Dog Grooming - Things To Look For When Choosing Your Dog Groomer

Finding a good dog groomer can be as hard, or sometimes harder than finding a good hairstylist. You want to find a dog groomer that both you and your dog feel good about going to. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a dog groomer.

You will want to look for:

• A good location
• The right services you want
• Affordable prices
• Appropriate amount of experience
• Quality facilities
• Safe practices
• Friendly staff

A good way to begin your search is to ask someone you know if they have any recommendations for a good dog groomer. Your vet is a good place to start. If they don't have any recommendations, they will at least know of some dog grooming places their clients use.

Also, one of the first things I do when I look for a new restaurant, store, whatever, is to look it up online. The same goes for when I look for a dog groomer. I would do the same for a hair salon for myself, why not the dog too? It's important to do your homework on a number of places before you drop your dog off, and I think the internet is as good a place to start as any.

You can find out how many dog groomers are in your area on a map, and how far you would be willing to drive to one. You can follow up on the recommendations you gathered, and read customer reviews on the place to find out if it's even worth checking out. If the place has a website, you will probably see it linked to its location on the map you searched.

Check out any recommendations you get, and do a little bit of web research on your own to see what dog groomer would be best for you and your dog.

Second, it's important to know what kind of grooming options and other services that groomer will provide for you. Make sure that they can offer anything you would like to have done, including the kind of cut you want your dog to have, any cleaning, trimming, and any other other services you want.

Price is another factor that will determine who you choose for your dog groomer. Here are some factors that will affect how much you will be charged:

• Time it will take
• Breed of your dog
• Condition of your dog's coat

Dog grooming can get kind of spendy, so do a little research to make sure you're not gonna break the bank.

In most cases, a dog groomer will have their credentials posted on their website. If they don't, it's perfectly acceptable to call and ask about their experience. Ask how long they've been in the business, any kind of special training they've had, and what kind of safety protocols they follow.

The next step is to check out the dog groomers shop/facility/command center... whatever. Look around to see how clean it is (no bugs, stains, etc.), if it smells bad, and how organized and professional it is.

In most cases, by this step, you have already made an appointment and your dog is there with you. Pay attention to how your dog behaves.

Before you leave, ask the groomer what the grooming process involves. How they bathe the dogs, how they dry the dogs, how they cut and trim their coats. Anything you want to know about, feel free to ask.

This would be a good time to let them know about any special treatment your dog requires, like if your dog has sensitive or tender areas, if your dog is older, or if they have any allergy that you know of.

Some things to pay attention to:

• Are the people there friendly and professional?
• Do they answer any questions you have for them?
• What kind of office environment is it?
• What is the attitude of other customers there?

This might be the most important factor in choosing a good dog groomer. How does your dog act when you pick him/her up after the grooming appointment? Ask the groomer how it went, and if there was anything you need to know about, along with how to keep up your dogs new "do."

In most cases, your dog will be thrilled with life to see you and go home with you, so you have to wait and see how they act when you get them home and settled down. Pay attention to any strange behavior. You will know better than anybody else if your dog is acting differently. This brings me to my next point...

If you feel good about leaving your dog with a groomer, and your pet seems happy after the appointment is over, then go with your gut. Pay attention to how your dog acts when you go back for a second appointment as well. If all seems to have gone well, it probably did!