Regular Grooming, Grooming Prices

A post asked how much do you pay for grooming but some people posted on grooming in general, how they did it themselves and how often. This is an overall synopsis of the thread.

Grooming fees vary from area to area and also from place to place.
There is the basic fee for shampoo and trim, ears, and most places charge extra for nail clipping, teeth brushing, anal glands, and other beautification perks.
On average -- the basic fee was $45-60.

Some members said they did it themselves and it varied -- every week, every two weeks, once a month, every 5-6 weeks.

Some mentioned that they did it themselves most of the time but brought their dogs in for an "overhaul" once or twice a year.
Many mentioned that they have "summer cuts" for their dogs. Keeping the fur shorter ("puppy cut") in the summer time.
Some did say that their groomers offered a pick up and drop off service for an extra "taxi" fee.

A local grooming school does offer discounts for some "clients" for their students. Check to see if one is in your area or at the local university that offers a course/degree in dog grooming.

No one mentioned the dog grooming van services that come to your house, groom the dog in their upscale mini-van in your driveway, then leave so you don't have to travel.

Others mentioned their dogs being uncooperative at home resulting in professional grooming trips, a few mentioned their dogs "traumatized" over a grooming trip, and then some home accidents that the dogs never forgave their owners for.

Overall -- if you are interested in getting a Bichon -- daily brushing and frequent grooming should be done to prevent the fur from horrid matting. If you don't do the actual trimming yourself, expect to pay out for grooming services every couple of months.