How to Choose a Dog Groomer
Some dogs (and cats) need extra help when it comes to keeping them bathed and brushed and looking their best. Sometimes you need a professional dog groomer. This is good news for your pet’s skin, ears and nails.
The big question is, how to choose a dog groomer? Start by interviewing any potential groomer before making your choice. This is important for building trust.
There are a few concerns to address and questions you should ask when are trying to select a good groomer for your dog.
How to Choose a Dog Groomer
- Professional dog groomers will usually have been trained at a school or certificate program, rather than an internship or work study. Look for at least two years of full-time experience. Check references; don’t just take the groomer’s word for it.
- Ask the potential groomer about the products she uses. The quality of the shampoo, for example, will affect your pet’s coat. Cheap ingredients can damage the coat or cause allergic reactions in the pet.
- Ask what exactly is included. Find out about all the services and packages, and the prices for each. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, ear plucking, hair detangling, perfumes… all of these are potential services. Pick a package that works for you and your pet, and price it.
- Is the groomer familiar with your dog breed? Certain breeds (and sizes) present challenges.
- Find out about the accident policy. What happens if there’s an emergency, for example, or if your pet is injured? Veterinarian Dr. Laura Brickman advises, “Ask your groomer what their policy is if an accident occurs. It is crucial that your groomer be honest and let you know if anything occurs while you left your pet in their hands.”
- Tour the grooming facility. This is an absolute must. Does it look and smell clean? Is it well-lit? Are dogs and cats kept separate? Or dogs running around wild? (They shouldn’t be.) Take note of how the groomer interacts with pets and other pet owners there. Are pets left unattended on a table or in a tub? (Of course, this would be a bad sign.) Does the groomer use tranquilizers to keep the pets calm? If this is the case, kindly walk away and don’t look back.
- Follow your intuition. This might be the most important step. If something just doesn’t feel right with your visit, don’t be afraid to keep looking. There are lots of good groomers out there. Take your time to choose a dog groomer.
Know how to choose a dog groomer. Photo: JeanninePC99/Flickr.com
March 24th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
My dogs have never been groomed by a professional groomer and I regret this. I think that our dogs should be handled by professionals; this will help them to become more confident if we ever need to leave them. Imagine the problems if you had to leave your dog in kennels, some dogs are very clingy and they need to know that there are other people who will care for them.
Keep your dog clean by swilling off the mud after a dirty walk. Just use warm water and do not use shampoo, too much shampoo removes the natural oils from their coats.
March 24th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Good tips, Dorothy. Thanks.