I delivered my 16 week old wire fox terrier to DogOverboad for grooming (second visit). 3 hours later she was not ready and I was told she would be about another half hour. No indication that there was a problem. I came back half an hour later and no sign of her. After about ten minutes the manager brought Roxie out and informed me rather abruptly that I would need to do lots of work with her before they would take her back. I was quite taken aback and asked what the problem was. She told me that Roxie had been difficult through the whole process and that she had bitten one of the groomers. I tried to explain that I combed, brushed and stripped Roxie's hair every two days, on a bench, to get her used to the process. I had bathed her twice over the two months we have had her. She was certainly not overjoyed with the process but had never shown the aggressive behaviour described to me. I even ran my own beard trimmer around her to get her used to the noise. I was told that I obviously had not groomed her properly because there was matting ( I don't claim to be a professional) and by the way I was being charged an extra $30 ($100 in total) because Roxie was a problem dog. I followed up with a telephone call to express my concern that Roxie had not previously shown aggressive behaviour, if they were aware she was only a only 16 weeks old pup and to ask if there had been a particular event that had set Roxie off. I also said that on reflection I did not think it was appropriate that I was charged the additional $30. After a bit more discussion I was informed that Dogs Overboard has a policy that they do not groom biting dogs and that I would need to fine another groomer.
-OK so DogOverboard is a very busy and noisy place with hair dryers blasting and dogs barking as you enter and the separate grooming room is also a hive of activity. So maybe it was all a bit too much for Roxie. She certainly showed signs for the next couple of days of having been traumatised but is pretty much back to normal now (brushed and combed her today, including spending extra time on beard, ears and paws).
-I am not condoning biting dogs but DOB are professionals, that is why I took my puppy there (again second visit). Surely there are ways to train/deal with stressed/ anxious pups.
-If it was so obvious that she was reacting badly from the start, then wouldn't it have been better to telephone me to come and get her rather than pushing on and potentially causing more long term damage.
- I would not be taking Roxie back there regardless, but I am quite concerned that the DogOverboard experience will stick in her mind and making essential future grooming very problematic.

Approximate cost: $100