How to choose a groomer!

As with any sort of canine professional, not all groomers are created equal 😢 There are some important things to consider when looking round for the perfect doggy beautician for your beloved pooch 🐶

First off, does your groomer give you a specific appointment or just a ’drop off time‘? You may wonder what the difference is! Having a specific appointment means that your dog has their own allocated ‘time’ so they are not rushed, there isn’t other dogs present and the groomer is giving your dog their undivided attention 💜 Some groomers will have multiple dogs present at once which is a much more stressful environment.

It is important to ask how your dog will be kept once their groom is finished (or before it starts)! if the groomer is one who has multiple dogs in an appointment slot then your dog may be crated near other dogs, which if this is not normal for them it can be very stressful 💔 if it is a 1-2-1 appointment your dog is far more likely to be allowed more freedom of movement within an area of the premises!

If your dog gets stressed out by being groomed, what will the groomer do? Will the groomer prioritise your dog’s welfare and stop or change their approach to grooming? Or will they carry on regardless to ‘get it done’? 🤷‍♀️

What sort of restraint does the groomer use? Is that restraint something that your dog is going to be happy with? Or is it more than your dog (or you) are comfortable with? Don’t be afraid to ask the groomer where and how your dog will be groomed 💜

Your groomer should be happy to issue your dog with ‘rewards’ for cooperation and to help them be more relaxed and engaged 🤩 If your dog has a specific happy treat, leave some with your groomer for the session 💜

Ultimately, don’t be afraid to ask! If your gut is telling you there is something not quite right or you are uncomfortable leaving your dog, find somewhere else 😘