Clyde

I think this also needs to be realised by the OP. Mals are a far cry from Goldens and you will always need to be one step ahead. They are very head strong and need a firm, switched on owner.

I don't think you can go past Aloveen when it comes to an oatmeal shampoo. The others are just inferior copies. As a groomer I have tried heaps of different products but Aloveen still rates the best for me. Most vets sell Aloveen, but it is a lot cheaper online

Dogs need fresh air, they need to dig in the dirt and roll on the grass. Please install a dog door so your dog has the option to enjoy the sunshine.

I have first time dog owners who take beautiful care of their dogs coats. I find they come in well brushed however by about 7 months they've had enough and want it short rather than longer and styled :D I always talk new clients through. When people call I encourage them to come in for a free nail clip and face trim then go through with them how to best comb the dog. I always try to explain it to any kids about too. So that at the very least the kids can learn to recognise matting areas. Then I've got my clients where I simply don't waste my breath anymore. TBH my clients are well trained and I rarely get bad matting in anymore. Those who don't brush just bring the dog more frequently. I don't try to save coat anymore, even tails - if it's knotty it comes off

If he's got a bad back I would be verryyy careful entrusting him to someone (as you are). I am so swamped atm so couldnt do it myself. However if you wanted you could bring Charlie to me on a day where I'm working on my own and do him yourself with my guidance. Also happy to show you what to do so you can do him yourself in future. Otherwise ask your vet to do it where the nurses will just shave him off. The job will probably look dodgy but at least they will understand the care he needs.

Somebody looks like they're ready for their Shiatsu I love the can of hair spray in the last pic. That could be a good ad for the hair spray brand! (and Squeeeeeeeee alright!)

Oh the poor baby, it must be so uncomfortable. You seem like caring, switched on owners - what a great breeder too! I hope today gives you results in the right direction. Keep us posted. eta: I once had a dog who had an allergy to the type of food bowl I sued. It gave her an irritation under her nose. A long shot, but perhaps switch the type of bowl used.

Hold off on both until she is on her way to a full recovery. Either/Or can send her system in to overload from being too stressed.

Gerturde would flip me the bird if I ask her for a massage ;) We get a lot of Maltese Shits in and people don't even realise what they've got. If the dog is snappy, they explain to me that that is the Terrier coming out in them Those pesky Terriers...

;) One of the girls who works with me tells me to 'get a room' whenever a pure Shih Tzu comes in as I am all over them like a rash, whispering sweet nothings to them ;) Same with a pedigree Poodle I do, and the owner has just gotten two more puppies from the same fantastic breeder

It's probably the most common mix of dogs that I groom. I have heaps on my clients list, and for the most part they are nice little dogs. Of course, in my biased opinion that is the Shih Tzu coming through, if they ever snap then I blame that on the Maltese parentage

Is that a two chai Feefs

Get a crate and go back to basics. Treat her like a puppy just starting out.

I got caught up in this recently. On the phone to both the vet and the breeder not sure which way to lean. In the end the breeder was right. I didn't ever doubt her I just stood in the middle but I found it interesting that breeder knowledge prevailed over veterinary knowledge even for such a serious problem.

I think I just pee'd myself...

The dog could just be having the summer itchies. Lots of different reasons for dogs to scratch other than fleas. Diet, environment etc. I use Advantix and find it really effective, I am in a high flea burden area.

They're so cute.

I hope you didn't give them any money! I would be spitting fireballs if someone did that to my dog :D

I've yet to work anywhere that has a hydraulic table I lift dogs on to tables.

That's a classic. Very well behaved dogs, I'm afraid my dogs would have launched.

Completely agree Souff. Not the place for a dog especially a Sibe. I've always taken my daughter with me everywhere and find it bloody annoying when people have dogs in inappropriate places.

For $60 the dog should have been brushed out properly, and the groomer is being lazy when they say the drying will get rid of the hair. It will help, but brushing the dog is what get rids of the hair in Labs. After hearing that, I would try somewhere else. I honestly don't think there is a need to rush off to a behaviorist, the dog sounds delightful and just needs a bit of work in the grooming department.

Some dogs just hate the groomers even when they're angels at home. You're obviously putting work in at home if she is obedience trained for you. She's sounds gorgeous, better to have a dog trying to play, than one trying to eat the groomer. I don't think it's fair to expect all dogs to be a robot but as a groomer I am giggling reading of their suggestion for your dog to have more training. When I suggest that I am really saying your dog is a maniac please go somewhere else next time. I don't do bouncy Labs as it's just to hard on me physically. The panicked barking is probably because she is a bit traumatised. A pro groom can be pretty intense for bouncy dogs who aren't used to it. $35 is bottom of the rung pricing. That being said I always include a de shedding treatment in my Lab groom pricing. Some places offer less for less, but I prefer to offer more for more - at least that way I know my standards are always high and consistent. Shame about the whiskers :p If you feel that they haven't done what they should have, you should go back - however most groom quotes are based on a well behaved dog.

I'm so sorry Julie Hugs to you all. xo

In a previous home I had a fly problem and used Vaseline and Permoxin. I would worry that the Citronella smell would be a constant negative for the dog. They have such a strong nose, I'm sure it would smell quite strong to them and they can't escape it.