So You Want Shave Your Newfoundland

This may make some people angry but I felt strongly that it should be said. One of the Dog Grooming industries largest controversies is whether or not to shave a double coated breed! For those who say "I would never shave a double coated breed" I just would like to caution you to "never say never"

I have broken many the "never" thing many times in my life! I am going to tell you a story of a client that I just could not say "no" to! This Client called me said he had two Newfoundlands and wanted them cut short but not necessarily shaved. His doctor told him to either get rid of them or have them shaved, he thought he would try not quite so close! He explained to me that he was diagnosed with cancer and had just been released from the hospital and because of his immune system the doctor said no hair! He loved his dogs, they were basically his lifeline.

He made an appointment, I groomed them using a #0 snap on comb, he absolutely loved it. The dogs did not seem to make him sick so we continued this every 4 to 6 weeks until he passed away. His wife decided to continue with the grooming as everyone who saw the dogs just loved their look and it was just much easier for her now that she was alone! I still groom the dogs every six weeks, now granted after 3 years of constant clipping they have some areas that may take longer to grow back than others, mostly along the back near the tail. Does this really matter, they are still being clipped short, it’s what the owner wants, and it allowed this gentleman to keep his dogs.

I have had other double coated breeds that I have shaved, some I have not really wanted to but the owners have insisted. Yes I could tell them to go elsewhere or I could explain to them the possible dangers to their coat, and if they still want it done give them the best grooming on their dog instead of sending them somewhere for a potential hack job!

As a pet groomer I am also not into torturing dogs or cats! If someone comes in with a Samoyed or another double coated breed that has not been groomed in years, is matted to no end they are going to get shaved and get a “do over.” Of course the owner would know exactly what I was going to do with their dog, I would not just surprise them!

So whether you are a Groomer or a pet owner there are always good reasons to do something that would typically say no to! Don’t have a mind set of “I will Never” hear the reasons, weight the options and most importantly talk to and hear each other!