dog groomer in Rochester (Dover, Durham: lease, how much, buy)

[MrsM]

I need a really good groomer for a longhaired, double-coated dog (Keeshond). All too many groomers just prefer to attack double-coated dogs with a set of clippers rather than spend time brushing/combing out the coat, especially if the dog is "blowing coat" (a massive shedding, usually twice a year), and stuff the dog into a cage dryer rather than spend the time on fluff-drying, and I just don't want to put my poor boy through another bad groomer visit. A Hydrosurge setup is a very big bonus, as is the use of fragrance-free products. My dog is well-behaved, especially with a good supply of treats which we always bring along , if a tad nervous around many other dogs. We could manage Dover as well if there is a particularly good place there.

Many thanks!

[Valerie C]

MrsM,
My first thought for a good groomer in the seacoast-ish area would be Groomingdales in Stratham, but that's like 45 mins from you in Rochester I think they do have a hydrosurge there, maybe it would be worth the drive? Or maybe you could plan something else around the groom?

This isn't directed to you, but as general education. A properly trained groomer should know better than to take clippers to a double coated breed *unless* the dog is so severely matted that it can't be brushed out without causing pain and possible injury. There is simply no humane way to remove mats that have been months in the making in a single groom, a single day. It's not fair to the groomer, or to the dog. The worst is when a well-meaning owner gives their double-coated dog a bath without completely brushing out all of that undercoat. Unfortunately, with agouti breeds, like Keeshonden, elkhounds, etc, when those bands of color are shaved off, the dogs look just terrible. All of that wonderful shading is gone. Worse though, is that the texture of the coat can change, and become more prone to become matted. And here in New Hampshire it's important to keep our dogs coats in good condition. They depend on their coats to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer

[MrsM]

Yeah, Groomingdales is just too far to be manageable, for me or him; Dover's as far as we can really do. We used to live down near Groomingdales and used them a few times, did not have a good experience there the last time we went - they butchered his "pants" with clippers (I asked what happened when I saw him), and yes, the texture has never been the same. They got "wooly" and mat up in a split second, especially when he spends a lot of time in the snow as I'm sure you know these silly Keesies love to do! He looked so very embarrassed, too, poor boy. He tends to mat up on the belly in the winter from that darn snow and it's been worse this year because of the really deep snow, even though we keep after him with the brushing, but we've had other groomers get them out quickly with that bladed comb thingy (forget what it's called, and I'm just too much of a coward to try to use it wihtout proper training) so we know it can definitely be done if someone has the skill and a little bit of patience. Unfortunately it seems like there are too many IMproperly trained, IMpatient groomers. Maybe just too many grooming businesses and not enough good groomers? (I do know enough not to go to places like Petco - I don't even go there for dog food!) Seems like as soon as we find a good one they move away or have a baby or something.

[OCCASparky]

I have a standard poodle that I take to a boarding facility/groomer out on Farmington highway. I've never had a complaint with them, aside from when she gets backed up on weekends, but that's kind of to be expected.

[Valerie C]

The problem with grooming is that it's got a tremendously high burnout rate. Working conditions can be miserable, on any given day, you may get bit, scratched, pooped on, peed on, puked on. Sometimes all of the above

Professional grooming requires lengthy training, equipment is expensive and regular expenses like brushes, combs, high quality shampoo/conditioner, clipper blades, shears (big $$!) and sharpening, plus the large equipment like dryer(s), cages, tubs, etc. Then the monthly expenses like electric, water, lease costs. Then when you look at what the average groomer takes in per day, you have to wonder how they manage to stay in business! So, many groomers start "cutting corners" whenever and wherever they can, so that they can fit more dogs in per day. Clip out those mats instead of taking 30 minutes to brush them out. Cage dry instead of fluff dry. Etc...

Eventually the groomer gets tired of hurrying through more dogs per day to keep up with the bills, being broke, not being able to please everybody. After awhile, there's one less groomer available, and a less-experienced one to take their place... It starts as a labor of love, unfortunately most people don't retire from their lucrative grooming shops, instead they change direction and decide that there's got to be a better and easier way to make a living...

So remember, when you find a GOOD groomer, pay them well, tip them well, make sure they know how much you appreciate their work. Make your next appointment before leaving the shop. And hopefully they'll still be there the next time you bring Fluffy or Spot in for their groom

Originally Posted by MrsM

Unfortunately it seems like there are too many IMproperly trained, IMpatient groomers. Maybe just too many grooming businesses and not enough good groomers? (I do know enough not to go to places like Petco - I don't even go there for dog food!) Seems like as soon as we find a good one they move away or have a baby or something.

Sparky, I have a standard poodle as well. Aren't they just the best? My boy is a rescue, almost 9 years old and still acts like a puppy. Without a doubt the smartest and best dog that our family has had...

Originally Posted by OCCASparky

I have a standard poodle that I take to a boarding facility/groomer out on Farmington highway.

[GazelleRN]

Haha- I have a standard Poodle as well! Let's get together! I'm in Durham.

I've taken mine to Tiny Bubbles in Gonic - definately "out in the woods" but great prices and caring/no health risks.

I started going to Nails and Tails in Madbury - double the cost, but a superior job.

I went to All Critter's Corner in Dover several years ago - no big faults, but I just wasn't incredibly happy with them (I stressed that I wanted my dog's ears done, they didn't get done, etc).

[theflynns]

Here's a couple...don't know about Hydrosurge, but you might want to check them out!

Stillwater Kennels out on Meaderboro Rd. in Rochester: we used them in the past for our old English Springer and were happy with the results

K9 Kaos in Dover (on Dover Point) does our 90lb Lab mix now... the main groomer is a young girl who is wonderful and very caring with the dogs (she knew Jameson by name after the first visit). Granted, Jameson is a Lab (wash, brush, clip nails), but she's given me some great brushing tips, etc. and is very responsive. Never heard any bad!

[MrsM]

Thanks everyone! I got a little distracted there for a bit, sorry. Thanks to everyone's references, I'll be making some phone calls to schedule "come-see" visits to check out facilities, personalities, etc.

I admit I'm one of those wackjobs who really spoils good people - I tip heavily especially if he's been being a weenie, send along quantities of treats to keep him content (Keeshonden are totally food oriented and will love you absolutely forever if you give them cookies, and since he's on a special diet I'd rather not have him eating just anything), and have even brought along our own shampoo and such if I don't really care for what's available but the actual groomer was good. Grrroom! Dog Botanicals - is our favorite. I don't think it's fair to make them buy a quantity of product just for one client. As a friend of mine puts it, "I'm extremely easy to work for if you just do what I want." (Which may include having a really good reason/explanation for why we should do something different!)