Finley here!
Like any normal canine, I love being muddy and smelly with a passion. I love the look on my people’s face when I track paw prints through the whole house. But I’ve realized what I love even more than that – the way my people fawn over me when I’m clean! I will admit, grooming does make me feel pretty snazzy sometimes, too.
As your advisor on all things dog, I want you to know how to find an awesome groomer! It makes all the difference to us. I mean, would you really want to get your hair done by someone who is rough with you, or completely inexperienced? Nope! So listen up and you’ll be able to find the best possible groomer for your dog!
Aww, do we HAVE to?!
First off, why should you go to a groomer? The biggest benefit is that we’ll be thoroughly clean, beyond just a simple wash. The groomer will get all the stuff done that many owners don’t, can’t or won’t do. That means things like anal gland expression (EW!), toe nail trimming and dematting. Did you know that mats are not just aesthetically unappealing? They also really HURT and can lead to skin infections!
Where to Start
The first step is to ask around. Word of mouth is a great way to find a groomer! Talk to your vet, friends, family, and so on to gather some reliable references. Chances are, if the people you trust have a great experience, so will you!
Visiting the Salon
Once you’ve begun to zero in on some possible places, make time to drop by the shop or at least give them a phonecall before you book. It’s always best to see for yourself that the shop is a clean, calm environment, and that the staff have plenty of experience and training.
There are a couple things you’ll want to look for. As I said, the shop should be a clean and soothing place first and foremost. It is a spa day for us, you know! Some fur here and there from a dog who just had his hair cut is understandable, but aside from that everything should be neat and tidy!
Be sure to ask about where the dogs are kept, and how they handle potty breaks. Even if your pup only stays a short time, it’s sure nice to be given plenty of opportunities to go! At Cascade we have kennels to hang out in, and covered outdoor runs we can do our business in without dirtying ourselves up! The awesome thing about getting groomed at Cascade is that if you get us enrolled in daycare, we can play with friends while we wait for you to come get us! That way you get a clean AND tired dog! Lots of people say that’s the best kind.
Talk It Out
We dogs all have our own special quirks. For example, I HATE having my perfect little toes touched! Be sure you discuss all of your dog’s hang-ups and ask lots of questions. That’ll help her be more understanding of your pup! If you fear your guy might have a tough time with grooming, always voice your concerns. A responsible groomer will always have our best interests in mind and never push us to the point of being super stressed about the situation.
While you’ll have plenty of questions for your groomer, she should have a whole bunch for you, too! Talk in depth about exactly what you want out of your dog’s grooming. Groomers aren’t mind-readers, so be specific about the hairdo you’re going for. Communication is KEY! Bringing pictures can help, too!
Finding the perfect groomer will take the stress out of the whole equation, for you and for us. We love when you’re happy, and if that means having a bath, then count us dogs in!
Yours Truly,
Finley
Executive Canine Quality Control Officer
Cascade Kennels, Inc.
