Grooming your dog is a big deal. At least it’s me. Then again, I got a “Hi, NSA!” As a result of me we have a “Are You Spy Overload” quiz, so, ya know…
Not all grooms are created equal. Looking for Yelp reviews, CIA-level checks and talking to other dog owners is all well and good, but nothing compares to a personal chat with a groomer.
We’ve put together 11 questions everyone should ask a potential or current nanny.
1. What is your level of experience and do you have certifications?
A new dog groomer who does not have many certifications may be better equipped than a more experienced professional. Still, experience and testimonials give an indication of how well someone handles your pup’s session.
2. Do you have experience grooming my dog breed?
There are a lot of factors that go into raising a puppy. Breed is one of them. Some breeds have different types of coats than others. This not only relates to the fur, but also to whether your pup has a single coat or a double coat.
Then there is the issue of haircuts. Is the addict familiar with the standard grooming for a dog breed? You want your body beard to be so perfect that it will make a hipster cry, right?
3. What do you do if my dog gets scared?
This relates to point #2. Some breeds are known to be difficult during a grooming session. Fear, and therefore aggression, can happen to any dog. The nanny must know how to handle the issue before it gets out of control.
4. Will the puppy be crated? If so, can I see the space?
Your dog will likely be in a crate if the groomer is doing a large amount of work. It helps keep everyone safe. If this is the case with your nanny, look around and make sure the boxes are an appropriate size. They should not only clean clean, but there should also be no lingering odors.
5. What do you do if my dog has to pee?
Groomers have differentiated policies on potty time. Some makers do not take puppies on breaks. These dogs are usually skimmed and groomers finish the crates if needed. Another groomer regularly takes the puppies outside.
6. What is the typical length of time my dog will wait for grooming?
These times may vary. It’s all about knowing how long your puppy (and you) can handle separation.
7. Is someone always watching the animals? If not, how often do you check it?
Don’t think here. Adequate supervision is a must.
8. Can I watch the grooming process?
Don’t be upset if the nanny says no to this. Some puppies can be distracted by their owners or other humans. This can cause a problem if your groomer is trimming hair or nails. Some places store animals in glass enclosures so groomers can monitor spa time, but this setup isn’t possible for every groomer.
9. What types of desiccants do you use?
There are two types of cage dryers: recirculating air dryers and heat dryers. The second is by far the safer of the two. Hot dryers can cause heatstroke, especially in small breeds.
10. What kind of shampoo do you use? Can I bring my own board?
This question may not be relevant to everyone. If your dog has allergies, you’ll need to know these answers.
11. What does the grooming package include?
You need to read the fine print to make sure you’re getting a great price on the services. Basic packages vary from nanny to nanny. Some include a whole shebang from nail clipping to butt cleaning. Others only include wash, dry and trim.
You will also need to make sure that the package does not include services that you do not need. My Shiba doesn’t need haircuts. My nanny lets me off that service to get a brushing.
Happy grooming!
Featured image via caraboutfitmom.
