Too Big???

[Allise]

I recently sent a general inquiry e-mail to a groomer a bit closer to my home. I asked if they had experience with Newfs and if so how many they have groomed, if they had a hydrolic lift table, etc. As part of my inquiry I mentioned Olivia's height-26 inches at the shoulder, weight 112 lbs, age and the fact that she's attained her CGC and that we are presently enrolled in an advanced obedience class and that she has NO mats and that I'm sure they would need to meet her in person...below was the very cordial response I received...are Newfs a problem to groom due to their size? Would anyone care to "weigh-in" on this issue?

"I am sorry to say that we no longer take new clients that weigh over 100 pounds. Olivia sounds beautiful, and I hope that you are able to find a grooming salon that will be able to take care of her the way she deserves to be pampered."

 

[R Taft]

My only thought is that maybe she has no hydraulic table and maybe issues with her back.........I would rather do one well mannered well kept newf compared to an ill tempered small dog.........

 

[Charlie'sMom]

I know of a groomer here who dislikes grooming "big hairy dogs". Maybe this is the case with the groomer you contacted.

 

[Jeannie]

Maybe for health reasons they cannot groom a big dog. I am about the only groomer in our area who will groom a large/giant breed dog. The rest just don't want to do it. Of course I have a ramp for my tub and a hydraulic table. You can tour my shop at www.poochparlor.com

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I would not take offense to that response, since they may have smaller tubs or no steps to an elevated tub or do not have large crates. There could be many reasons, but it is best they told you instead of taking her and trying to groom her in a facility not safe or properly equipped.

 

[Allise]

Actually, I took no offense...I did view their website..which prompted my e-mail inquiry as they are a no crate facility all grooming areas are open for viewing and owners are allowed to stay while their dogs are being groomed. They own several standard poodles..I did think a hydrolic table was visible..just thought it was odd that it is their policy to not take dogs over 100lbs....nor, did they wish to request an in person visit...I thanked them for their response and will continue to keep my eyes and ears open...

 

[Bella and Gabe]

Your story is exactly like mine. No one in our area wants to touch my Newfs for a whole wide range of excuses/reasons. I think that Jeannie's set up is ideal and I wish so much that I could take my crew to Jeannie. I did find one place to give "us" a try and she took Gabe. Charged me $120 (and I, on top of that, tipped her very generously just because she was willing to give us a go). When she finished Gabe she told me that I've been doing an excellent job on my own as he was mat-free and suggested I just continue to do as I have been on my own. They just don't enjoy doing large/giant breeds.

While I felt proud of myself for following Jeannie's excellent video and discussions about grooming of Newfs and that they considered my home done grooming acceptable, I am still frustrated that I cannot find a professional to groom my pups. I do love the one on one time, but I'm not a professional and I respect greatly the training and expertice of the professionals.

 

[msumner]

Mine griped from day one about how long it took mine's coat to dry; and it just took too much time (and she was a puppy then). The next one griped as well.
Sad.

 

[ardeagold]

I'll take them in to be bathed and dried (ONLY) in the winter, and do the rest myself. In the summer, I just do it myself, period.

They don't seem to have much of a problem with the bathing and drying. It's a lot less expensive that way too.

 

[Wayne A]

She obviously has had a bad experience.I took Chloe to Pet Smart and they did a wonderful job just loved her to pieces.Just asked for vaccination cert.which is in there computer.Nice when they keep record in computer.Plus she had her tags on.
But they didn't flinch said there is only a few giant breed in the area but all are good tempered.

 

[teahcrew]

I am so glad to be back home in NE Ohio. My former groomer did Story for me recently. Story is 110 lbs and is a landseer and is special needs because she has dementia. Not many groomers would take her on. But Patty did and only charged me $50 and gave her the best wash and cut (hygienic) anyone has ever done on my newfs. She gets a nice tip for doing my newfs and looks forward to them!