
40 Times People Took Their Dogs To The Groomers And Thought They Got Back The Wrong Dog
Taking your dog for a grooming session is like spinning the wheel of fortune. You think you know what you’re gonna see when you come pick the little furry boi or gurl up, but that’s not always how it works.
You see, in times of worldwide social isolation and our best efforts to stay home, our beloved pets haven’t had a decent wash and cut in ages. Many have grown their fur way beyond their recognizable selves, and given the first opportunity, no owner would wait any longer to take them to the grooming salon.
After the session is over, things have changed, literally. According to people on social media, their dogs are not only unrecognizable, they’re literally different dogs. Can you go from being a proud parent to a cocker spaniel with luscious locks to a cute short-haired beagle in less than an hour? Yes, you can. Is there a conspiracy that groomers around the world have been mixing up doggos and handing their owners the wrong ones? You could call it that.
Let’s see it to believe it in the most hilarious post-haircut ‘not my dog’ moments shared by confused owners and hand-selected by Bored Panda for an ultimate cuteness overload.
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My Dog Got A Haircut, And Now It Looks Like He Gave Up Drinking
This Is The Same Dog. My Friend Adopted Her After She Just Showed Up On Her Porch. I Groomed Her And Made Her Brand New Babe Feeling So Fresh And Clean
She had to have all her teeth removed, she had a giant sore on her leg and under her tail and she was a giant matted mess.
My Sweet Girl Cheech Is 15 Years Old. After Her Haircuts, Everyone Always Thinks She’s A Puppy
To find out more about the art of dog grooming, Bored Panda reached out to Lindsey Patton, an Indiana-based professional pet groomer with 17 years of experience. Lindsey is also a member of the International Professional Groomers Inc. and the National Dog Groomer’s Association of America. She said her “commitment and passion for my job has allowed me to assemble a loyal and steadfast client base,” and you can see some of her recent dog transformations on her Instagram account.
Lindsey explained that a good groom is always the result of the groomer and owner working as a team. “As a pet owner, acclimate and desensitize your dog (or cat!) to every possible scenario they might encounter during the grooming process.”Imagine that during the grooming session, “as professionals, our hands literally cover every square inch of your pet’s body… oftentimes more so than your veterinarian does during a routine health exam!”
And according to Lindsey, it’s the owner’s responsibility to normalize these activities to your pet at home. In fact, “the more your pet is exposed to prior to visiting the grooming salon, the more comfortable and confident they will be in a proficient salon setting,” the expert groomer explained.
That's A Different Dog
We Rescued A Maltese From A Puppy Mill In Georgia That Got Busted With Over 700 Dogs This Weekend. After 3 Hours Of Cutting Matted Hair And Bathing, Here Is Luna’s Before And After
New Haircut, Same Smile
When it comes to dramatic pet transformations, Lindsey said that in some of the most dramatic cases she’s dealt with in her career, some dogs and cats have truly looked unrecognizable.
In cases when “the extensive matting requires them to be 'stripped' down with a very close clipper blade to safely & humanely remove a badly felted coat, we are just as shocked as the owner when we fully reveal the end result.”
However, Lindsey assured owners that “never should a professional groomer put an animal through torturous hours of de-matting just to appease a demanding human customer... Or, worse yet, for monetary gain by charging additional fees for de-matting services.”
From Shaggy To Happy. Total Transformation
My Friend Had To Triple Check With The Groomer To Make Sure He Was Bringing Home The Right Dog
It's 32°C Degrees (90°F) Outside, So My Dog, One-Eyed Snuggles, Needed A Groomer
On other occasions, owners may be stunned not only because of an extreme case of matting, but also because of a misunderstanding of the owner’s instructions for a hairstyle. It can indeed result in “a total alteration of breed character.”
“For example, certain breeds known for their distinct traits—such as a Schnauzer's eyebrows and beard or a Poodle's trademark topknot and tail pom—look starkly different when these characteristics are taken away.”
Having said that, Lindsey said that pet owners must be willing to accept the fact that it’s not the hairdo that makes their dog who he is. “Whether their pet is meticulously coiffed or shaved down to his birthday suit, he is still the same animal who casts no judgment and loves unconditionally,” the groomer concluded.
My Puppy Otis Got His First Haircut. I'm Not Sure They Gave Me Back The Same Dog
Our 9-Year-Old Goldendoodle Got Her First Grooming Since Quarantine. Our Other Dog Barked At Her When She Came Home
My Boy, Before And After Going To The Groomer. Went From Dirty Biker To Innocent Preacher's Kid
Life Lesson Learned. Be Very Specific When Explaining How You Want Your Dog Be Groomed. Dropped Off A Shihtzu, Picked Up A Llama
Fired My Groomer Today
He Looked Like The Squirrel From Ice Age
Took Doggo To A Groomer. Got A Different Doggo Back
My Pupper After I Adopted Him, And After I Had Him Groomed
Oliver, Our 8-Month-Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) Shed His Puppy Coat At The Groomers. I Didn't Recognize Him At First
My Good Boy Got His Summer Haircut
This kind of haircut is bad for poms' fur., it grows back unevenly (or might not grow back at all) and doesn't look as good. Their fur is also a thermal insulator, so it keeps them warm in the winter and cold in the summer. Cutting it really short will cause them to overeat more easily and they might get sunburned. Don't do it unless absolutely necessary, like for a medical reason. There are other ways to help them cool down.
What A Difference A Haircut Can Make
Aaaaw that is sooo cute! Can I boop the little nose and take him/her home?? 😄
Pretty Sure We Picked Up The Wrong Dog At The Groomer's
Raggamuffin To Stud Muffin. Quite The Transformation At The Groomer Today
My Dog Before And After A Haircut
First-Ever Big Boy Haircut
What A Difference A Haircut Makes. Latest Fosters 13-Year-Old Vileda And 10-Year-Old Swiffer
From Puppy To Dog In One Haircut
She’s Adorable
My Dog Courage Before And After Grooming
Willie Had His First Haircut Today. I Think I Brought Home The Wrong Puppy
To The Guy Whose Dog Got A Haircut, I Present My Dog
The Difference One Haircut Can Make
Bagby
From Chicken Nugget To Barbie's Dog
THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is a real groomer's work! Excellent performed! (I also like the natural look.)
Before And After Grooming. Did We Bring Home The Wrong Dog
We Got A Puppy. His Name Is Picasso. He Got His First Haircut Today. He’s 3 Months Old
Still Not Convinced The Groomer Gave Us The Right Doggo
Our Puppy Got A Haircut (She Had Matts) My Fiance Isn't A Fan. What Do You Think?
I Literally Took My Baby To Go Get Groomed Because His Hair Was Getting Longer And Look I'm Crying
Took Him To A New Groomer
I Think The Groomer Gave Me Back The Wrong Dog
Note: this post originally had 85 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
There are way too many dogs on this list who have naturally long hair but have been shaved like sheep. I feel sorry for them, they do not have any other prorection against rain, sun or even scratches from sticks or other dogs teeth (when they play bite). Why do people do this to their dogs?
I will never understand why people buy beautiful long-hair dogs like Pomeranians, and then give them an ugly short cut. It does nothing but damage.
While I disagree that it does damage, most of the time it's because owners buy a dog that has long hair not realizing that you have to brush the dog frequently to prevent matts. they also do not realize that, even though you bathe the dogs frequently, there are certain dogs that you cannot rub dry with a towel or the fur will matt. When the dog matts badly enough, it's more humane to the dog to shave it out than brush it out.
First of all some people live in very very hot climates. Even with all the ac in the world they still need to be outside and be comfortable . Secondly hurricanes and power outages are a thing. They have panic attacks when they can't get cool and comfortable. And how is being comfortable damaging the puppy again?
I was thinking the same. I have an Australian Shepherd & his fur regime, including cuts, is very specific. If cut too short, it can ruin their undercoat which may not grow back correctly. Too many baths means dry skin, itching, & infection risk. Not enough baths & it means dry skin, itching, & infection risk. Hes also active all year round in the NE so he needs to be able to deal with cold & heat, which the undercoat does when left alone. We brush him regularly also. I can say ive seen cut on his breed that have essentially ruined their coats/fur & its painful to see, especially when the reasoning is "im sick of shedding". Got the wrong dog breed if thats the case, in my opinion obviously
Actually Carmen makes another good point. Our groom shop did free grooms for rescue dogs to get them prettied up for adoption. Since many of the dogs came in riddled with fleas, the only options was to shave them down an bathe them with Dawn dish detergent (fleas will survive baths by making an oil bubble around them to create a pocket of air. Dawn pops the bubble and drowns the flea.) The ones that irritated me is the people that got their long haired dogs fur dyed bright colors. Why?
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Maybe because they overheat or their fur is matted?
The fur of certain breeds is a thermal insulator, so it keeps warmth in when it is cold and keeps dogs cool in hot weather. If you cut it the dog will actually overheat more easily. And regular brushing takes care of matting.
Thick fur with underlayer works both ways - it keeps a dog warm and also protects from overheating. In these picutures were so many bad groomings...
If its a breed with an undercoat, it protects them from the heat/cold & helps them regulate their temps. It also helps protect them from sunburn
I have no idea why you're getting downvoted, some people just don't like the truth I guess. Many of the trendy crossbreeds end up with very unmanageable coat texture, there's no way of predicting what it will be like until their adult coat comes in. My pup has a gorgeous shaggy coat, but it makes her totally miserable when it's left to grow out. The first time I had it clipped down she was elated, a totally different animal. There's so many judgy people, if clipping your dog isn't right for you, then don't do it, no need for the judgement.
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Maybe they need it... sometimes dogs scratch too much and the hair gets tangled and impossible to comb... maybe they have fleas... who knows.
Dogs need their coats to be tended to, brushed and a good grooming certainly won't hurt. A professional groomer gives them the kind of care their coat needs, unprofessional shaves them like a sheep and takes your money for it.
If people would brush their dogs every few days, groomers wouldn't have to shave them to nothing! It's part of proper pet care, bonding and health for the dog. The breed specific cuts are what groomers would rather be doing, believe me. But no, we have to take down your lack of care to save the dog.
@brandy You're very right about that. If the coat is neglected by the owners then the only way to save the dog is by shearing them like a sheep.
What's with all the poor shaved dogs? Brush your dog regularly and it won't get matted so easily. Keep your dog at a healthy weight to help it deal with the summer heat - shaving is NOT going to help much because dogs can't sweat.
Dogs sweat through their paws and tongues - they also sweat through their skin, just not as much.
There are way too many dogs on this list who have naturally long hair but have been shaved like sheep. I feel sorry for them, they do not have any other prorection against rain, sun or even scratches from sticks or other dogs teeth (when they play bite). Why do people do this to their dogs?
I will never understand why people buy beautiful long-hair dogs like Pomeranians, and then give them an ugly short cut. It does nothing but damage.
While I disagree that it does damage, most of the time it's because owners buy a dog that has long hair not realizing that you have to brush the dog frequently to prevent matts. they also do not realize that, even though you bathe the dogs frequently, there are certain dogs that you cannot rub dry with a towel or the fur will matt. When the dog matts badly enough, it's more humane to the dog to shave it out than brush it out.
First of all some people live in very very hot climates. Even with all the ac in the world they still need to be outside and be comfortable . Secondly hurricanes and power outages are a thing. They have panic attacks when they can't get cool and comfortable. And how is being comfortable damaging the puppy again?
I was thinking the same. I have an Australian Shepherd & his fur regime, including cuts, is very specific. If cut too short, it can ruin their undercoat which may not grow back correctly. Too many baths means dry skin, itching, & infection risk. Not enough baths & it means dry skin, itching, & infection risk. Hes also active all year round in the NE so he needs to be able to deal with cold & heat, which the undercoat does when left alone. We brush him regularly also. I can say ive seen cut on his breed that have essentially ruined their coats/fur & its painful to see, especially when the reasoning is "im sick of shedding". Got the wrong dog breed if thats the case, in my opinion obviously
Actually Carmen makes another good point. Our groom shop did free grooms for rescue dogs to get them prettied up for adoption. Since many of the dogs came in riddled with fleas, the only options was to shave them down an bathe them with Dawn dish detergent (fleas will survive baths by making an oil bubble around them to create a pocket of air. Dawn pops the bubble and drowns the flea.) The ones that irritated me is the people that got their long haired dogs fur dyed bright colors. Why?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Maybe because they overheat or their fur is matted?
The fur of certain breeds is a thermal insulator, so it keeps warmth in when it is cold and keeps dogs cool in hot weather. If you cut it the dog will actually overheat more easily. And regular brushing takes care of matting.
Thick fur with underlayer works both ways - it keeps a dog warm and also protects from overheating. In these picutures were so many bad groomings...
If its a breed with an undercoat, it protects them from the heat/cold & helps them regulate their temps. It also helps protect them from sunburn
I have no idea why you're getting downvoted, some people just don't like the truth I guess. Many of the trendy crossbreeds end up with very unmanageable coat texture, there's no way of predicting what it will be like until their adult coat comes in. My pup has a gorgeous shaggy coat, but it makes her totally miserable when it's left to grow out. The first time I had it clipped down she was elated, a totally different animal. There's so many judgy people, if clipping your dog isn't right for you, then don't do it, no need for the judgement.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Maybe they need it... sometimes dogs scratch too much and the hair gets tangled and impossible to comb... maybe they have fleas... who knows.
Dogs need their coats to be tended to, brushed and a good grooming certainly won't hurt. A professional groomer gives them the kind of care their coat needs, unprofessional shaves them like a sheep and takes your money for it.
If people would brush their dogs every few days, groomers wouldn't have to shave them to nothing! It's part of proper pet care, bonding and health for the dog. The breed specific cuts are what groomers would rather be doing, believe me. But no, we have to take down your lack of care to save the dog.
@brandy You're very right about that. If the coat is neglected by the owners then the only way to save the dog is by shearing them like a sheep.
What's with all the poor shaved dogs? Brush your dog regularly and it won't get matted so easily. Keep your dog at a healthy weight to help it deal with the summer heat - shaving is NOT going to help much because dogs can't sweat.
Dogs sweat through their paws and tongues - they also sweat through their skin, just not as much.