I do a lot of thinking when I am blow-drying dogs. Last week, as I was (endlessly) drying a Cocker Spaniel, I began to ponder some "do's and don'ts" that apply to our industry. Here arethree of each that I came up with.
Groomer Do's -
- Do check each pet all over when it arrives. Notice how the pet is moving. Is it limping at all? Run your hands over the coat. Do you feel mats and tangles? Peek in its ears. Are they red or inflamed? Do they have an odor? How about the eyes? Do you notice a buildup of discharge in the eye corners? Are there signs of external parasites? Discussing your findings with the pet owner before they leave can save confusion or accusations later.
- Do use quick-release snaps in the tub and on your grooming table. These inexpensive tools are priceless and can literally save lives.
- Do wear hearing protection when you use your high-velocity dryer. Dryers produce sounds at a decibel level that will permanently damage your hearing if you are regularly exposed to them without hearing protection. Noise-canceling headsets or silicone earplugs are easy to use once you get in the habit.
Groomer Don'ts -
- Don't let the pet owner leave your business until you are comfortable understanding what the customer wants and they know what you can deliver. For example, if they tell you that they want their dog to be fluffy, and you know that it is so matted, you will be lucky to get a 7F blade through it; make sure they know what that will look like. One common mistake groomers make is to tell customers, "I'll do what I can." In most cases, the customer thinks that means you will fulfill their desire for fluff; then, they are bitterly disappointed when they pick up their shaved pet. Being clear on the front end will help prevent upset people (and bad reviews) when the day is done.
- Don't use products not manufactured for pets on the animals you groom. For example, maybe you have used dish detergent or human shampoo with no problems in the past or know others who have, but if you use it and the animal has an adverse reaction, the pet owner and their veterinarian could hold you responsible. Plenty of products available will give you the desired results, and they are made specifically for use on pets.
- Don't brush or clip dirty dogs. The vast majority of dogs can be bathed before grooming. Not only will working on clean pets prolong the life of your blades and scissors, but brushing clean coats is easier, more effective, and gentler on the hair's cuticles, causing less damage. Bonus: working on clean pets is kinder to your lungs, as you are not breathing in as much dust, dander, pollen, and who-knows-what-else is in the fur.
These are the six do's and don'ts I thought of recently. I bet you can think of many more.
