I took my Westie to a groomers today.  One that had been recommended.  When i took her i explained what i wanted etc.  However, when i picked her up  she looked totally different - but thats not a real problem as fur grows back.  Her behaviour is different.  When i have gone to stroke her she starts cowering and it is really noticeable considering how she was before we took her. She is also very quiet and not her normal cheerful playful self.  Do you think she was mistreated.  I am very dubious about taking her back there.  Does anyone have any recommendations of GOOD groomers in the Birmingham area. 

Also my daughter is thinking of getting a Beagle how easy are they to train.

if it was me ide look for another groomer,but it may just be if it was her first time it scared her a bit!on the beagle subject if you pm peacebabe im sure shele be glad to help as she has 1! as far as i know there no harder than any other dog! but they are expencive!
sarah x

Most people I know who either have beagles now or have had them in the past say they're typical hounds and can be a nightmare to train! Many can never be let off the lead because, being hounds, if they get wind of a scent they'll follow it, and only return when they're ready - so be prepared to hang around for a few hours waiting!

does any one else remeber when two westies went back to the wrong owners after been groomed? now are you sure......?

Yes, I remember that post, and in the end the right dogs were given back to the owners.

It's possible she was mistreated, or even that you don't have the right dog - the thing to be careful of, if you have your own dog, is that you dont' reward the behaviour by inadvertantly rewarding the cowering and nervious behaviour.  If she cowers, walk away and ignore her, as she gets over the shock, she should start to come back to you for affection as she used to, if you reward the cowering by interacting with her and 'calming' her with your attention and voice, she will persist :(

It could be your westie was frightened when I have pups in for the first time I always try and make sure it is a one to one session but it sounds like you were not happy with the haircut either so try again.  You have got to remember that you have seperated your puppy and put her with a complete stranger who has either clipped or handstripped her shoved her in bath not surprising she is a little strange really.  Some are brilliant with haircuts and others find it absolutely frightening for no reason.

One the subject of beagles I have found mine to be a just as easy if not easier than my dalmatians to train.  She is one of the loviest dogs I have had.  They should come back if you have other dogs who come back to you as being pack animals they follow the pack we have had no problems with her returning whatsoever.  The beagle club do a brilliant leaflet on them.  Its a shame you didnt go to discover dogs at Crufts and speak to some of the people there they were really helpful and I will always be grateful to them as we were always put off them by bad reports.  Not saying they are all like mine but this is my experence of them ;)

I was also thinking could they have given you the wrong westie back?

Thanks for your advice.  I guess i didnt really view it in that way i was just so concerned that she seemed so frightened and quiet. 

Many thanks for advice on Beagles - my daughter will love that.

Oh (to all) I do have the right Westie - she is still nipping at my heels, chewing slippers, darting around the living room, looking at me as if to say "what are you doing" - when i am calling her, lying in front of the fire and watching tv on my lap!!!!!

Thank goodness for that, i couldnt imagine being given the wrong dog back!