I only took Hottie to petsmart once. My regular groomer was on vacation. I picked up hottie who acted exhausted! I later found out they kept him standing on a table for people to see for 4 HOURS! I was outraged! ( got my money back too).
Getting a large dog groomed is expensive- Hottie is 65 dollars. I have him done every 3 months- do the rest myself with my sprayer. However- I do not have the equipment ( now with 4 that will have to change) to get a good dryer and hydro surge..)
IF you take the dog to petsmart- you stick around... or pop in and out etc.. A good groom is worth the weight in gold with removing dead hair etc- but this lets them know- I am watching you... Another option might be your vet. Our vet does large dogs only- no clips but a good bath and blow out- all I really need.. ( but I have been using the same lady for 8 years for hottie..)
Too bad you do not live in Virginia- I have an excellent one!