How to Find a Wonderful Dog Groomer

Choosing a dog groomer with gentle hands who can trim an amazing doggy haircut is very difficult. Start your search before your dog needs to be groomed, as it can easily take a couple of weeks of research plus an additional couple of weeks for an available appointment. There’s a reason wonderful dog groomers are booked. They are worth the wait!

1. Ask Pet Owners

Luckily, pet owners are thrilled to share their favorite groomer’s information. They’ll also give you an ear full of dog groomers to stay away from. Start a list of leads, and then give them a quick search online. You’ll be shocked to find some groomers with pages of customer complaints or, even worse, an arrest record for animal abuse. This is the time to narrow down your search and expand your driving radius. A good groomer is worth the drive.

2. Stop In and Watch

Once you have a short list of professional dog groomers, it’s time to pop in and watch them work with dogs on the grooming table. So many people say the right words, but their hands tell the entire story. Pop in and ask questions. Tell them you’re looking for a new groomer for your dog. As you tell them about your dog’s coat texture, length, and size, watch how groomers handle each dog on their grooming table.

A groomer’s hands should be gentle and patient; they should not be pushing or pulling a dog’s body. If a dog gets a bit wiggly on the table, the groomer should stop grooming for a second or two and allow the dog to settle before beginning to groom again. Older dogs should be able to sit or lie down, as it’s exhausting for them to stand for an hour. Puppies should be encouraged with treats, lots of patience and short breaks. No dogs should be screaming while being groomed, kenneled or bathed nor have their head strung up on short grooming leads.

Some groomers may disagree with me, and that’s fine, but I want a groomer who makes grooming a fun and positive experience by bathing and grooming anxious dogs quickly and not leaving them kenneled all day to stress out. Now, pet owners with easily stressed dogs, you should not expect your dog to be at the groomer’s all day while you work. Drop him off and plan to pick him up within an hour, and don’t be late.

3. Stay for the Groom

Better yet, stay for your dog’s bath and groom. Some dog groomers don’t feel comfortable having you hover around while they’re grooming your dog, which is fine. It means they’re not the groomer for you. Many groomers say your dog will behave better when you’re not around, but I disagree. There’s nothing wrong with you waiting quietly in the waiting area or watching your dog’s groom from a window. Keep some distance, so your dog doesn’t whine excessively for you, but keep an eye on your dog the entire time.

4. Watch Your Dog’s Behavior Afterwards

This is a huge tell-tale on how your dog was handled during the grooming process. If your usually happy dog is scared, stressed or shy after grooming, then you shouldn’t go back to that dog groomer. If your dog has nicks, cuts, razor burns (red and inflamed skin from clipper blades that were too hot), brush burns (skin scrapes caused by brushing a dog too hard), I would advise you to never return to that groomer again. I would certainly give this groomer a call and tell him or her what happened, and you’re not very happy about it.

With That Said, Good Groomers Need Your Help

Trust me, I’m not bashing dog groomers; it’s a difficult and physically exhausting job. But as pet owners, a good groomer needs your help to keep grooming sessions positive. If your dog hates having his nails trimmed, then you should teach your dog that nail trims are rewarding at home. Brush your dog thoroughly every day. If your dog dislikes brushing or body handling, then start teaching him brushing is a good thing and body handling means lots of yummy treats.

Good luck, and don’t forget to sing the praises of an excellent dog groomer!