There are some dogs who love bath and grooming time. But other dogs dread going to the groomer. They don’t like the idea of baths, blow dryers, nail trimmers, teeth brushing, or being touched with various grooming tools like shears or clippers. They can become quite anxious about visits to the groomer.

If you can find a groomer who can build a relationship with your dog, it can make the whole experience safer and easier. The relationship that develops between a groomer and your dog is based on trust. They both need to have confidence in each other, and neither of them should be afraid of what the other might do. If you think about it, when a dog is being cleaned, coiffed, and cut, there’s a lot of personal space involved.

Finding a groomer who is professional, skilled, and understanding can help your dog have positive grooming experiences. You can start by introducing grooming activities at home and then following up with low-stress appointments with the groomer during their early socialization period. This can help set them up for successful visits later.

Let’s talk about how to find the right groomer for your dog, and what you should expect before, during, and after appointments. If your dog hates going to the groomer, you can help them feel better about being groomed and put them at ease.

Finding the Best Dog Groomer

Research Local Dog Groomers

A logical place for your search to begin is by searching for local groomers or asking your friends who are dog parents. Your breeder may be able to provide a good recommendation. You can also get recommendations from your vet, a local rescue, or your dog’s trainer. Some vet clinics have on-site grooming services too. Doggie daycares often have a mobile groomer who schedules regular visits.

You may want to find several groomers and make a plan to visit all of them. Great grooming salons have open-door policies and encourage possible clients to come and visit their shops. They should offer a tour and you can ask about groomer preferences. Some groomers are great with specific breeds, ages, and other specific needs.

For example, breeds with shorter hair don’t need a full groom, they just need a bath, nail trims, and a brush-out. Talk about a wash-and-wear type of groom! Breeds with longer coats like Poodles and the Maltese, need very precision grooms, so the groomer should be skilled with scissors and have a certain level of expertise when it comes to grooming specific breeds.

Questions to Ask the A Groomer

1. Do they require animals they service to be current on vaccinations? (They should!)
2. Do they sanitize tables, crates, equipment, etc. between animals? (Again, they should!)
3. What kind of shampoo and conditioner do they use? Are they gentle and environmentally safe?
4. Do they limit how long a dog is in a crate?
5. Are their methods safe, humane, and dog-friendly? Kindness and safety are key characteristics of any place you choose to take your dog. Dogs on grooming tables should always be safely restrained to prevent them from falling off the table or out of a tub.
6. How are dogs dried? Are they hand-blown dry or do they use towels or drying cages? Ask about the types of precautions they take to make sure dogs don’t overheat while being dried. Blow drying by hand is usually the least stressful and safest option.

Discuss Your Grooming Expectations

A good groomer will take the time needed to discuss your concerns and expectations. Tell them about any grooming anxieties your dog exhibits, any limitations, or specific needs. You’ll also want to let them know if it’s your dog’s first time to be groomed, or if it’s been a long time since they were groomed. Groomers should stop if a dog shows moderate to high levels of fear or stress. This helps the dog become more comfortable with grooming. Make sure they know that you are okay with this. A dog that is nervous or anxious about being groomed may find a full groom overwhelming, so it makes take two or three visits to finish.

It's okay to bring photos of the cut you’d like to have for your dog. When talking about it with the groomer, be as detailed as possible. If you don’t have a cut in mind or are not sure which cut is best for your dog, ask the groomer about the norms for that breed. They may be able to offer some ideas from their years of experience.

If your goal is to get a cut that is easy to maintain, you’ll want to keep things simple and short. The fancier the cut, the more daily maintenance and trimming will be needed. Knowledgeable groomers will take time to listen, ask questions, and work with you so you get a customized grooming plan that will be focused on your dog’s well-being and comfort.

How Often Do Dogs Need to Be Groomed?

Some dogs require hair cutting as part of their coat care. If this is the case, grooming frequency depends on how often you brush at home and your style preferences. If you want to keep your dog’s coat longer, you’ll have to brush it daily to make sure it stays free from tangles and mats. They will need grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, on average.

If you’d prefer an easier at-home routine, or you want to extend time between trips to the groomer, you may request your dog’s coat be cut shorter. You’ll still need to brush them daily to help keep their hair from matting up as it grows. If you provide proper brushing and coat care at home, you might be able to wait between 8 and 12 weeks between visits to the groomer. That will, of course, depend on your dog’s coat.

How Long Will Grooming Take?

The length of a grooming appointment depends on the services that are being performed, your dog’s size, their tolerance of grooming, and the groomer’s skill. A lot of shops request dogs be dropped off in the morning and picked up later in the afternoon. Other shops provide a specific time to drop off dogs and call you once they have finished grooming. For most dogs, the second option is best, especially for dogs that are nervous about going to the groomer. Make sure to ask the groomer how long it will take when you drop them off.

Here's a look at some estimates on how long grooming may take.

• Smaller dogs under 20 pounds: 90 minutes to 2 hours.
• Medium-sized dogs between 21 and 65 pounds: 90 minutes to 2 ½ hours.
• Larger dogs over 65 pounds: 2 to 3 hours or longer.

Good groomers will understand your concerns and be prepared to answer any questions you may have. They may also be able to provide some suggestions on how to make your pup feel better about being groomed. They will be diligent about establishing and maintaining trust with your dog. You should feel comfortable about leaving your dog with them for a few hours.