What Groomers Wish Every Dog Owner Knew Before Their Appointment

TLDR;

Groomers want dog owners to prioritise their pet’s comfort over appearance, maintain regular home grooming, and clearly communicate health or behavioral issues before the appointment. Preparation at home and honest discussion with your groomer ensures a safer, less stressful grooming experience for both the dog and the professional.

Why Dog Groomer Preparation Matters More Than You Think

Most dog grooming mishaps aren’t due to lack of skill—they happen because owners didn’t prepare their dogs properly or failed to share important information.

Groomers at Careers Collectiv stress this constantly: a smooth grooming session starts at home. From daily brushing to sharing allergy info, what happens before the appointment often determines how successful the visit is.

Think of a grooming appointment like a job interview—you wouldn’t show up unprepared and neither should your dog.

Groomers Aren’t Just Stylists—They’re Caretakers

Behind every “puppy cut” or tidy trim is a trained professional managing canine emotions, hygiene risks, and even early health detection. Groomers wish more owners realised:

They’re not miracle workers—severely matted coats might need shaving
They prioritise your dog’s well-being over cosmetic trends
They want your dog to enjoy grooming, not fear it

What Groomers Expect from You

Dog groomers aren’t just trimming fur—they’re handling a living, moving, sometimes nervous animal. Here’s what they hope you’ll do:

Brush your dog at home, especially for long-haired breeds
Let them know about behavioral issues (e.g., nipping, fear of dryers)
Disclose any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs
Avoid unrealistic expectations—don’t ask for a look that’s impossible for your dog’s coat type or condition

A lack of preparation often leads to:

Longer appointments
Higher stress for the dog
More grooming charges
Potential injuries or sedation recommendations

At-Home Prep Before Grooming Day

You can’t just show up and hope for the best. Preparing your dog before the appointment sets everyone up for success.

Daily/Weekly Grooming Routine

Brushing:
- Long-haired breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus, Doodles): Daily brushing
- Double-coated dogs (e.g., Huskies, Shepherds): Undercoat rake during shedding season
- Curly coats (e.g., Poodles): Use slicker brushes and metal combs
- Short-haired breeds (e.g., Beagles): Weekly brushing to remove loose fur
Bathing:
- Only bathe 48+ hours before an appointment if needed
- Use a pH-balanced dog shampoo
- Never use human shampoo—it dries out the skin
Paw & Ear Handling Training:
- Gently touch paws and ears daily to desensitise
- Use treats during nail trims or when introducing a brush
Dryer Desensitisation:
- Let your dog hear the hairdryer at low settings
- Reward calm behavior during the sound exposure
Potty & Exercise:
- Take your dog for a potty break and a short walk before drop-off
- A tired dog is usually calmer and less reactive

What to Tell Your Groomer (And How to Say It)

Clear communication is crucial. Don’t assume your groomer knows what you mean by “just a trim.”

Bring a written or printed note with the following:

Coat length preference (e.g., “5mm puppy cut all over”)
Special focus areas (e.g., “trim around eyes, sanitary area clean”)
Areas to avoid (e.g., “do not trim tail, ears are sensitive”)
Health notes (e.g., “has hip dysplasia—be gentle lifting legs”)
Behavior warnings (e.g., “snaps when ears are touched”)
Allergies (e.g., “no peanut butter treats, allergic to oats”)

This keeps expectations aligned and avoids post-groom surprises.

Choosing the Right Grooming Salon

Not all groomers or salons are equal. Here’s what to consider:

Cleanliness: Floors, tables, tools should be sanitised between dogs
Experience with your dog’s breed
Handling philosophy: Look for “force-free” grooming practices
Reviews: Check Google or Facebook feedback
Price transparency: Ask for base rates, dematting fees, and extras
Cancellation and late policies

Red flag: If a groomer refuses to discuss handling techniques or health protocols, look elsewhere.

Day-of Appointment: Checklist for Owners

Prepare everything your dog might need for the visit.

What to Bring

Leash or harness (secure, no retractable leads)
Vaccination record (especially for new salons)
Written instructions (coat length, health issues, allergies)
Comfort item (e.g., small towel with your scent, chew toy)
Brush (if specific tools are required or helpful)

What to Do

- Potty your dog before drop-off
- Give a light meal at least 1 hour before
- Avoid high-energy play right before
- Stay calm—your dog will mirror your energy

What Happens After the Groom?

The visit doesn’t end when your dog looks cute. Post-groom care ensures long-term coat and skin health.

Inspect skin and coat: Look for redness, bumps, or irritation
Brush lightly: Especially if your dog is prone to matting again quickly
Provide water and let them rest: Grooming can be exhausting
Observe behavior: If your dog is licking or chewing excessively, call the groomer or vet

Mistakes That Make Groomers’ Jobs Harder

Want your groomer to love you? Avoid these common pitfalls:

Bringing a wet or dirty dog
- Sand, mud, or soaked coats make grooming longer and riskier
Using human products at home
- They strip natural oils, cause itchiness, and can burn skin
Not brushing between grooms
- Leads to painful matting and often results in full shaving
Expecting a “show dog” result from a neglected coat
Failing to mention fear or aggression
- Creates a dangerous working environment

Breed-Specific Prep Tips You Might Not Know

Every breed has quirks. Here’s what groomers wish you understood:

Poodles & Doodles

Must be brushed DAILY
Mats form close to skin and are often invisible until too late
Need full grooms every 4-6 weeks

Double-Coated Dogs (e.g., Huskies, Golden Retrievers)

Never shave the coat—it damages their natural insulation
Use deshedding tools and regular blowouts to manage shedding
Bathe only when dirty and always dry thoroughly

Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Boxers)

Wipe folds regularly
Use gentle shampoos for sensitive skin
Trim nails more frequently due to fast growth

Seniors or Anxious Dogs

Book early-day appointments
Limit grooming time
Use calming chews if recommended by a vet

Why Careers Collectiv Cares About This

At Careers Collectiv, we don’t just train future professionals—we help educate pet owners too.

As experts in online animal care training, we work closely with groomers who tell us the same thing: a little preparation from dog owners goes a long way.

Whether you’re training to be a professional groomer or booking your first grooming appointment, this guide ensures the experience is positive for everyone—especially your dog.