Should owners be liable if they knowingly bring an aggressive pet for services and do not reveal the information?

Three Days ago, An owner checks in with their poodle Lafayette, I am called out to recieve him and get instructions. He is a new client.  As I come around the corner, smiling and introducing myself, The nicely dressed mid 60's woman says hello with a returning inviting smile and simoutaniously says. He bites.

I was taken aback for a second. But, quickly ( Hoping she didn't notice) recovered and thanked her for telling me up front. We then began to talk about his triggers as she knew them to be, and I was able to get through the groom, while not reinforcing fear by not pushing hot buttons but, instead, being careful, reassuring and gentle. I got an email today that said they can't stop looking at him. He has never looked like this before!...Thanking me again for my services.

NO one likes to do a biting dog. We all have to remember what we are in this field of work for. The love of dogs. Something happened somewhere along the path of these aggressive pets to instill fear into them about the grooming process. Maybe forced through the groom to fast, a quicked nail or ten...who knows....it could very well be, and in all probability is , something done unintentionally . 

If we can work with these pets. We will feel so rewarded, and those grateful clients will speak our names for a lifetime.

I do believe that owners should be held liable though if they knowingly bring in an aggressive pet to be groomed.  In my state I do not believe there is a law stating that they are liable.

Most instances we  groomers can tell easily if it is from a past incident.

Tell me your opinion on this issue. Write a comment, I will make them available for all to read.

Happy Grooming! Kim

Comments

[Lori Craig]

I do beleive they should be liable, Some clients try to hide it in fear of being kicked out of yet another groom shop but those are generally the irresponsable ones who do not tell and will not help pay for damages done. On the other hand I do think legally when a client tells us a dog bites and we attempt to groom it we take that risk knowingly. I have had only a few bites that resulted in doctors appointments and or time off, it cost alot more to get bit than the price of that particular groom.The dogs that I know are dangerous I send next door to the vet to be sedated , the dog doesnt have to worry about those things that set him off and I don't have to worry aout time out of work.

[Kim West]

Thank you so much for your comment! Your insight is much appreciated ! It will be read by many. Kim

[Daryl Conner]

Excellent blog post. I groom quite a few dogs who are biters. I feel confident in my skills, with 26 years of experience under my grooming smock! However, I feel it is imperitive for owners to share the tendency to bite with us. I do send the occassional dog elsewhere, and I call local groomers to tell them about the dog so they will be warned. Daryl Conner

[Kim West]

Thank you thank you Daryl !!
I too am a 26yr vet of this industry I love! I love the way you put it though, 'under this smock' lol. I like your idea of getting in touch with other groomers in the area ahead of time. That , without a doubt, saves groomers from serious injury. Thank you for sharing Daryl!

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