Expert: Delores Beck - 4/25/2008

Question
Good afternoon Delores,
My question is:  my cocker spaniel Max is 5 yrs old.  In the last 2-3 yrs he hates to go to the groomers.  They are located in the back of my vet's office.  They have to sedate him to groom him.  The groomer has told me the last two- three days he has gone that  he fights the sedation and really growls and is aggressive to her.  He was never like this before.  I can sometimes get him to let me give him a bath.  But it is like something has happened and he is fighting back.  Any suggestions?????

Answer
Quite frankly, I'm a little suspicious of your groomer.  No dog should be sedated - it's very dangerous.

I'd find another groomer who works "in plain sight" or even one that will allow you to be with him.  I agree with your comment "it's like something has happened".

As far as you bathing - how do you do it?  The best is if you have a shower stall with a hand-held sprayer.  Get in there with him - pop a treat into him every few minutes and talk him through it.

See if there's a groomer who'll come to your home and then you can keep him calm...be with him...treats & praise. If you can bath him then the groomer can just do the clipping.

I do know I'd never, ever use a groomer who used sedation.  Max needs to be re-introduced to the grooming experience in a different environment and certainly a different groomer.
Delores