grooming a very timid/fear aggressive dog

Question
We adopted a beautiful parti-colored (chocolate & white) cocker spaniel from a family - he was in a very deplorable situation - filthy and flea infested, and very timid/submissive.  He has no aggression issues with us (my children, husband & elderly mother).  He does, however, growl, bark and carry on with others-but, he is getting better and less afraid.  We've bathed him 4 times in one month, because he was THAT filthy & flea infested.  He's pretty much mat and knot free, and likes to be brushed.  He is very shaggy and I'd like him groomed and trimmed (the vet did his nails- and he did fine with him) but, I'm not sure how he'll do with another stranger.  What should I ask when I call a groomer?  Never done this before.

Answer
Congratulations and my personal thanks for saving this wonderful dog. I am glad you are happy with him and he is coming around. I am sure he will be a very grateful and wonderful pet. He will have and deserves a special place in your family and I am glad you care so much for him!

You are right to be concerned about his new grooming experience. He may tend to bite at a groomer if they do not handle him with respect and with regards to his past neglect. He will be frightened and worried. He probably will not stand on the table, but will tremble and cower. he may bite if he feels threatened by the tools, because we do not know what he was abused with in his former deplorable surroundings.

First, ask your vet and then call other local vet clinics and ask for grooming referrals, HOWEVER I would NOT get him groomed at the vets. The smell of blood, the whines and cries of other dogs will frighten him.  Find a vet who recommends a quiet groomer with no reputation for sending pets away with clipper burn, illness or extended grooming visits.

Then call a few groomers. Ask them if they work by personal appointment and how long they usually keep the pet. Do not go anywhere that will keep him longer than 3 hours. Usually, a cocker can be done in 2 to
2 1/2 hours, allow an extra 1/2 hour for his timidness, and that takes you to 3 hours.
Ask them if they mind that he is nervous, and if they could call you BEFORE he is done, so that you may pick him up as soon as he is ready.  Just ask if they can give you about 15 minutes notice, so that the dog doesn't think he is abandoned.
Ask them if they are comfortable doing nervous dogs, that may not behave perfectly until they get their confidence up.
Then, simply tell them the dog was abused and needs to come in for a toenail trim and to have his face clipped. You can request that you sit in the reception room, quietly out of sight while they preform these services. It should not take them more than 15 minutes and should not cost more than about $15 depending on where you live.
When you take the dog in, tell him confidently that this will be FUN and that you will be right back. Do not coddle the dog or go, "oh, poor baby, it is OK,, poor little doggie".  This type of communication will only make the dog feel like he is in for a bad time and you are sorry he is there.
Tell the dog "OK! OH BOY! This is great, you are going to look SO NICE, be good, I'll be right back!" and hand the leash over and go hide around the corner. Be VERY quiet, so that the dog thinks you have left and will turn his attention to making friends with the groomer.
Listen and make sure the groomer is nice to him.  The groomer should talk to him sweetly and say his name. If he bites or struggles, they may tell him to "quit" or "no" but it should not be loud and should be followed by "Thats better!" "see, you are fine!"
If you like the groomer, then make an appointment in a week or two for a full groom.

It is really quite simple to find a good groomer, but do not just settle for anyone. Stay away from Petsmart type grooming places and groomers in boarding facilities. Usually these groomers are just not quite as good as those in private grooming salons or groomers that work out of their own homes. Private grooming salons with only one or two groomers and grooming salons that are on the groomers property are usually not as stressed and are more well trained that groomers in your large pet stores. Those places will take any warm body who isn't' afraid of dog hair and electric trimmers.

Don't' worry too much about your pets style the first few times, worry more about your pets care and handling.  Tell your prospective groomer that when you call.

Be considerate of your groomer, be timely and quiet with your dog and confident. Be respectful of your groomers efforts.  
Good luck, and thanks again for rescuing this pet.  
Lori