No, AI can't dematt an Old English Sheepdog but believe it or not, artificial intelligence can come in handy for pet groomers. "How in the world could it be useful?" you say. I'm so glad you asked!
AI is still in the early stages of development, but even now, groomers may find the availability to be handy. There are several free AI sites available. I have dabbled a little with Google Bard (Bard.Google.com)
The difference between asking something on Bard versus a regular Google search is that asking Google, "How do I groom a Welsh Terrier," will bring up a list of links you must now select, click on, and read. Alternatively, AI looks, gathers, and constructs information from some of those links and presents you with a complete informative article on the topic you are interested in. When I asked the above question about grooming the breed, I was surprised that it came up with a fairly appropriate article about grooming Welsh Terriers, along with a photograph, in seconds. Beginning a quest for specific information using AI can save time by narrowing down results.
Let's say a customer calls you to make an appointment for a breed of dog you are unfamiliar with, for instance, a Berger Picard. You want to learn about the breed so you will be well informed when it is time to meet the new dog and owner and know how best to groom it. AI can give you a thumbnail outline of the breed, including a photograph and a description of the dog's appearance, temperament, and history. From there, you can ask about grooming the breed, and a brief article on proper coat care for this rustic breed coat will appear. For busy groomers, the speed and efficiency of researching questions this way is a real boon and can be an excellent place to start finding the information you are looking for.
I asked, "What is a Doodle," and was pleasantly surprised by the even-handed information. Here is an example of part of the article, "Here are some additional things to know about Doodles:
- They are considered designer dogs because they are bred intentionally for specific traits.
- They are not recognized as official breeds by most major kennel clubs.
- Doodle puppies can be quite expensive, so it's important to do your research before purchasing one.
- It's crucial to choose a responsible breeder who focuses on health and temperament when adopting a Doodle."
The Bard site offers a disclaimer that the information is assembled by artificial intelligence and that you should check to ensure it is correct, but of course, that goes for anything we read on the internet, don't you agree?
The next time you have a question about something, try asking AI first and see where the assembled information leads you.
