Marty Feldhake

Choosing a competent groomer is a very important decision, but owners often cut corners when doing their research. Dog owners, especially those with dogs who need regular grooming, should think twice about who they choose to groom their dog. If a dog has a terrible experience at the groomers then he will likely be terrified to be groomed for a very long time. While you might be tempted to make your decision based on answers received over the phone, this is simply not an adequate assessment of a grooming establishment. If you want to do all you can to ensure a positive grooming experience for your dog try following this step by step guide:

1. Ask for referrals. Referrals are the life blood of any small business owners and worth more than gold if the reviews are positive. People are often more likely to file a complaint than they are to give praise for a job well done. Ask your friends, colleagues, Veterinarians and family members who they use. If you get rave reviews you will know that they are sincere. Any dog owner with a bad experience regarding a groomer will not be shy; they will tell you all about it. While a positive review is not good enough to make a final decision, it is a good place to start.

2. Do your research. Check the local Better Business Bureau for any unresolved complaints against the business. Check with the National Dog Groomers Association to see if they are affiliated. Also check local ordinances to see what their specific licensing requirements are for grooming establishments and make sure the one you select measures up.

3. Visit and observe. Do not call and make an appointment, simply show up mid-morning or on your lunch break to observe operations. You can collect a lot of information in the first few minutes of entry. Does it smell nice? Is it clean? Do the groomers look calm and collected? Does the desk clerk seem attentive? Is there sufficient staff? If the answers to these questions meet your expectations than the establishment is probably a safe bet. This is all information you could not get over the telephone.

4. Ask questions. At some point in your drop in visit someone should ask if they can be of help. When this occurs simply explain to them that you are a potential client and have some questions. At this point feel free to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable. How long have they been in business? What are the average years of experience of the staff? What are the costs involved? What are their hours? Do they have any special policies you should no about? You might even consider asking for a tour. Depending on state health department rules, a proud business owner would be happy to show you around.

5. Look for red flags. While you are visiting, observing and asking questions make sure to be on the look out for red flags. You should avoid patronizing a facility where groomers use excessive yelling or rough handling to control their canine clients. While restraints are normal for all dogs, especially the difficult ones, a good groomer will remain firm yet calm when handling a dog. Sings of aggression towards the dog are unacceptable and are a huge red flag. Another important warning sign to look out for is groomers leaving dogs unattended on the tables. Dogs on grooming tables are placed in a neck loop to hold them in place and without supervision they can slip or jump off the table and strangle themselves. Groomers should have assistants bring them additional supplies and should never leave the dog on the table unattended to. You should also beware if you are there for 20 minutes and dogs left under dryers are left unattended to. Dogs can have heat stroke and die if left unchecked in the heat. There should be enough staff on hand to check on dogs continuously despite other distractions.

The bottom line when selecting a groomer is to find a clean and responsible establishment with a caring staff of calm and in control groomers. Nicks or slips can happen when dogs do not behave as planned and groomers are human, but if you take these steps; risks of harm to your dog should be minimized.

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