1. Home
  2. Dogs

How to choose the right dog groomer for your pet

By

Although any dog can benefit from visiting a groomer throughout life, some need it more than others — like breeds who have hair and don’t shed, such as poodles and shih tzus. Finding a dog groomer for your little ball of sunshine is easier said than done, though. How can you find someone good enough for your fur baby?

After reading this article, you’ll learn how to choose a dog groomer who’s both skilled and friendly with your pup. You’ll have many options to choose from, so take your time! Your dog won’t mind a little waiting if it means having a stress-free trip to the groomer.

Recommended Videos

Look at reviews and recommendations

The best places to start are with the people you know and love — other pet owners! Especially if you know pet parents who have the same breed you do, they’ll know exactly where to go … and where not to go.

If you don’t have any friends in the know, try a review website like Yelp to find the top groomers near you. Yelp reviews are from real people, so you know you’re getting an honest look into your options. There’s no point in pursuing a locale where other pets have had bad experiences, right?

Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock

Ask the right questions

Whether you’re talking to a friend about their groomer or giving your top choice a call, it’s important to find out some of the essentials before going any further. Here’s what you might want to ask:

  • What training do you have? This is one of the most important questions you can ask because there’s a big difference between DIY doggie haircuts and certified grooming. Don’t be afraid to look up their school or certification if you’re unsure.
  • Do you have experience with my dog’s breed? This is another important question because every breed has its own specific grooming needs. A qualified canine stylist needs to know what to do!
  • What products do you use? Aside from checking for any of your dog’s allergens, this gives you a chance to get to know the quality of the salon as well as the harshness of their products. If they’re opting for gentle, natural, chemical-free products, you’ve made a good choice!

Pay them a visit

Whether you bring along your furry friend or make the trip solo, it’s smart to visit your chosen salon before making an appointment. Pay attention to what you see — is it clean? How many dogs are in the salon? Where are the waiting pups being kept? Do the dogs seem stressed?

Take a moment to meet the groomer if they’re not busy. If you’re at a salon with more than one stylist, this is a great time to make your pick! Someone who meets your dog with friendliness and enthusiasm is a good sign, though it’s even better if you’re allowed to stay and observe. They may not let you watch while they’re working on another dog’s fur, but you can definitely observe if you bring in your dog for a nail trim.

Sam Wordley/Shutterstock

Try out a nail trim

If you’re ready for a trial run, a nail trim is a great way to go. It doesn’t take super long, and you can get the gist of how your pup reacts to the salon, the environment, and her groomer. This will be even easier in salons with open spaces or if they let you stay and watch!

This also gives you a chance to see what other services the groomer provides. Plus, you’ll get to go through the process of booking and experiencing an appointment, letting you gauge the professionalism of the place you selected.

This is also the time for any last-minute questions. A professional groomer won’t mind that you want to know what’s up — only the best for your four-legged friends, after all. If they seem stressed or agitated by your questions, you might want to take that into consideration. Those who work with pets need to be calm, cool, and collected at all times, even when faced with a rambunctious dog (or a curious pet parent).

With these baby steps to keep in mind, you can find your dog’s dream groomer for sure. It might take a minute to weed out the not quite right, but once you do, your pup will be set for life. You can rest assured knowing your pooch pal is in good hands, and your dog can sit back and enjoy her pampering session — it’s a win for everyone.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Can dogs see in the dark? Your guide to your dog’s vision
The answer to this question matters and here's why

Dogs and humans are best friends. Part of the reason? Dogs have superior senses. For instance, pups' noses are 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than people's, making them worthy hunting companions and search-and-rescue team members.

Eyesight is one area where people generally have the upper hand (or paw) — or so we've thought throughout the years. To some extent, that's true. Dogs see fewer colors, and their vision isn't as sharp as ours. Can dogs see in the dark? What is "normal" vision for a dog?

Read more
What is littermate syndrome? Why this puppy bond can be a problem
Why you want to avoid littermate syndrome (and what to do if you didn't)

What's better than bringing one puppy home? Two — or so you might think. Welcoming two puppies at the same time can seem adorable in theory, especially if they're from the same litter. The two puppies already knew one another and were perhaps born within seconds of one another. Siblings growing up together, what could be more fun?

However, most animal behavioral experts recommend against getting two puppies on the same day (or within six months). They're not trying to rain on your puppy parade. Instead, experts warn against the possibility of littermate syndrome. What is littermate syndrome, and why can it be so stressful? Let's discuss. We'll also work through ways to treat littermate syndrome if your pets already have the issue.
What is littermate syndrome?

Read more
The best medium-sized dog breeds for your family
These dogs are the perfect size — and temperament — for families with kids

Whether you're a veteran dog owner or are new to the canine world, it can be immensely helpful to do your research before adopting the dog of your dreams. After all, step one is to figure out what your ideal four-legged friend might be like.
Will they cuddle up with you at the end of the day, or will they sleep in a dog bed all their own? Would you like a high-energy friend or a canine buddy that can binge-watch your favorite Netflix show at all hours of the day with you? Perhaps even more importantly, what size dog can you handle in your home?
Medium-sized dogs are a perfect fit for those who may want the activity of a larger dog without the massive size. Many families prefer mid-sized canines because they're large enough to play with children without getting hurt, but they're not too large to spook or knock over a child (most of the time, anyway). There can be many reasons why a medium-sized dog breed is your perfect fit, but how do you know what breed to look into? Let us help you decide.

Medium-sized dogs for families with children

Read more