If someone is said to be “sitting down on the job,” it tends to describe a person who is not working diligently. The phrase probably came about during the industrial revolution when many people worked in factories, standing for hours at a time while they worked.
Pet groomers often stand for most of their workday. We stand at the bathtub, as we talk to customers, and as we move around the grooming table making animals beautiful. The problem with standing for hours a day is that it can take a toll on our bodies. Groomers often suffer from back pain, fatigue, varicose veins, as well as sore feet and legs.
Wearing well made, supportive shoes is a big help, and installing anti-fatigue mats in front of the bathtub and around the grooming table makes a wonderful difference. But one of the best things for a hard-working groomer to do is to learn to sit down for at least some of their day.
There are stools designed specifically for the way we work. I like a saddle style stool like this but many people enjoy having the back support of a seat like this one. When you shop pay special attention to the wheels. You will be happier if you get a seat with hair resistant wheels like the ones above. These are more like skateboard wheels and less like the ones commonly used on office furniture, which are a huge challenge to keep hair- free.
If you learned to groom while standing up, you will find it feels downright odd to try to work from a sitting position, but it is worth the effort to re-train your muscles. Start out by choosing one task to achieve while you sit. Perhaps drying the pet? After that, add in brushing and combing. (Having an adjustable height table such as a hydraulic or ideally electric table makes this much more feasible. Consider this an investment in your future and good health.) Maybe you can do your clipper work sitting, too. There are some things you will have to stand to do, such as scissoring topknots or reaching the face on very tall dogs, but if you apply yourself, you will be able to adapt to sitting for at least a portion of each groom.
The benefits? You will find you have more energy at the end of the day and your back, feet and legs will be happier. With luck you will be able to keep your body healthy and strong for longer, so you can continue to enjoy this career you chose.
Go ahead, sit down on the job. It feels good!
