Grooming services question

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

The groomers I've used for the last 5 yrs. suddenly closed up shop and left. I've spent more time looking for a new groomer than I think I spent looking for a pediatrician for my kids. I noticed quite a few advertise what their services include and they say "includes 15 minute brush or comb out"...then onto the bath, trim, etc. Is that a reasonable amount of time to prepare a Newf for a bath? God knows I spend a lot more time than that brushing them.
Just wondering.

 

[dreamchaser456]

Unless you have completely combed a newf out the night before grooming appointment, there is no way one would be ready for a bath with only 15 minutes of combing. Mine are combed daily and I spend at least 30-45 minutes combing before a bath.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I would think that should be included in all grooms without it being mentioned. I would ask if more combing is done, how much extra they charge so you are not surprised. It might be a good idea to do some combing before you go.

 

[Jeannie]

So what happens when 15 minutes is up and they only have 1/2 of the dog combed? I'd think their prices should include a complete comb out before bathing. If they figured their prices correctly they should have already taken the time into account so that their charges reflect that. The only time I charge extra for additional combing is if the dog is matted and I have to work out or clip the mats.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Unless you have completely combed a newf out the night before grooming appointment, there is no way one would be ready for a bath with only 15 minutes of combing. Mine are combed daily and I spend at least 30-45 minutes combing before a bath.

Thanks everyone. I was beginning to think I was totally out-to-lunch about the time limit too. I realize a Newf is a lot more work than a toy dog or a shorthaired variety, but I thought 15 minutes was absurdly short. I too spend about 45 minutes to an hour before a bath, going over everything.

 

[Murphy]

When you consider Murphy used to be there for the day I'm thinking it took more than 15 minutes. I thought they bathed them first.. dried then did all the combing, trimming etc. ??? Shows what I know. Good luck Anne..

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

When you consider Murphy used to be there for the day I'm thinking it took more than 15 minutes. I thought they bathed them first.. dried then did all the combing, trimming etc. ??? Shows what I know. Good luck Anne..

Hi, Jen,
Yep, my first groomer who moved away would have Angus or Gracie for the entire day too. If the Newfs aren't brushed out beforehand and have any matts or whatever washing them would make it worse. (I learned that the hard way first time I bathed one without brushing first. Yuck!)

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

Yeah, thats crazy. I would ask about that. I assume it means extra charges for you. Our groomer has Maggie for at least 4 hours, and only takes her on days when she has help in the shop. A lot of that is drying time, but she combs and brushes for as long as it takes. Of course I pay more than my neighbor pays for her lab. But she always gives Maggie a good once-over to see if she has any matts, etc when I drop her off so I know if it will cost extra.

We are trying a new mobile groomer this week who was recommended by our vet. We will see how that goes. It's hard to find someone willing to groom a newf around here!

 

[Cutiemus Maximus]

I used to take Admiral to get groomed every couple of months, but: it was ridiculously expensive, most places threw her in with a kennel dryer for an hour and she would urinate out of sheer terror the whole time, and the trim never came out looking right. Luckily a friend of mine is a breeder and taught me how to groom and lets me come over to use her grooming room. At first Admiral would get very scared, but now she's a champ on the table and even the velocity dryer doesn't bother her anymore.

Obviously I'm very lucky to have met this person, but maybe you can find some like this in your community to mentor you?