Tips for Bringing Your Dogs to the Groomer.

Okay, so I'm a groomer when I'm not writing in here. I love it. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world-even on the worst days. No one wants to make me have a bad day, right? How can you help?

-Brush your dog in between groomings, especially if you bathe him in between. Water just tightens the knots, and brushing him keeps his coat in better condition. It will make sure I don't have to shave your dog down, as well. If you have a long haired dog, don't skip combing! Sometimes brushes miss little knots that can easily turn to big knots! Brushing is also a good time for bonding, checking for parasites, and checking for lumps, bumps, and scratches.

-Handle your dog. Play with his feet, look in his ears. If he has a beard, get him accustomed to it being handled (we have to hold it to cut his bangs. There's no other way and they don't usually mind). Touch his face, lift his tail, handle him as much as possible. This makes my job so much easier. If I can't get your dog to stop fighting, it's very hard to get him to look even.

-Don't worry your dog about grooming. It's not a big deal. I'm very nice and I'm very good with dogs. I wouldn't still be doing this after 8 years if I wasn't good at what I do. I will take great care of your dog. We don't do anything scary. They love getting baths for the most part, and they know when they look good. It's a good thing! Treat it like a spa day!

-Keep your dog on a schedule. If you make standing appointments, you'll keep them, and your dog will look and smell better. Who doesn't want that? Your dog will be used to me and the shop, behave better, and take less time to go home to you. Everyone wins!

-Be realistic about hair cuts. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, playing with the kids, and being active in general, a long hair cut may not be his best choice. If you have time to brush your dog every day, then go for a long hair cut, by all means. Go with the best hair cut for your dog and your family.

-Keep your dogs free of parasites! There's nothing worse than getting a dog in and realizing that it's full of fleas. Itchy dogs don't come out as well and fleas suck. It's true.

Keep these things in mind and you'll have the best kept dog on your block and he'll be your groomer's favorite!