Groom-Groom-Groom

What do you look for in a groomer and a groom shop? Do you look for price, years in business, convenience to where you work or live, the condition of the facility, or from word of mouth? Does your dog require extensive maintenance, or is he a quick bath and brush? There are many factors in choosing the proper groom shop for your dog.

First you must feel comfortable leaving your dog with the groomer. If you do not feel comfortable, then trust in your own instincts. Second how does your dog act when you go there? We all know some dogs are never happy outside their own environment, but does he show more stress than normal? Dogs just like people do not like everyone so keep that in mind.

Ask questions when calling around to find a groomer. Beside the normal what hours can we drop off and pick up, or how much for what you are looking to have done. If the dog must stay all day will they be walked at some point? I have found over the years I prefer a groomer that works on only a few dogs at a time, over the drop off in the morning and pick up at night places. Will there be water provided while they stay? What type of shampoo do they use and is conditioner included or extra? Do they use only natural products that help the skin, or are they using shampoos that have chemicals?

When talking with the groomer, be very specific on what you want. Just like an artist, grooming is a form of art and everyone has a different vision. You would never go to a paint store and ask for blue paint and expect them to give you the exact color you are looking for. Bring a picture of what you would like your dog to look like. If they had a cut you liked on them before bring a picture of that.

Understand that each dog is as unique and individual as we are when it comes to texture of hair. We have all seen a style on TV or in a magazine we have wanted but once it was done, our hair did not look the same. So remember your dog’s fur and condition of his coat plays a big role in what he will look like when the groom is over.

Groomers all over have heard the line “He only has a few mats” only to get the dog in the shop to find he is matted throughout. This will end up costing you more money and chances are the only option will be, in severe cases to shave them down and start over fresh. Do not expect miracles if you do bring your dog in severely matted. Dogs with long coats need their hair brushed daily to minimize matting.

Rain and snow can wreck havoc on a dog’s coat. A dog’s fur that is matted acts like a sponge, the wetter the mat gets the tighter it becomes. Left in this condition over time can cause the skin to become irritated. The fur can actually tear the skin and cause sores under the mat. This is not only painful but can lead to infections as well.

We as pet owners need to take the time on the breeds that need the extra care to brush them out. Ask the groomer the proper way to brush your pet and the best tools to do the job. They should be more then glad to help, since they know the next time they see your pet it will be a nicer experience for both of them.

A dog’s first experience getting groomed can be anything but fun. There are new noises, smells, and lots of other puppies around. If you have a dog that requires grooming, do yourself, the dog, and your groomer a favor and bring them in at an early age. Getting them accustomed to the groomer, a bath, and their first puppy cut can make for years of enjoyment for everyone involved. Play with your dog’s feet to help ease their reactions to nail trimming. Touching their feet while they are lying next to you relaxing is a great way to make them feel comfortable for that first nail trim.

Each groom shop may offer other services as well. So check with them and see what else is available. You may travel a lot with your business and need not only a groom shop but a place that has boarding. You may need to leave your dog for the entire day, do they have day care where they can interact with other dogs?

Groomers may require records from your Vet to prove they are current on all their shots or titers are within range. Ask your Vet to either fax them over or have a copy with you to drop off for their files.

Also if you know your dog can be aggressive towards other dogs, or does not like his nails done let the groomer know this up front. This can save the groomer from being bit or others around them.

Here are a few tips from groomers I know:

Groomer A; suggested that dogs owners help make their pets experience better by not making a “Big Deal” of leaving them. Dogs pick up on our tone of voice and body language. If you act excited, they will as well.

Groomer B; suggested for your dogs first few experiences being left at the groomers not to feed their morning meal. Dogs in a new environment can get stressed and on a full stomach nothing good can come of this.

Groomer C; suggested teaching your dog at an early age that being brushed is a good thing, not a bad thing. This can make all the difference in their comfort level with the groomer.

We are sure there are many more tips all our local groomers could give, and these are just a few. So when your precious one is ready for their day at the Spa, ask around to friends and other pet lovers, your vet, and decide who your Fur-baby gets to spend their day with.