maltese grooming

Question
have you ever heard of unusual behavior after cutting a Maltese's hair to short? we are experiencing this and it has been 1 week since the dog has been groomed. the dog shakes often throughout the day, excessive barking, not willing to jump off the couch, will remain there and bark until someone removes him from the couch, unusual digging,
and while walking he turns back towards his butt only for a split second though. the vet seems to think he may be upset about the grooming although its not the first time. any input would really help.

Answer
There are many things that it could be. First if the dog is not accustom to having the anal gland expressed it could be a little bruised internally. There are two ways of expressing the gland, externally and internally. Internally is usually left to the licensed vet. they place a finger into the rectum and gently express the secretion. A groomer usually will not preform this procedure they will do an external expression. This is done at the time of bathing, the rectum is soapy and smooth, gliding the fingers at 10 and 2 around the rectum there are two bumps that are gently squeezed from bottom towards the opening.
If the anal gland is not squeezed gently it may become irritated.
There may also be a very small nick around the rectum to cause the dog in motion (walking), to sit, jerk and lick at their bottom. This movement could cause pulling at the skin.
Maltese's are very sensitive dogs. Their ear hair should not be pulled out unless the vet says there is reason such as infections. They do not grow excessive ear hair, it is designed to keep irritants out so if you pull the hair out the dog may get wind or dirt in the canal thus you would have shaking, digging and rolling the head on pillows or couches etc.
Talk to your groomer and find out what he/she does to each breed your interested. They hopefully know some of do's and don't of each breed.
Above all have patience, your dog will overcome the stress of one bad experience. There are plenty of wonderful groomers out there that would love your business.
Trust your dogs judgement. He knows loving hands when they touch him.