There’s nothing quite like the smell and feel of a freshly groomed dog – it makes you want to snuggle them even more!
But unless we’ve actually been sopping wet from head-to-toe and up to our ankles in discarded dog hair, we can’t begin to know how difficult being a dog groomer really is.
These folks have seen it all.
Whether you are a first time pet parent with a puppy or a seasoned pro, your fur baby’s groomer should play an important role in your life.
So before you book your pooch for a day of beauty, find out the 10 things your dog groomer wishes you knew.
These tips can make a HUGE difference.
Things Your Dog Groomer Wishes You Knew
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1 – Start Grooming ASAP
It’s good practice to start simple grooming techniques with your puppy.
This includes brushing his coat, trimming his toenails, brushing his teeth, and cleaning his ears.
The sooner you start your dog on the grooming road, the less likely he’ll be to resist the process.
This not only makes it less stressful for your pooch, but he’ll also be less prone to grooming accidents (clipper cuts due to pulling or flinching).
2 – Play With Those Paws
A groomers worst nightmare is a dog that doesn’t want to have its feet touched.
Always be sure to play with and handle your dog’s paws so he will be good to go for getting his toenails trimmed.
This is also a good way to regularly check your dog’s pads and nails for nicks, splits, cuts, or abrasions.
3 – Bathing is NOT a Bad Thing
Some folks worry that bathing their dog too much can dry out its skin. This shouldn’t be an issue if you choose the right dog shampoo. Never use dish soap or human shampoo on your pet’s fur (this will dry out the skin and damage the fur).
Related: Tips for Bathing a Dog That is Afraid of Water
Pet shampoo
It makes your groomer’s work a whole lot easier.
4 – Keep Calm
Our emotions travel down the leash, meaning if you’re upset, your dog is going to pick up on it.
When you drop your pooch off at the groomers, do so in a low-key, stress-free manner.
When it’s time to pick him up, don’t arrive too early – once your dog sees you, he will get excited and will want to leave immediately.
If you can, call the groomer to see if they are running on time or behind schedule, before you arrive.
5 – Know What You Want
Remember, your groomer works with a lot of dogs throughout the day, each customer wanting something different.
For this reason, be as specific as possible with your request. If you just want your dog’s nails cut and his hair trimmed, say so. Professional groomers aim to please, so be specific with your wants so everyone leaves happy.
Not sure what you want? Ask your groomer for suggestions or look on the internet for pictures.
Check out this video on dogs being groomed at the Westminster dog show.
6 – Listen to Your Groomer
Qualified groomers have gone through extensive training, so be open to their ideas when it comes to your dog’s haircut (just like people, some styles may not work on your dog).
They have also seen a lot of things, so if your groomer suggests your dog may need to see a vet, take his/her advice and make an appointment.
7 – A Matted Coat? Shaving May Be the Only Alternative
If your dog’s coat has become terribly matted, you need to know that shaving him down may be the only alternative.
Matted hair is extremely uncomfortable and even painful for dogs, so getting rid of them is crucial to your dog’s skin health and mental state.
8 – Brush Your Dog – Regularly
Running a brush through your dog’s fur every couple of days will not only help it get used to the process, but it also cuts down on shedding, prevents matting, and helps you keep on top of potential health risks (like ticks, fleas, cuts, and lumps).
9 – Trust the Techniques
Professional dog groomers are taught techniques for handling dogs. There are specific holds and ways to calm a squirming pooch to get the job done safely.
Trust these techniques even though your dog may not like it.
That being said, there has been some grooming salons in the news lately that are being investigated for animal abuse and neglect.
NEVER, put up with a groomer that is blatantly mistreating your (or anyone else) dog. Report these people to the manager or owner of the store to ensure they are stopped.
10 – Your Groomer is a Professional (or Should Be)
Our last point falls in line with number nine – your groomer is a professional (or should be). Always be sure your dog groomer has had the proper training.
Groomers not only need to know how to cut hair, but they need those important techniques to handle an anxious, fearful or snappy dog.
A “bad” haircut will grow out, but a dog that has been cut or hurt in any way will never want to be groomed again.
Having a well-groomed dog is vital to your dog’s health and well being (plus, it makes him all that more snuggly).
