One of my favorite days of the month is when my furry boy, Marty, goes to the pet groomer. I keep his curly hair clean and brushed in between “dos,” but just like my own salon visits, I think he feels refreshed when someone in the know clips his curls, files his nails and gives him a fresh look. Admittedly, Marty is not initially elated to see his sweet pet groomer because there are all kinds of new sights, sounds and smells when we enter the combination pet store, pet bakery and grooming salon. Jessica always cheerfully greets him, and he goes to her reluctantly but politely. What can you do to make your furry friend’s pet grooming experience more pleasant? Keep reading for my Pet Groomer Etiquette pointers.
Keep the Morning Calm
I pay special attention to the mood of the day when I am planning to take Marty in for his clip. He is a rescue animal, so he is already a bit sensitive, and he adores jumping into the car for a trip … until he sees our destination. STOP. Mom. What? Yes, here we are at the groomers, so before we get there, I make sure he has been fed in advance so his food has time to digest and he doesn’t have an accident. I give him plenty of playtime, and when I drop him off, I assure him I will be back.
Does Your Dog Understand Words?
According to the American Kennel Club, our pets are listening to our speech. While they have their own way of processing information, some dogs are gifted and can learn hundreds of vocabulary words. I’m not entirely sure how much Marty understands, but I absolutely do know he understands, “Mommy will be back.” I have said these words to him over and over throughout the years, and while he may not understand the human meaning, he knows the phonetic sound and recognizes what he can expect. I will come back! We all know our animals and their different quirks and perks, and when I say these words leaving my house, he goes to our favorite orange chair and waits for me.
Familiarize Your Pet with the Process
A pup who knows what to expect at the groomer is much more at ease than a dog with no prior experience being groomed. To help with this process:
1. Introduce your pet to the routine by bathing them at home when possible, letting them hear the blow dryer, brushing them and speaking to them calmly during the entire scenario, giving them a treat as a reward at the end.
2. When you take them to the groomer, speak to them calmly before you arrive, bring along their favorite toy, and have it in the car when they return.
3. Start a habit they can count on each time they make the trip.
Be Patient with Your Groomer
It may take several sessions before your groomer, your pet, and you all are on the same page. The haircut may not be exact as you decide what works and what doesn’t. For example, Marty’s little ears have gone from short to long to medium, and it took us several tries to decide what I liked best. Also, you can’t expect a poodle to look like a doodle or a dachshund, so don’t ask for a miracle. We need to work with what we have.
Tip Appropriately
The groomer gets 15 to 20 percent, just like your personal hairstylist. If they had to go above and beyond because you have an overly anxious or aggressive dog, tip accordingly. Be on time for your visit and pick your pup up ASAP. A groomer is not prepared to board your dog all day, and it’s not good for your fur baby to be away from you for an extended period. A prompt pick-up makes the experience better.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
You may also like Summer Pet Safety Etiquette. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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