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How to find a Dog Groomer

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It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, your furry best friend needs to be kept clean and have basic grooming carried out on him. Just a wash, trim, nails cut, teeth scrubbed and ears cleaned will make a massive difference to his quality of life. It is, however, very important you get a good quality groomer. Someone who is there to get as many dogs through the door for maximum profit isn’t going to give your loved one the attention and cut they deserve.

How to choose the best dog groomer
Million Hairs Dog Grooming Gibraltar

I have seen Dogs come from groomers that have been shaved to the skin and their owners in tears at the state of them. Therefore, I have written a Post on how to find a dog groomer.

Finding The Best Grooming Parlour

Before you decide on a Groomer and make an appointment there are a few checks you should carry out first. A good groomer will never turn down a visit from a potential client so:

  • Does it have a good reputation? – Check online to see what others have said about the company. Do they have a Facebook page with lots of comments? When you see a nicely groomed Dog in the street ask the owner where they got their Dog groomed and if they recommend them.
  • Is the Grooming Parlour clean and kept clean? – Hygiene is very important. It’s obvious there will be hairs and the groomer should keep on top of the mess. If there is urine and excrement then that is definitely a no no. There will be accidents but these should be cleaned up at the earliest opportunity. Does it smell clean? You can expect Dog smells but it should never small bad. Common sense will prevail when you first see the premises.
  • Is there good ventilation? –The business should not be stuffy as it should be a calming experience for your Dog. If you can’t breathe in there it is a bad sign. There should be good ventilation and if in warmer climate adequate air conditioning.
  • Where is the Grooming area? – If there is a reception area but the Grooming area is out the back in a no go area then alarm bell should start ringing. No Groomer should hide where they are doing their business and should be more than happy to show you where it all happens.
  • How are the staff? – Are the staff sociable and knowledgeable? You should be able to ask them anything in relation to the Grooming and they should be helpful and willing to show you that your loved ones are in good hands. Question them about the handling of Dogs, what happens if they are shy or aggressive etc. If they seem uninterested, unknowledgeable and unwilling to interact with you then steer well clear.
  • Where are the Dogs kept? – Where are they prior and after grooming? Do they have access to fresh water? If they are kept in cages this may scare them and cause anxiety to your loved ones. My wife certainly doen’t believe in cages in her business. It is far better to have an area cordoned off for the more difficult ones.

How to choose the best dog groomer

Is it The Best Groomer?

Just because the Grooming parlour is neat, tidy clean and welcoming it doesn’t mean the person doing the Grooming is the best. Speak to them first and ask them about specific styles and getting the right cut for your Dog. You should never be too shy to ask any question to the Groomer. Too many people have had bad experiences with greedy Groomers who just want to get as many Dogs through the door to make a quick buck and have left the Dogs scalped and trembling in fear. Check out the following:

  • Has the Groomer received training? – All Dog groomers should have received certified training and their business should be licensed and registered.
  • Does the Groomer produce the right cut? – It is far too easy for a Groomer to take short cuts and get the Dog done quickly. Insist on getting the right cut for your breed. (There is plenty of online information regarding Dog cuts). Ask how long it should take so you can gauge the attention he or she will get.
  • Agree on a price beforehand – This is very important on your first visit. You don’t want to return to the Parlour to be told your Dog is awkward and has taken longer than expected, so you are going to be charged more.
  • How is their personality? – Some Dogs find it quite stressful visiting a Groomer. How is the Groomer’s demeanor? Can they handle a stressed and anxious Dog? Do they treat their clients like their own Dogs? Once you have found the right person and you become a regular, your Dog will settle in far quicker the more you visit.How to choose the best dog groomer

Before And After The Appointment

Between appointments you should regularly brush your Dog. This helps look after their coat and you can also check for lumps and bumps that shouldn’t be there. It will also alert you to any fleas or ticks he may have picked up. Another important note is if he has too many knots due to not being brushed he Groomer may have no alternative but to cut them out, therefore ruining their style.

On the day of the appointment give your Dog a good walk beforehand. This will tire him out and he is likely to be calmer at the Groomers. It will also ensure he has been to the toilet. There is nothing worse for a Groomer than to have a client turn up and immediately “go to the toilet”over the freshly mopped floor.

Give you contact details to the Groomer just in case there are any problems or they just may want to contact you to ensure they are carrying out your wishes. They may also need to call you if there is a delay in the cut so you do not turn up early and have to wait. it is all part of the customer service. Also, some Dogs tend to “show off” if their owner is present.

After the appointment, speak to the Groomer about how your loved one behaved. Did he seem stressed? Was he shy? Did he behave? You can also ask for advice on how to look after your Dogs coat, and do they have any tips on which grooming products to buy.

 

Conclusion

So as you can see when you are looking for a Groomer it is not as simple as picking up a Yellow Pages and calling the first available Dog groomer. You best friend needs to go somewhere he feels safe, loved and comfortable. Take a bit of time and ensure your Dog will be in the best hands possible. At the end of the day your Dog will be happy and you will have peace of mind.

Please see some Grooming information available from Amazon.co.uk

As always please feel free to leave any comments or questions.

David

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