I just trimmed my aussies pants yesterday, she has incontinance issues and needs cleaning always, doggy diapers don’t fit properly and she is often wet. We’ve done acupuncture which didn’t help and will be trying chiropractor next. Last resort will be the drugs.I think what sometimes happens is groomers get blamed for an ear infection that occurs after a recent grooming, and than the policy for the shop changes to no plucking. The debate has been going on for a long while with no proof on either side whether it's beneficial or detrimental.
I'm sorry they will no longer pluck them for you, especially since he's always had it done. I have always been pro-ear plucking just because what I have seen when it isn't done. Some dogs will just grow a bit and that's it, and others will end up with greasy mat clumps in their ears. I can't imagine that's healthy. Perhaps your vet is willing to do it.
I've been debating getting another poodle but all the grooming is keeping me from deciding it's a good idea. My current dogs are fairly easy to keep clean, and only require baths a few times a year. I have grown lazy. I just do teeth brushing every other day, and nail clipping every 2 weeks. The aussie gets a bath and blow out a couple times a year and her pants trimmed up. I can groom a poodle, but I'm not sure if I want to.