Eric bit the groomers

[insanityscatching]

Second visit to groomers on Saturday, they had reported that he had been as good as gold the time previously which was six weeks ago so wasn't expecting a problem. At home he's bathed and brushed without any fuss.
He was growling the minute I opened the car door (never reacted like that anywhere before and we take him everywhere) so was obviously unhappy from the off and I carried him in because treats weren't coaxing him in. He continued to growl in reception but as I left he walked through seemingly happily.
He bit both groomers as they bathed him which is almost a weekly occurrence at home because of his mud fetish so not something new to him. He was then calm enough to be dried, brushed and trimmed with scissors.
He was delighted to see us, the groomer said "he likes his own way too much" and he growled at her whilst we paid. I'm not sure he does like his own way too much as he's pretty much brilliant at home and out and about, friendly and well behaved and really calm for a puppy.
What can we do? He doesn't bite at home, he doesn't even growl being bathed at home and he loves being bathed in the tub outside when it's warm. I would say he's a chatty dog and we get plenty of whines, barks and growls (not really with intent more that he likes to complain and then does as asked anyway) so if I get him to move so I can close a door or tell him to leave he'll growl like a moan with his tail wagging I certainly don't feel it's a warning.
He's going to need to be groomed every six weeks, I thought we'd made a good start by taking him early, I want him to be happy to go and I don't want him biting anyone so how can I wake it better?

I am no expert, but isn't a growl always a warning?

Do you think the groomers did not handle him correctly?

What breed is it?

Something happened the last time he was at the groomers. Mishandled, rough handling, shampoo in his eyes, nicked with the scissors? Could have been complete accident on their part that they're not even aware of. Maybe he has a sore spot and they touched it? Get him checked out by the vet? Is he insured? What is the groomer going to do?

Personally i'd learn how to groom him properly myself but i dont trust anyone with my dog.

How old is he and which breed?

Well you see the growls at home aren't the growls he did at the groomers they're like chuntering (I say he's like an old man moaning). He talks all the time so we just see those growls as an extension of his talking.

The growls at the groomers were warnings for definite before we got out of the car park but I've no idea why because I was told he'd been good last time. He obviously recognised the kennel hand because he growled at him outside but he loves everybody usually.

He's a shih tzu poodle cross. The groomers are one that was recommended to me and I don't feel any concern that they aren't a good establishment.

They may be amazing griomers but the fact is your dog didnt feel safe there for whatever reason so you have to work out why. Vet would be my first port of call to get a check up.

Yes he's insured, I'll take him to the vet on Tuesday to be checked over although he's been as happy as Larry since we left and no obvious sore spots as I've checked him over.
He's only five months old and is a lovely placid little thing generally the behaviour at the groomers was totally out of character for him and he was back to normal as soon as we left.
I apologised to the groomer but didn't talk about where to go from here as Eric was still growling and she was understandably annoyed I was going to phone on Wednesday when I know she is next in work.

Eric was desperately trying get to tell you that he felt frightened and unsafe with the groomers. It may be some sort of accident or it may be that behind closed doors they handle the dogs roughly. I've heard appalling stories about what goes on at a groomers behind closed doors and for that reason will never have a dog I cannot groom myself. Please do not return to that place. Every time you go it will get worse for him. Try again with a new groomer and really do your research about which ones use kind and positive handling. Find someone understanding about his bad experience who will help him get comfortable with grooming.

In fact, the groomer's attitude says it all. Saying that he likes his own way suggests he was not treated with kindness when he displayed his fear.

Spicy I know, I feel guilty I didn't listen to him, my poor boy. I have been looking already at alternatives and have found one that is open plan and where owners can stay with their dog and they also do introductory sessions for puppies so I'll phone and speak to them. Maybe he'd be happier knowing I was there.

OP that sounds like a much better environment for him and is the only type of groomers i would consider, open plan with owners permitted.

That sounds much better. Do be honest with them that he's had a bad experience but is fine at home so they can handle him in as low stress a way as possible.

Oh dear insanity - poor Eric - that must have been very worrying for you (and scary for him)

Good that you've found another groomer - dpup's been to the groomer three times - the first time he didn't have anything done it was just for him to have a look around and see the showers and dryers in action and for him to get to know the staff, the second time he was washed and brushed and was a little nervous but they took things v slowly and he was all smiles when he came out. The third time was a couple of weeks ago and he zoomed in, tail wagging and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the while experience so I'm sure Eric will be fine once he's sure nothing bad's going to happen