Lying to your dog’s groomer is really not getting you anywhere. It is actually very detrimental. You should try to be as open and honest with your groomer as possible. Trying to lie to them and tell them you brush your dog every day only makes you look like a fool. They can quite easily tell if a dog has been brushed or not. Groomers would much rather hear you say things like, “My dog hates being brushed, so I don’t do it,” or, “I don’t like to brush him,” or similar statements.
Coastal Point • Stock Photo
A small terrier gets a trim.
Also, if your dog has fleas, tell the groomer when you make the appointment. Groomers generally have other dogs there, and they do not want the other dogs to get fleas too. Groomers often can quarantine dogs with fleas to prevent the spread of fleas to other dogs and to the grooming facility.
Most groomers can easily deal with a flea-infested dog; however, dealing with a flea-infested facility is much more difficult. Even if you only suspect you dog might have fleas, advise the groomer.
If you know particular grooming “quirks” your dog may have, tell the groomer about them. I cannot tell you how many times I have finished a 20-minute “argument” with a dog while trying to simply clip their nails, just to have the owner say things like, “I forgot to tell you the vet has to tranquilize them to do their nails”; “It takes three people at the vet’s office”; Oh, I forgot to tell you he doesn’t like his nails done — at least you didn’t get bit,” and things like that.
If your dog doesn’t like his nails done, or doesn’t like his feet clipped or his ears cleaned, or the dryer, etc., advise the groomer beforehand of problems your dog has with being groomed. Doing so will allow the groomer to be prepared and possibly avoid being bit.
Maybe you are not aware that, if the dog bites the groomer and the groomer needs to go for medical assistance — say, stitches — the medical community is required to report the dog bite, which puts a strike on your dog’s record. Dogs can be required to be put down for biting someone. The groomer that requires medical attention has no option whether or not to report the dog. It is handled by medical personnel, similar to how they handle suspected abuse cases.
Also, listen to your groomer’s suggestions. Groomers will often notice differences in your dog’s skin or coat. They often notice things like ear infections, anal gland infections and poor skin condition, like flaking or hotspots. When they bring these things to your attention, don’t just blow it off. Ask for suggestions. The suggestions might be things like cleaning ears daily, changing the food you currently feed, adding vitamins or supplements, oatmeal baths, etc.
Groomers are not vets, but they often know what might help particular ailments. For example, dogs with flaky skin may be helped by adding salmon oil to their food. Dogs with yeasty ears and skin can be helped by adding yogurt. Cleaning your dog’s ears every day for a week or two after your groomer tells you about dirty ear issues may actually save you a vet visit and prevent a painful ear infection for your dog.
Also, advise your groomer of changes in the home environment: things like a family member being sick for an extended period of time, adding a new family member (human or animal), visiting children in a formerly child-free home, vacations recently taken and a recent boarding experience.
All of these things can affect your dog’s state of mind. For instance, I had ---one of my regular customers whose dog is very meek and mild-mannered act up one day. She was fidgety, uncooperative, anxious, etc. I managed to get her haircut done, but it took more work than usual and took longer. It concerned me that something might be wrong with her, because she is normally so cooperative and calm.
When I called the owner to tell her she was ready for pickup and apologized for her being late, I told them I felt something might be wrong with her. The owner told me that she herself had been very ill and that the dog had been staying right by her side. Apparently, the dog was upset about having to leave the owner home alone.
The owner apologized for the dog, but that wasn’t why I said anything. I was concerned that something was more seriously wrong with the dog. If I had known ahead of time, I wouldn’t have been worried and could have dealt with the dog differently.
Of course, the owner hadn’t thought about it and didn’t think it would affect the dog. With most dogs, it probably wouldn’t have mattered, but this dog is very sensitive and does not handle change well. Even new furniture in the house affects this dog.
So, basically, do not lie to your groomer, tell them about major changes at home and listen to their suggestions. Also, ask your groomer questions: How should I be brushing the dog? What brush should I use? Can you show me how you get the dog to stand still? How do I clean the ears? Groomers should be willing to help you and show you, and if they aren’t, find another groomer that will.
Cheryl Loveland is a dog groomer, pet-sitter, dog trainer and fosterer for many unwanted animals. She does rescue work for all types of animals and has owned or fostered most types of domestic animals and many wild ones. She currently resides with two bloodhounds, which she has shown in conformation and is currently training her male bloodhound for search-and-rescue work. Also residing with her are a bichon frisée, two cats and two birds. She welcomes comments, questions and suggestions for future articles at countryservice@comcast.net. Remember, she is not an expert: she offers her opinions and suggestions from her experience and research.