Clyde

I agree with BC. I stopped clipping bums a fair while ago and scissor them now, as clients didnt like the whole 'anus in your face' look. Scissored looks way better IMO but even then you have to be careful that where you've cut the hairs they dont prickle in to their anus. I wouldnt change groomers based on that. It's very common.

My charges are roughly the same as BC's.... altho' I charge only $95 for Goldens and $85 for Borders (clips). Although they only take me an hour and a half, but so do the swf's if they're getting a longer clip (I fluff dry those). I don't charge extra for nails only or face tidys if a client pops in with their dogs - takes two seconds. I also dont charge extra for Malaseb/medicated baths. I was charging $65 for Westies, Scotties and Mini Schnauzers but when I ask new clients what they used to pay general consensus is $50-$55 - which I reckon is too cheap. There is someone around here who only charges $30 for a swf clip if you wash/dry the dog before you take it - most of the time a good cut is all in the drying IMO so there is no way I would want to go down that path despite losing potential clients when they call for a quote to see if I can better that. To be honest I havent heard of any groomers charging by the hour.

Clip her You say she's heavy coated, active etc..... I clip sooo many Borders and don't understand what the fuss is about. Once you clip, you never go back :rolleyes: Just make sure they do a #7 which leaves adequate coat on, quite a few groomers around here do Borders with a #10/15, which is way too short IMO. They look like puppies clipped and behave like them a bit too. I clipped a Newfy X Border last week, owners phoned me today to say it's given him a new lease on life.

The Ilium is good stuff, and also grab some Malaseb Medicated Shampoo. Always handy to have it close by anyway if she is going to be prone to the itchies. Are there any piccies of this puppy anywhere?? I love Bulldogs :rolleyes:

Definitely no Mastiff in there. Mastiffs are enormous!! bigger than Saint Bernards, Newfies etc. Rotti x's often get the black M mask such as your dog. So perhaps Rotti X Ridgey. Either way she is extremely pretty!!

Even if you think she is fine, it is still best to phone the vet... now. Most vets are happy to take an after hours phone call

I don't think they'll mind seeing as the thread is a year old GORGEOUS Lab puppy!!

The bone is good!

Oh I'm in tears for you Cassie.. I am so sorry you've had this happen. Sending you all our warm wishes and hugs

Lenards is so dodgy for pet meat. I won't buy mine from there anymore, it stinks and goes slimey within 12 hours. ;)

Yummo! Wait 'til they start running through the house squabbling over cat poo in their mouths..... charming creatures ;)

They look like they are perfectly matched!!! Very nice

Can we see a piccie please? I've not ever seen a Giant Sch. babe

A rake isn't as 'interfering' as a comb. Most dogs love it!

I've had a few dogs like this, all diagnosed with HD.... please get her checked out... hope it's nothing serious :rolleyes:

They'll only go elsewhere.... or !! they'll put the dog outback when people come as they wont get it clipped at all. I know it's maddening, but charge 'em extra and feel good that you're taking some scums money ;)

Keep a close eye on it KJ, Cat bites/scratches very easily turn infected and need antibiotics. Hope she's feeling better soon.

Cost effective without using dodgy product = Petway, as mentioned above.

Definitely worth it!!!!!!! I dont have it but I wish that I did seeing how many elements I've blown lately Seeing that the elements only cost a little less than that, and you no doubt blow one or two in your time..... or maybe more than 7 like me Hydrobaths Australias service is awesome too.

Please don't use Sard Soap! Owners could have applied top spots and you will be stripping that out of them, endangering a dogs life if they come from a tick area. The whitening shampoos do really work. I use Champion Tails, available from Horse Supplies. Ive never had a problem with a dog going blue/purple and I pour that stuff straight on. as said above, it can be a little drying so use a good quality conditioner afterwards. I try to just use the Champion Tails on the slightly off coloured parts and then regular shampoo everywhere else.

I'm sorry I'm no help when it comes to supplements etc, however if you do the above plus the elimination diet at the same time how will you know what it was that worked? Perhaps try keeping her away from grass first, then the diet. Good luck with it

I get people knocking on my door to make appointments. At first I thought it odd but this area has the same community feel as the country - 'pop by anytime' .... it doesn't bother me at all. What does bother tho' is owners pressuring me to do their dog on my day off. You know the whole Cmon she's only small Or, I'll Mind your daughter while you do the dog etc... I flat out refuse.

Thanks so much for all the help and info

KitKat would you know what the prong covers are listed under please? I can't find them on that site. Cheers

As Fru-Fru said Aloveen is WONDERFUL for Westies. I would also try to feed him a more premium food. There are a few Westie people on here who will give you some fab suggestions. Have you looked in to BARF (do a search on it). Personally I'd cut out the pedigree and the puppy milk, but use a better quality kibble..... raw vegies... raw meat...chicken necks...omega tablets etc.... The Westies with the best skin that I've seen are the ones who only get bathed twice a year.... amazingly they don't get stinky in between provided you clean their face after eating and brush them well. Your breeder will know her dogs best though so also have a chat to her/him.