I never thought about taking my dog to the groomer before, instead I would just washer her in the tub at home. Sure it was time consuming and hard on my back, but it was cheaper than a groomer.
When my dog started to become so itchy from allergies my opinion changed. This groomer offers a "hot oil treatment" for dry and itchy skin. Long story short, I took my pup in for a bath and brush plus the extra hot oil treatment. The results... fantastic. First of all, she was cleaner than I've ever been able to get her and she wasn't as itchy. The biggest or rather best part was the lack of shedding after her brush out. The second time I took her in, I just had the bath and brush. Two hours later and my dog was smooth and shinny again.
I plan on continuing my at home washes for "maintenance" but when the shedding needs tamed again, I'll be back.