I had groomer problems-My 'dales were very large(big babies) and I guess the groomers were afraid-so I did the next best thing-I learned how to strip and clip-I admit they did look a bit moth eaten the first two times;but after a while they were perfect-I became the groomer of the neighbourhood-I loved it!-I even shaved the chow next door-great doggy. No offense to groomers or poodles;but not every dog is a poodle. Our vet offers a grooming service and he doesn't drug the beasties-oh, that's another thing-I have seen groomers use tranquilizers-nasty business practice!!