Sometimes it's not always the pet owner's fault.
I have a Lhasa Apso that has had to be shaved a few times now. I definitely don't like it when this has to be done but, you don't know my dog. He is sooooo aggressive! (he was abused by a previous owner) He WILL NOT let me brush him and when I try, I've had to have my husband hold him while both of us are wearing thick, protective gloves and then try. He just goes absolutely crazy.....he has bitten me several times and drawn blood (and forget about the nails). I just don't like to deal with it so, I leave it up to my groomer to do. I have a schedule for both dogs every few months but, it doesn't seem to fail that the groomer still has to shave him or cut down pretty close to the skin. I have been shown several times what to do to keep it from matting but, like I said how can I brush him without him tearing me to shreds. I have asked my groomer how she handles him and the one girl had no problems. This last time that I took him in was with a different girl and she had to restrain him as he tried to bite her as well. This is the 4th grooming place that I have tried in the past 4 years. I have switched different times because I thought 2 of the places I took him to, the groomers there were possibly mistreating him. He would go in afraid and leave practically pulling my arm off. It seemed like they wanted to get him in and out quickly. There were a few times that he kept licking his groin area and I found bloody spots, shaved too close I suppose! When I said something to the girls, it didn't seem to phase them. They said he'd be fine and that's all they could do and that he's just a nervous dog to begin with.
I don't know, I'm not trying to make excuses. I just want people to know that sometimes it's hard to keep our dogs coats looking healthy and beautiful!
I'm lucky for my "pretty girl", Waffles (mini american eskie) she's had a long, healthy coat since I got her. But, I've only had her for 4 months so we'll see what time will tell.
I LOVE both of my dogs dearly and think they are beautiful regardless!!!!!