Pets Place

After many successful visits with my other dogs, i took my cocker spaniel along for his first groom as a puppy and further grooming. I was very surprised to be told on about the fourth time that he had been aggressive. However i persevered and continued to take him, the behaviour at the groomers escalated totally out of character. Until today, he is now two years old, when i and my dog were made to feel unwelcome, he was muzzled straight away and i was told, 'it took three groomers to groom him the last time'. I was met with vocabulary of 'keep him away from me' and to the dog 'stop looking at me like that'..... very unprofessional.
I explained my dog is very vocal and that every action they were displaying i could see was escalating his anxiety causing more assertive behaviour from him. I asked if anything could be done during the groom to relax him, i was told 'we don't have time for that' and the next stages are sedation or to be 'knocked out'. I felt their reaction was totally disproportionate to his behaviour and inappropriate. I felt very upset and concerned to leave him, but he needed grooming so as they somewhat reluctantly took him away i felt very uncomfortable, especially as this whole episode took place at the reception area with several onlookers.
When i went to pick him up i was told almost reluctantly, he had relaxed and allowed them to groom him but that he had defacated his kennel and also during the groom, i immediately said this was completely out of character, something he has never done at home and that he must have been extremely upset, i was assured he wasn't ( i am not convinced). I did not feel that my dog would be welcomed back.
After leaving i took my dog to meet the groomers at Pets at Home, he was invited in and went in happily with no show of aggression or nervousness. They have invited him back for some pre grooming visits to disassociate grooming with a bad experience, in my view how it should be done!
I will not be returning to pets place with any of my dogs ( i have four), in my opinion as a groomer you cannot choose the temperament of a dog and those with a nervous disposition which is relayed by growling by the dog needs understanding and appropriate management. (I should like to add my dog has never bitten anybody and only ever growls when faced with an uncertain or stressful situation, always quickly resolved with assertive human behaviour).

Great choice for your pets..variety of good products.

Good pet shop unfortunately it doesn't sell raw dog food

Very safe. Clear Covid rules. Phoned to order dog biscuit. Then phoned when in the external shelter and they were promptly brought out. There is s large tented structure with heaters and distanced seating.

Staff are always helpful and polite and there's a good range of products and special offers

Lovely people very helpful,friendly and caring.

Very nice they are exceptionally kind and caring

Lovely staff, and caring service. Very much appreciated.