Dog Groomer Etiquette: How to be a Good Client
Trudy being groomed by Sara Craig - Mastergroom Canada 2021.
It is important for dogs to be comfortable with being handled for grooming. This comes through positive experience and exposure.
Appointments & Scheduling:
Groomers are often booked up to 6-8 weeks out. It is important to get an appointment well in advance before your dog is due for a grooming. Don't wait until the day-of! A few tips:
1. If possible, book an appointment before your puppy comes home. Plan on having their first full grooming done at around 14-16 weeks old.
2. Keep a regular grooming schedule. I recommend every 6 weeks, or 8 weeks for dogs with shorter trims.
3. When you pick your dog up from each appointment, book for your next appointment while you are there. If your schedule doesn't allow for booking that far in advance, ask your groomer if you can be kept on a cancellation list, and then plan to book as soon as your schedule allows.
4. Arrive on time and let them know if something comes up. If you have to cancel your appointment, try to notify them as soon as possible so that they have the chance to take another client to fill in that appointment.
5. Make sure to discuss and understand what policies they have in place---be a good client and respect them! Many groomers have cancellation policies that require a certain amount to be paid if you don't show up to an appointment (or if you have to cancel within less than 24 hours of the appointment, etc.)
1. If possible, book an appointment before your puppy comes home. Plan on having their first full grooming done at around 14-16 weeks old.
2. Keep a regular grooming schedule. I recommend every 6 weeks, or 8 weeks for dogs with shorter trims.
3. When you pick your dog up from each appointment, book for your next appointment while you are there. If your schedule doesn't allow for booking that far in advance, ask your groomer if you can be kept on a cancellation list, and then plan to book as soon as your schedule allows.
4. Arrive on time and let them know if something comes up. If you have to cancel your appointment, try to notify them as soon as possible so that they have the chance to take another client to fill in that appointment.
5. Make sure to discuss and understand what policies they have in place---be a good client and respect them! Many groomers have cancellation policies that require a certain amount to be paid if you don't show up to an appointment (or if you have to cancel within less than 24 hours of the appointment, etc.)
Tips:
While not essential, pet professionals always appreciate clients who tip. 10% - 20% is average.
Expectations:
Make sure you communicate clearly with your groomer regarding what sort of trim you would like your dog to have. They will typically ask you how you want their face/head, feet, and tail, and how long you want the dog's body coat to be. Bringing pictures of what you are looking for is helpful. Please be patient with your groomer, as it can sometimes take a few appointments to get the trim just right. Be sure to let them know it there is anything you would like done differently, etc.
In the case that you are very unhappy with the trim or service, some groomers have a partial refund policy, or free/discounted grooming for your next appointment. See what your options are.
If you want your dog kept in a longer, fuller trim, you will need to ensure you are maintaining their coat in between grooming sessions, or bring them in for an appointment more often (such as every 4 weeks). If your dog's hair is not kept maintained, this can lead to matting which makes it very difficult for the groomer to save the coat without clipping it short.
In the case that you are very unhappy with the trim or service, some groomers have a partial refund policy, or free/discounted grooming for your next appointment. See what your options are.
If you want your dog kept in a longer, fuller trim, you will need to ensure you are maintaining their coat in between grooming sessions, or bring them in for an appointment more often (such as every 4 weeks). If your dog's hair is not kept maintained, this can lead to matting which makes it very difficult for the groomer to save the coat without clipping it short.