Professional Dog Grooming - How to Choose

Posted by admin | June 15, 2010 .

Many dogs are fairly easy to groom, but there might be occasions when you think it is time to make use of the services of a professional dog groomer. So how do you choose, what should you look for and how do you get the best value for money?

Choosing a Dog Groomer - What To Look For

Entrusting your dog to another person is worth taking care about, so legitimate criteria on which to base your decision might begin with:

References
Testimonials
Experience

The first option many dog owners would use would be a recommendation from a friend. The first thing to check would be whether your friend’s dog is similar to yours. It’s also worth asking your friend a bit more about their use of the groomer so that you have a better idea of what to expect.

If you don’t have a prior recommendation then before using any new dog groomer you could ask to speak to some of their other customers. As any use of the groomer might well become a regular routine, it is in the groomer’s interest to be helpful with this.

You would also like to know how much experience the groomer has, whether any of it is with the same breed or at least the size of your dog and then seek reassurance about the particular aspects of grooming that you are seeking.

You should also find out what equipment the groomer will use. You know your dog so you might be aware that some types of equipment may not be suitable or that your dog might react badly in some circumstances. You should also find out what the groomer will do if there are problems, e.g. if your dog dopes react, and do any insurance arrangements apply?

An important aspect is to find out what is included in the price. Groomi9ng services cover a broad range, including the traditional fur clipping and nail trimming but might also include work on the ears, teeth and even anal sacs.

Even if you find it best to raise only some of the above points, you will gain a better idea from the responses about what quality of service you can expect.

Getting Value For Money

Whether you take the dog to the groomer or they come to you, it is a good idea to be able to watch the grooming carried out. As well as being on hand to help keep your dog relaxed and comfortable, it gives you the opportunity to gauge the groomer and also to possibly pick up ideas that mioght5 be helpful in future. As examples, you might note:

The attitude of the groomer
How easily your dog is attended top and what happens if your dog reacts
Any points raised by the groomer or areas of possible concerns re the health of your dog
How some p[rocedures are best carried out, e.g. nail trimming, etc,

….. and the list could go on. Nevertheless, by using at least some of the points mentioned, you and your dog are better-placed to be able to get the most out of the grooming session.

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