coat for him :mad:

mymo

DBB wrote: »

However, I would not buy a cheap coat for him.
I would be making sure the groomer buys a damn expensive coat for him :mad:

Good idea.
The least they could do!

Knine

No way would I let them away with this. As I've stated before far too many people call themselves groomers who have not got a clue. They think every breed needs to be shaved.

The dogs coat will not grow back until he moults and new coat comes in. Shaving just cuts though the top coat and the root is still in.

I have wire coated breeds and I always advise owners and would be owners not to go near a groomer unless they have it in writing that the dog will be hand stripped and not groomed or better still I do it for them and show them how they can do it at home themselves.

Pinklady11

Thanks for all the advice.

We have a waterproof luminous coat for night time walking but there would be no padding in it for warmth so will pick something better up for him. I have been worrying about him as it is very cold and wet. He's inside most of the day so it's only walks that he would need it for.

Don't think I'll be seeing my money back from groomer any time soon but I will make it my business to tell anyone who'll listen about what they done and warn people off them.

Thanks again everyone.

Whispered

Pinklady, have you spoken to the groomer yet?

Pinklady11

Yeah I did send an email. They seem to think it's my fault. Apparently ALL dogs get clipped unless the owner tells them not to. :rolleyes:

Clipping was never mentioned to me and I told them that I wanted him washed and blasted before making the appointment. I also told her that if they were "professional groomers" they should know the breeds that don't need clipping.
Haven't heard anything back from them since.

Knine

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Yeah I did send an email. They seem to think it's my fault. Apparently ALL dogs get clipped unless the owner tells them not to. :rolleyes:

Clipping was never mentioned to me and I told them that I wanted him washed and blasted before making the appointment. I also told her that if they were "professional groomers" they should know the breeds that don't need clipping.
Haven't heard anything back from them since.

Maybe they have Facebook page....... now I don't think you can publish it here but PM is a great facility

They are not groomers, they are butchers. I've seen all sorts of botched grooming jobs but this the first time I have ever seen someone butcher a labrador and I would not be letting them away with it. It shocking.

DBB

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Yeah I did send an email. They seem to think it's my fault. Apparently ALL dogs get clipped unless the owner tells them not to. :rolleyes:

Again, :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Lost for words here!
I don;t suppose, indeed I don't expect, that they're members of the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association? In which case you could make a complaint, but I very much doubt they've any professional accreditation at all.
Why not ring them OP? Ask for the address to send the solicitor's letter to?

ABajaninCork

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Yeah I did send an email. They seem to think it's my fault. Apparently ALL dogs get clipped unless the owner tells them not to. :rolleyes:

Clipping was never mentioned to me and I told them that I wanted him washed and blasted before making the appointment. I also told her that if they were "professional groomers" they should know the breeds that don't need clipping.
Haven't heard anything back from them since.

In other words, she isn't a groomer. More like a chancer that got clippers from Argos, and hey presto! She's a groomer.

There's no way she did ANY training. Even someone who did a night course (and has common sense!) would know you DON'T clip short-haired breeds.

Pity you can't name & shame...

tk123

OP check out zooplus.ie (or .co.uk) - they have some of their coats on offer. I have the Grizzly one for my retriever and find it great. It has fleece lining and padding. The Maxizoo near us had a basket of coats with 50% off last week so you might get a bargain there too if there's one near you.

Whispered

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Yeah I did send an email. They seem to think it's my fault. Apparently ALL dogs get clipped unless the owner tells them not to. :rolleyes:

I'm so angry on your behalf. I really hope you get your money back.

ABajaninCork

Op, did you actually ask for your money back in your mail? If you didn't, then you most definitely should.

I'd call her again, and ask for the money. If she starts kicking off, then just tell her a solicitor's letter is on it's way...

Pinklady11

Groomer came back and said as part of de-shedding treatment a "light clip" was necessary and they thought I knew that it would happen. They have offered a refund.

I don't think I'll ever trust anyone with my dog again. Will be mortified bringing him for his booster and check up at the vets looking the way he does!!

And like one other poster said...he's healthy and happy and thats whats important.

Once again thanks for all your advise.

ABajaninCork

Light clip, my 'arris! More like a blunt No.10 was used....

Still - all's well that ends well I suppose. Get the poor fella a coat, and I'm sure his fur will grow back as good as ever. I'm glad you're getting back your money.

Pinklady11

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Get the poor fella a coat, and I'm sure his fur will grow back as good as ever.

Already on the way!

DBB

Pinklady11 wrote: »

Groomer came back and said as part of de-shedding treatment a "light clip" was necessary and they thought I knew that it would happen.

Oh my sweet divine... They need to change from being groomers to being excuse-maker-uppers.. they're good at that!
Still, delighted to hear they're refunding you. I'm sure your vet would like to know not to be referring any customers to this "groomer" so no harm in letting him see what happened.
I hope your dog isn't too embarrassed

Hooked

While I share everyone's anger - and in the same boat I'd be furious, look at the positives OP. You're finally getting a refund... Instead of the thought of them having your hard earned cash for a crap job. And you'll never make the same mistake again. Chalk it up to one of life's experiences and learn from it.

And as the owner of a Siberian Husky with the most beautiful, thick, double layer coat (which should never be groomed/cut) - I have months of waiting ahead before his pre-op paw shave (anaesthetic) and belly and inside leg shave grows back.

My point OP? It WILL grow back!

Don't let that so called groomer get you down. If someone comments or you're embarrassed at the vets - tell them why!!! A chancer made a balls of grooming your dog. Not your fault.

You should make a list of all the people who've replied here and PM us the name.
Powerful medium, the Internet...

Peetwins

I am a groomer and get very annoyed when other untrained groomers give us all a bad name! He definately looks clipped ..for the record you would NEVER clip a lab. A good wash, blaster & defurminating treatment is all you would do. Also included would be ears, nails & anal glands.
All my customers get a consultation before I do anything and i try my hardest to let them know exactly how the dog will look after. Some long haired breeds do need to be clipped if they are matted and not kept brushed at home (me not miracle worker :-)!) however a lab would never ever be clipped.
Poor doggy.you should tell her how unhappy you are and ask for a refund. Very odd that she would do this......

Peetwins

Oops didn't read all the posts! Delighted you got your money back :-) bull**** excuse though. Lol.

hpsheba

I am a groomer and its the first time ever I have heard of anyone clipping a lab You are entitled to your money back, and the person who did that to your lovely dog needs to either train properly or stop advertising as a groomer.

Yes, there are groomers out there that automatically grab the clippers instead of grabbing a brush but you did what I would recommend anyone looking for a groomer to do and asked people for a recommendation All I can say is agreeing with what other have said and get him a coat to do him the month or two to get him coat back sorted.

Just to address some of the other comments on the thread, its horrible to read that so many people hold groomers in such low regard. There are some very talented and experienced groomers working around the country but sometimes I think groomers and customers can speak a different language. I know that almost weekly I will get a dog in the is matted, felted to the skin and even though I explain and show photos that I will have to shave the dog many customers still act surprised when they come to collect them and see a practically bald dog. If you have a long haired dog, please please take the time to brush them ! Its gotten to the stage where me and most of the groomers I know get the customers of a badly matted dog to sign that they consent to the dog being clipped off before I even touch it

Its a pet hate of mine that the grooming industry is unregulated, same as the dog training industry, any one can put a sign on their hall door and start operating straight away, taking people money and tarnishing a whole body of people who want to trade in a respectable/lawful manner.

Until the pet care industry is regulated this is going to keep happening, every week I hear of a new person opening up as a groomer or trainer or pet sitter or dog walker. Most do not have insurance, training/qualifications, pay tax or vat.
Sorry I am ranting now ,

but you dog is still adorable

Knine

hpsheba wrote: »

Its a pet hate of mine that the grooming industry is unregulated, same as the dog training industry, any one can put a sign on their hall door and start operating straight away, taking people money and tarnishing a whole body of people who want to trade in a respectable/lawful manner.

Until the pet care industry is regulated this is going to keep happening, every week I hear of a new person opening up as a groomer or trainer or pet sitter or dog walker. Most do not have insurance, training/qualifications, pay tax or vat.
Sorry I am ranting now ,

but you dog is still adorable

Very true, far too many people setting themselves up as groomers. There is no way the person that groomed the OP's dog is actually a dog groomer or had any form of training.

I have a hand stripped breed who I do myself to show standard. I often get pet dogs here and strip them too. All of them with lovely wire coats in great condition but several were brought to groomers who just shaved them and the coat was ruined for a long time afterwards.
It is pure laziness as well as a lack of knowledge.
I do know some excellent groomers, many of whom are friends of mine and they would be absolutely horrified if they seen the OP's dog.

ABajaninCork

hpsheba wrote: »

I am a groomer and its the first time ever I have heard of anyone clipping a lab You are entitled to your money back, and the person who did that to your lovely dog needs to either train properly or stop advertising as a groomer.

Yes, there are groomers out there that automatically grab the clippers instead of grabbing a brush but you did what I would recommend anyone looking for a groomer to do and asked people for a recommendation All I can say is agreeing with what other have said and get him a coat to do him the month or two to get him coat back sorted.

Just to address some of the other comments on the thread, its horrible to read that so many people hold groomers in such low regard. There are some very talented and experienced groomers working around the country but sometimes I think groomers and customers can speak a different language. I know that almost weekly I will get a dog in the is matted, felted to the skin and even though I explain and show photos that I will have to shave the dog many customers still act surprised when they come to collect them and see a practically bald dog. If you have a long haired dog, please please take the time to brush them ! Its gotten to the stage where me and most of the groomers I know get the customers of a badly matted dog to sign that they consent to the dog being clipped off before I even touch it

Its a pet hate of mine that the grooming industry is unregulated, same as the dog training industry, any one can put a sign on their hall door and start operating straight away, taking people money and tarnishing a whole body of people who want to trade in a respectable/lawful manner.

Until the pet care industry is regulated this is going to keep happening, every week I hear of a new person opening up as a groomer or trainer or pet sitter or dog walker. Most do not have insurance, training/qualifications, pay tax or vat.
Sorry I am ranting now ,

but you dog is still adorable

Totally agree. When I was studying to be a groomer, I saw at least three long-haired dogs brought in that were so matted, there was no alternative but to shave them down. Then they get upset when they're presented with a shaved-down dog! These owners don't realise that to try to de-mat the dog is much more cruel than to grab the clippers and shave the poor thing down. All is takes is five minutes with a slicker, and job done! But some owners are too lazy to do even that.