Taking care of your pet is as important as caring for your family members. You want your pet to be taken care of in a gentle and professional manner. For your dog, regular grooming is needed especially if its hair grows more than an inch long. Regular bathing and shampooing is not enough since it will need a haircut at least once in three to four months. In choosing a dog groomer, consider the following tips:
- Ask for referrals from people you know who also have dogs. Most likely, they are also bringing their pets to a groomer, so ask them the next time you see them taking their dog for a walk in the neighborhood. They would be glad to tell you about their experiences with their dog groomers. It is also advisable to ask your veterinarian for a referral.
- However, some doctors are careful not to endorse one groomer, so you can ask them whether they have chanced upon dogs that needed medical attention because of cuts due to grooming, then try to find out which groomer that dog was brought to. You will know which dog groomer to avoid.
- Look for dog groomers in the telephone directory, or over the Internet. Call them up and inquire about their services, and whether their business is associated with the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. (NDGAA). This organization holds contests for groomers and shows the dogs they have groomed. It is even better if the dog groomer you are considering has already joined such competition and has won a place.The NNDGAA also offers continuing education and training for dog groomers to update them of the recent developments and techniques in their field.
- Check whether the dog groomer is licensed or certified, depending on the requirement of your state on dog groomers. You would not take your child to an unlicensed pediatrician, so it is also logical to choose a licensed dog groomer for your pet.
- Visit the dog groomer’s salon and check out their facilities. Also ask specific questions to the dog groomer, such as whether they have handled a dog similar to yours before, how many years of experience they have, and whether they can handle your dog’s reactions to the grooming process. This is especially important if your dog has unusual jitters when it is being blow dried or its hair is being cut.
- While you are in the dog groomer’s salon, talk to the customers there and fish for comments about the dog groomer’s services. Also ask them how many times they have been going to the salon and which dog groomer they like best.
- Attend dog groomfests and shows and check out the participants in these shows. Usually, the best dog groomers are the ones who enter the contests for grooming. Here you can see how the dogs look, and you can be assured that the dog groomers are well trained. However, they may also be pricey on their grooming services.