Choosing a dog groomer – Part 4
July 1, 2008 
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Dog grooming is an important service to a family who love West Highland Terriers. My family was introduced to this breed when my oldest daughter met her future husband. Little did she know that her future included a man and his adorable West Highland female named Ali. Eventually, we added Westie companions, Noel and Chloe. Having a good groomer is as important to us as having a great hair stylist.
With all local licensing in place, I look for cleanliness, experience, services offered, price and location when selecting a pet grooming service. In the past, I have encountered a few dud services including several in-store pet retailers. I believe the best recommendation is the neighbor referral and the appearance of a happy, well-groomed pet.
West Highland Terriers are a long-haired breed with wiry, long coats. At a minimum they need to be groomed once a year. Westies and owners alike can appreciate a spring grooming to remove their heavy winter coat before the dogs begin shredding all over the home. I personally favor a monthly or bi-monthly grooming schedule as it keeps the West Highland Terriers’ hair manageable, anal area clean and toe nails neatly trimmed.
When forced into the ambiguous world of the yellow pages or internet to select a new groomer, I first look for the type of services offered. I am interested in special services such as nail trimming, foot pad maintenance and seasonal dips. My Westies have sensitive skins which need to be considered. In Ali’s case, oatmeal baths were part of her normal grooming experience as it was a source of relief from dry skin. In the summer, flea drips maybe important.
I have always looked for the groomer who has experience with Westies. I am always thrilled when I drop my dogs off to hear the question, “Do you want the traditional westie trim?” Some service providers don’t have a clue what that means.
Behaviorally, I know Westies can be challenging to work with since they are so strong willed. Taking that fact into consideration, I am careful to check my girls for skin nicks and abrasions from inexperience. We started grooming our dogs as puppies to train them early to be tolerant of groomers and needed restraints. If our dogs are cut or nicked during their grooming appointment, I expect that report from the groomer when I pick my dogs up. Under no circumstances, would I approve of our dogs being “drugged” for a grooming appointment which may be a means of compliance for some groomers.
Cleanliness
