What to Expect at the Dog Groomers:  
Ten Tips for a Great Experience

The Dog Groomer  by Janice Jones   |Last Updated 02-21-2022

Professional Dog grooming has grown in popularity over the years. Getting your dog groomed helps to keep them clean and healthy, as well as making them look great.

But a first trip to the groomers can be a little daunting, for dogs and their owners. In this article, we will explain what a typical trip to the groomers is like so that you know what to expect.

Make an Appointment With Your Dog Groomer

The first thing to do is to make an appointment. Most groomers require you to make an appointment in advance rather than simply walking in so that they can make sure there is a groomer available.

The best way to do this is usually by phone. Simply call the groomer up and arrange a convenient time.

Before the Appointment 

If your dog is particularly energetic, then it can be a good idea to take them on a walk before the appointment, but apart from that, you do not usually need to make any special preparations before the dog grooming appointment.

The dog grooming salon will have all the equipment and skills needed to a good experience for your dog.

You do not need to worry about washing your dog  – a good salon will shampoo your pooch as part of the service.

Most dog grooming salon will be able to groom any breed of dog. At The Paw Pad Grooming Salon, located in Cheshire in the UK, the most common breeds are Spaniels and a lot of Poodle crossbreeds.

On the Day of The Grooming 

Some dog grooming salons offer a collection service, which can be especially handy if you do not have transport.

If a pickup service is something, you need, you can ask them on the phone. Or if you have a car then you can drop your dog off at the salon.

Chatting With Your Groomer

A good dog groomer will spend a little time having a chat with you, maybe filling you in on the latest gossip around town. The first conversation is an excellent opportunity to discuss what kind of cut your dog will get and to talk about any concerns you might have.

You should also tell you groomer about any abrasions or sensitive areas that your dog has, or if your dog has any behavioural quirks, they may want to know.

For example, if they have had previous grooming experiences and hated the loud sound of the dryer or clippers, this knowledge may help your groomer make the whole experience less stressful.

Flea and Tick Check

Usually, the groomer will also carry out a quick check on your dog while you are there for any skin problems or parasites.

If your dog has minor problems like one or two fleas or one or two ticks, then the groomer will usually be able to deal with these with the correct tools and an anti-parasite shampoo and then continue the groom as usual.

If the groomer detects more severe problems during the appointment, then a good dog groomer will react accordingly. For example, if your dog has a severe flea infestation then there is a risk of passing on those fleas to other dogs at the salon. 

The groomer may ask you to take your dog to the vet to deal with the problem and then re-book a dog grooming appointment once your dog is flea-free.

The grooming salon will give you a time slot to pick your dog up again. It usually takes 2 or 3 hours to finish the groom (our favourite thing to do while waiting is to go and pamper ourselves at the human hair salon, and maybe get a manicure).  

Some groomers will give you a call when your dog is ready to go home.

Dealing with Matted Hair

Dogs can often get matted hair, and the problem is particularly common with long-haired dogs. Usually, a dog grooming salon will prefer to cut the matted hair out.

It is possible to brush matted hair out, but it can be distressing for the dog because it can be painful and can take a long time, depending on the severity of the problem.  This can add to the total cost of grooming.

You can prevent your dog’s hair from matting by brushing your dog’s coat regularly. It can also help if your dog has a style that suits your lifestyle.

For example, a shorter clip might be useful if you and your dog are outdoors a lot in all types of weather.

Alternately, if you are too busy to brush and maintain your dog’s coat, then your dog may need regular grooming appointments (every 4 to 6 weeks) and possibly a shorter trim to ensure matting does not become a problem.

Picking Up Your Dog 

Picking up your dog is our favourite part! The transformation can be amazing; sometimes the newly washed and cut coat can even be a much lighter colour.

Your dog should come out looking and smell fantastic. If this is your first time at the dog grooming salon, you may be surprised at the transformation.

This is a good time to ask for advice on how long you should wait until the next appointment. Some dogs need grooming more regularly than others. You can even make the next appointment while picking your dog up.

Take Your Newly Refreshed Dog Home

Make sure to give your dog plenty of cuddles and maybe a treat for being good while you were away, and to help your dog to enjoy future trips to the dog grooming salon.

The ideas provided on this page are courtesy of Charlie from the The Paw Pad, a Grooming Salon, Grooming School and Dog Day Care