Does Your Dog Need a Groomer?

Does that cute hairy friend need a haircut? Maybe just a bath will do. Some dogs require regular grooming and choosing the right groomer can make a world of difference. This is not to say that your short haired dog that doesn't get very dirty needs to be groomed every 6 or 8 weeks, but the fluffy ones may absolutely need to.

Choosing a groomer may not be as easy as it sounds. Calling around for rates is not the only criteria you should use. Susie may have a groom shop in her yard and charge $30 for a groom, while Joan has a free standing salon and charges $60 for the some service. It is very possible that there are good reasons for the difference in price. It is not impolite to ask where they went to school.

Some backyard groomers do a great job with your pet and have learned from skilled groomers with experience. Others have been known to open a shop after reading a book and looking at some videos. There is a place for them in the grooming world, but caution with your selection is important. One of the best inquiries is verbal recommendations. If your dog is your house pet and needs a bath, pads trimmed and ears cleaned, this could be the right choice. If you have a dog with complex needs such as poodles, westies, shihtzu and some other hairy breeds, you may want to go up a notch.

Groomers have different levels of expertise.

Master groomers have been through extensive training and probably have attended an accredited grooming school. From there they further their education with courses on specific breeds and styles. If your dog is a show dog, there is no need to tell you that this is the one you should look for. If your pet has issues with grooming you may also want to experience the professionalism of groomers who were taught how to deal with issues that affect your dogs behavior.

Some things to look for at the shop:

·         Are there enough crates for each to have their own?

·         Are there crates large enough for your dog to fit in comfortably?

·         Is the shop spotlessly clean?

·         Have they asked you for a shot record? If they haven't asked you, they may not have asked anyone else which will put your dog at risk.

·         How many dogs and how many groomers are there? Overbooking can lead to shoddy work.

Mobile Groomers have emerged enforce. How convenient is that? The grooming vans visit the clients homes, groom the dogs and are on their way. The majority of these groomers have had some formal training. Your busy schedule may prohibit you from taking your dog to a shop and picking them up, for whatever reason. Mobile groomers are at your service and you will pay for the convenience.

Baths in between grooming can be done at home with quality dog shampoo. It doesn't have to be a huge project unless your dog really dislikes the bath and you may want to use a set of dog steps to help them in the tub. Make it a pleasant time with great rewards. Rewards for the dog are great and the clean pet is a reward for you.