Shih Tzu- Russ Russ

Dogs are like human being, they do have temper. When we groom a temperamental dog, the whole grooming section will be very tense for both the groomer and dog. The dog may feel insecure and in order to protect themselves, they will tend to bite the groomer. As a groomer, we have to protect ourselves as well as the dog's safety. During our training, we have to observe how temperamental dogs will react and groomer should tame them down in order to continue the groomer section.
Recently, there was article on a groomer that killed a dog while grooming. I guess this had made owners more conscious on their dog’s safety and how the groomer's would react. When owners are around during grooming section, our fury friends are more coquette and tends to make noise to attract attention from their owners.
Russ was having a moody day when I groomed him. He tends to show tantrum when I pick his ear and trim his nails. Which made some degree of difficulty during grooming section. While, I should remind myself to bring along the muzzle next time. At the end of the day, we want both the dogs and the owners to be happy after the grooming section.

Things You Should Know

Shih Tzu usually adapt well to adults and children alike. Not especially suspicious of strangers, they still make an alert and consistent watchdog, barking heartily when people approach the house. They require more care than other breeds, especially when the hair is kept long. They need daily brushing and regular haircuts to avoid tangles. However, they shed very little dander, making them a great pet choice for people with allergies. Though good family dogs, Shih Tzu are not especially good with very young children. They cannot be handled roughly or awkwardly and tend to get snappish when their patience wears thin.

Feeding note: Keep an eye on Shih Tzu while they are drinking. Because their noses are so centrally located, water can easily block their breathing. A healthy Shih Tzu can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, ear and kidney infections, and eye problems. Check their ears and eyes regularly for cleanliness. (You can even find special eye drops for them). They are great apartment dwellers, but not happy in hot climates. And while they don’t require as much exercise as a Lab, a daily walk is necessary.

(BTW, the photo was taken from a famous Shih Tzu breeder; Kitti Kongsricharoen from Thailand. He had won many awards on his Shih Tzu.. and thanks to my colleagues on some contributions when I have urge to write during my working hours Opps!! )

Final Grooming for U Baby - Miniature Schnauzer

Finally get to say goodbye to you Elmo. I believe you should be going home soon. On this particular weekday, I quickly rush home to groom him as I know this would probably be the last opportunity that I have. He is usually calm and steady when he is at the grooming table. It's good to train your dog to stand on table so that they feel more comfortable during grooming section. That's how Show Dogs are trained. Show dogs do have to practise standing straight and proud on table everyday.
I still prefer to have his coat short and neat as Schnauzers have beard. When they have their meals or drinks, its always very messy and wet which makes them untidy. Grooming them once a month would be a good. Schnauzers do have pointed or loop ears. My previous dog Gigi have pointed ear which makes her look like a goat. For Show dogs, when they are about 8 to 10 weeks they will have their ear crop as this will make their ear sharp and pointed. Though they look more alert and smarter but going through cropping at such a young age can be quite cruel. That's why Singapore ban this cropping of ears years back.

Things You Should Know:
Miniature Schnauzers are high-energy dogs. Without lots of exercises and activities, they can go a little stir-crazy and buggy and mischievous. Miniature Schnauzers, if neglected or not sufficiently exercised, can become destructive or get into other types of trouble.
Miniature Schnauzers need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting. You might want to occasionally trim their beards as well. A healthy Miniature Schnauzer can live as long as 15 years, aging gracefully. Relatively healthy, they can sometimes develop eye problems, kidney stones and diabetes.

Back to India - Milo; Silky Terrier

Remember that silky terrier from my gallery? He is migrating to India coming Monday. He will jumping and kiss me when I am at his place weekly to shower him.
He is good boy when I groomed him. Sad to see him leave.. Bon vonyage

The Silky Terrier originated when Australian breeders mixed Yorkshire Terriers with native Australian Terriers to improve the latter’s blue & tan coat color.
Silky Terriers get along very well with children, but they don’t have the patience for sudden moves and rough play. Also, they can sometimes be demanding and stubborn if they don’t get their way. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention, and they will have a consistently great attitude. They can live as long as 15 years. A relatively healthy breed, some Silkies can develop diabetes and epilepsy. Grooming can take a little time and energy, but it’s worth it: Daily brushing and bathing can prevent their long hair from becoming tangled or matted. Some trimming is required, and some owners choose to tie their dog’s head hair in a bow so it doesn’t fall over the eyes.

Grooming Puppy- Westie

Milky is sweet and playful. She loves kiss kiss and treats but dislike shower. That's strange I though all kids enjoy playing with water :) Milky is just 3 months old; afraid that I might fracture the bones so dare not treat her like those adult. Tender Loving Care will be my first priority. She tends to struggle quite a far bit when I groom her head. In the end her mummy and daddy have to get involve in the grooming section. Helping me to get her distracted and holding on to her when she saw the scissor and clipper coming towards her. I guess I got to practice and pick up more from this experience.
West Highland Terriers (Westie) have burst of energy, curiosity and playfulness. This can involve playing games inside or out, chasing small animals or digging—or all of them at the same time! Though high-energy dogs, Westie don’t require too many walks or jogs to stay mentally and physically healthy.
They are loyal and devoted pets—a great family dog. They get along with children and are very friendly with strangers. However, they can be quite effective guard dogs, barking wholeheartedly if they sense danger.
Things that might interest you:
These dogs have a self-confidence and self-reliance that can be good (resulting in resourceful play and solid companionship) or bad (resulting in destructiveness). Though independent, Westies need attention and activity or they can become restless. Left alone for too long, they could dig up a garden, chew things or get involved in other forms of mischief.
Westies are relatively clean and odorless, but they still need daily brushing to keep their coat under control. A healthy West Highland Terrier can live as long as 14years. Common health problems include joint deterioration and skin allergies

So start getting active with your Westie :p

Mischiever "Bear"- The Golden Retriever

Bear Bear is the second golden retriever that I come across that is hyper active.
Retriever are well known to be eager, loving, intelligent and playful, these dogs have boundless energy and very few behavior problems. He will bite anything that you drop on the floor. Such as tissue, bottles, balls. etc. He hide my tools under the table and I have to start searching for them.
They are not particularly aggressive, territorial, manipulative or destructive. However, like Labrador Retrievers, they can be a little boisterous and intense as puppies, chewing furniture and retrieving an endless assortment of unwanted objects. The best way to manage this hyperactivity is to keep them running. Golden Retrievers love to play outdoors, swim and fetch balls and sticks, not to mention roll around in the mud. And they’re always game for a cross-country run or to follow you during a bike ride.
Goldens love to carry things around in their mouths – and not just tennis balls. If they find something they like, e.g., a stick, a toy or a shoe, they’ll carry it around for days.

Things that might interest you;
Golden Retrievers love tasks and challenges. They are also quick learners and eager to please. But, keep in mind: Goldens will keep going until they collapse. Never the types to fixate on a single person, Goldens get along with the whole family and are especially patient and outgoing with children. However, a high-energy Golden Retriever (especially a young one) can accidentally bump into or knock over a child during play. Like most dogs their size, Golden Retrievers normally live between 10-12 years. Common health problems include hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Plenty of exercise and moderate rations of food will keep them healthy for years to come.
Ready to get a retriever for your family?