Vicious Shih Tzu Groomers Refuse To Work On

Introduction

Meet Winnie, the Shih Tzu with a reputation for being difficult to groom. His owner has always insisted on grooming him under anesthesia due to his behavioral issues. But today, I'm determined to see if I can groom Winnie without the need for drugs or sedation. Strap in, because things are about to get hairy!

A Shih Tzu's Shaggy Dilemma

Normally, Winnie would be shaved all over during his grooming sessions under anesthesia. This was done to avoid frequent grooming appointments. However, subjecting Winnie to anesthesia multiple times a year can be detrimental to his health. So today, we're going to attempt something different - giving Winnie a cute haircut and potentially eliminating the need for anesthesia in the future.

Testing the Waters... Literally

The first challenge is getting Winnie comfortable with the grooming process. I start by turning on the water to gauge his reaction. Surprisingly, Winnie remains calm and shows no signs of aggression. This is a good sign! With cautious optimism, I proceed to wet his fur. So far, so good.

Paws and Butts - The Trigger Zones

According to Winnie's owner, his paws and butt are the major triggers for his behavioral issues. Armed with this knowledge, I approach these areas with extreme caution. Nobody wants to get bitten! It's always helpful when owners are aware of their dog's trigger points. It shows that they truly care for their furry companion.

Shih Tzu or Shitsu? Let's Not Get Too Technical

Before we continue, allow me to address a minor pronunciation issue. The correct pronunciation is "Shih Tzu" (pronounced "Sher-ju"). However, in my area, many clients refer to them as "Shitsus" due to the breed's tendency to poop during grooming. It's a light-hearted joke, albeit with a touch of truth.

Taming the Shih Tzu Snout

Fortunately, Winnie's snout is not excessively pushed in, which means I can easily fit a muzzle on him. This ensures everyone's safety during the grooming process. With the muzzle on, I proceed to wash his face. Winnie tolerates it surprisingly well. Good boy, Winnie!

A Grooming Revelation: No Water for Peke

Comparing Winnie's bath to the bathing experience with a Pekingese, I realize that different dogs have different preferences. While the Pekingese was triggered by water, Winnie shows no signs of distress. As a result, I opt to rinse his face despite knowing that water might bother him if he were more reactive. It's all about adapting to each dog's unique personality.

Eye Gunk Be Gone!

Before towel-drying Winnie, I take a moment to remove the gunk from his eyes. This way, I can avoid getting too close to his skin with the scissors. Safety first! With the eye gunk gone, I proceed to towel-dry him. So far, the grooming session is going smoother than expected.

The Pick-Up Predicament

According to Winnie's owner, he sometimes has issues with being picked up. Mindful of this, I cover Winnie's face with a towel to block his view. I unclip him from his previous position and carefully lift him up. Using a happy hoodie for added comfort, I dry him using a small dog high-velocity dryer. Winnie seems to handle this with ease. Good boy, Winnie!

A Snapping, But Not Biting Shih Tzu

Now, it's time to tackle Winnie's coat. Unlike the Pekingese from a previous grooming session, Winnie doesn't bite the grooming equipment. However, he does show signs of snapping and growling. It's all bark and no bite, quite literally. Nevertheless, I don a pair of gloves just in case. Safety first, always!

Muzzle Up, Shih Tzu

With the equipment causing some agitation, I decide to switch to a muzzle. Safety is paramount, even if Winnie seems more talk than action. The muzzle helps to ensure a smooth grooming experience for both of us. Winnie may be all bark, but we're not taking any chances.

Shaving the Sensitive Areas

Now, it's time to tackle Winnie's groin and bum. According to his owner, these areas are particularly sensitive for him. I approach with caution, expecting some resistance. However, Winnie surprises me with his calm demeanor. Well done, Winnie!

Paw Pad Pampering

Moving on to Winnie's paws and nails, I begin by shaving out the paw pads. This is to minimize any stress he might experience during nail clipping. Winnie remains cooperative throughout the process, despite some minor matted fur. What a good boy!

Face Trim Finale

We're nearing the end of the grooming session, but one final challenge awaits - trimming Winnie's face. This is where things could potentially go awry. Winnie tends to get upset when his face is handled. However, I remind him of the exciting prospect of going for a walk and a car ride later. Positive reinforcement works wonders!

Winnie the Groomable Shih Tzu

In the end, Winnie's grooming session proves to be a resounding success. I am elated to have completed the grooming without the need for anesthesia. It's disappointing to think that another groomer had led Winnie's owners to believe that anesthesia was the only option. Winnie is a groomable dog with the right technique and equipment. And I have the video footage to prove it!

Conclusion: All Bark and No Bite

To all the future groomers out there, take a cue from Winnie's experience. Don't be intimidated by a feisty reputation. With patience, caution, and the willingness to adapt, challenging grooming sessions can be conquered without resorting to anesthesia. Winnie and I have shown that where there's a will, there's always a way.

So, put your gloves on, grab your grooming tools, and fearlessly tackle even the most difficult grooming cases. After all, there's nothing more rewarding than transforming a challenging client into a well-groomed, happy pup. Go out there and show the world what you're made of, just like Winnie did!