We had a challenging experience at the groomer's last week.
Drop-off went really well. He was slightly hesitant but pleased to see the groomer and toddled in.
Pick-up was when it got wild. I book his appointments so pick-up is at quiet time (it's at a daycare) which reduces our chances of running into too many dogs or people.
George is a vocal dog and an excited barker. He was excited to see me and was barking as I went to pay.
I was calming him (and he was settling) when a member of staff who he doesn't know came over, leant over him, got close to his face and tried to shush him.
Needless to say, he didn't react well. His barking got more intense and she backed off.
I agreed with the groomer I would pay online and we got out of there. My leg had got scratched in the melee and I was bleeding as we made our retreat.
As we left, the staff member who had shushed him said "Wow. F****** hell."
I was really upset. I was sad and embarrassed (and still bleeding).
But when I got home I felt angry. A facility that works with dogs should know that it's not a good idea to get in the face of a dog that you do not know.
I get that it is quiet time but I would have expected some understanding not outright rudeness.
It's a real shame as the grooming staff are lovely and are very understanding of George. He's been going there since he was a puppy, he always has an excellent groom and he really likes them.
I have been advised to complain but I'm reluctant to burn my bridges. George went to two puppy schools there and we worked with an excellent trainer based there (who has since left).
We've had quite a relationship with the facility. I don't necessarily want one bad experience to negate all the good ones.
I am definitely feeling a little more sensitive at the moment with George's regressions. But I felt really disrespected. It's hard enough having an anxious and reactive dog without the judgment of those who should have more awareness.
Where to from here, I'm not yet sure.