Dog Grooming Hints

by Barboni

When Snoopy’s locks are droopy what can you do? Your first response may be to pull out the clippers and the kitchen shears. But do you really want the mess of hair everywhere and the trauma drama of home grooming? Picking a groomer that can turn your pathetic pup into a posh pup will leave you both feeling better.

Where can you start to find a groomer? Your regular veterinarian might be your first source. Many veterinarians practices offer grooming services. Next you might ask family and friends who use grooming services. Any one like your dog walker, boarding kennel or local pet supply personnel can also give helpful advice. If you own a particularly hard to groom breed a local breeder might be your best source of advice.

Remember groomers are not a regulated industry so you may want to check with your state’s attorney general’s office or other consumer advocacy group to check for complaints against a certain groomer.

Now that you have a list of potential providers of your pets grooming needs make a few phone calls. If the groomer is busy when you call ask them when you can contact them to ask them a few questions. Any reputable groomer will understand your need to have your questions answered before making an appointment.

What Questions to ask a potential Groomer.

Find out about the groomers experience

What kind of experience does the groomer have?

Do they specialize in any specific breeds and specific breed cuts? How many years have they been grooming? Where did they learn their craft?

Most importantly are there certain breeds that they refuse to work with and do they offer services for “special needs pets” like dogs that are excessively nervous or hyperactive.

What standard services does the groomer offer?

Does your dog simply need to be washed and combed out? Ask the groomer if they have a package that does not include fees for clipping if this is something your dog does not need. Also ask what services come with there standard grooming package. It could include cleaning the dogs ears or nail trimming. Some groomers charge extra for expressing the dog’ anal glands. Also if your dog has allergies ask if they charge extra for hypo allergic or organic products.

About Safety

It will be hard to judge the safety of a specific groomer without visiting the salon but here are some things to ask.

Will they use a hand held or cage dryer? A dog in a cage dryer needs to be watched for safety reasons. Also where will the dog be kept when not in the grooming room? Will the dog be in close proximity to other dogs? Lastly, what disinfectant policies do they use to stop the potential spread of unwanted skin disorders and pests such as fleas?

Ask about sedation policies, your pet should never be sedated without your knowledge or consent. A reputable groomer will also ask for your dogs medical concerns and allergies. Many require you show proof of vaccination for the protection of your and other pets. They should have the medical information of their k-nine clients on record. Lastly, ask what emergency procedures they have in place in case your pet is injured or becomes ill in their care. Most groomers will have at least basic first aid procedures for minor injuries.

Thank the groomer for their time and set and appointment.

If the groomer has been hesitant or acted to bothered to answer your questions I would move on to my next candidate. But if all has gone well I would make an appointment and look forward to seeing the results of my grooming quest on my dog. It is worth the extra time to find the rightonw because your best friend deserves less bad hair days

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Poodle grooming demo of “Miniature Poodle Teddy Bear Clip” in the class of Pet Grooming School

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If anyone told you that all hair stylists or barbers were alike, you’d probably laugh in disbelief. If you think that not all hair stylists or barbers are alike, then you should also realize that not all dog groomers are alike. Your dog might not mind so much if he or she has a bad hair day, but you sure will. You need to take the time to find the best groomer for your dog that you can afford.

Before You Look

First of all, does your dog really need a groomer? Short haired dogs do not need a groomer in order to maintain good health and a clean coat if you are willing to do all of the brushing, bathing and claw-clipping yourself. Some dogs will only need a trim once a year, mainly to keep the hair out of their eyes and their anal region. Some dogs like Schnauzers need their coats stripped once a year in order to maintain prime health.

And then there are dogs like Poodles and Bichon Frises that need their coats dealt with every five or six weeks. Their coats not only grow incredibly fast, but they also matt very easily. Having a dirty clump of hair not only is unsightly, but leads to sores and general misery for the dog.

If your dog’s coat commands constant attention, you need to find a groomer. You can’t just cut the coat with scissors or an electric trimmer, as the coat needs to be washed first (Same as with your hair).

People To Ask

The best people to ask for recommendations about a great local dog groomer come from your veterinarian, your boarding kennel (if you have one), your dog trainer (if you have one), from friends and family who own dogs or from a neighbor at the local dog park who has a dog with a high-maintenance coat.

Perhaps your vet offers grooming services. This can be a time saver only if your dog is okay with going to the vet. If your dog falls to pieces every time you go to the vet’s, then you need to find another groomer.

If no one you know knows of a good groomer, then go to the website of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, with the Yellow Pages and your pet supply store for names. Many pet stores now offer affordable grooming services. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if your dog groomer candidates have been in any trouble recently.

What To Look For

A good dog groomer will have a clean, orderly, brightly lit salon and will clearly be able to get along with dogs. It will also smell nice. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to ask if the groomer is familiar with grooming your dog’s breed. Also check to see that the dogs are regularly monitored when they are under a blow dryer.

Your dog will most likely make the final decision. If they pull on the lead to go to the groomer, then you have found the right groomer.

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