I need to find a groomer for my Sammy. He's 14 weeks old and I would like to go ahead and get him introduced and start him out slowly with the groomer. I have been combing and brushing him here at home and have even been bathing him and blowing him dry. He's not ready to spend a full day at the groomers yet.


What kind of questions should I ask a groomer and what should I expect back from a good one?

Thanks!

Anyone can tell me?
thx

Any groomer you take him to should be licensed or have some kind of professional training. I have heard horror stories from some of my customers about people who call themselves groomers, but have treated their dogs badly, done an abominable job on the haircut, and skipped vital steps, like trimming the toenails and plucking ear hair. The major chain stores like PetSmart and Petco have their groomers go through an intensive grooming academy, as well as a kind of apprentice period where they learn even more. I can't speak for others working at other stores, but in my salon at a PetSmart, we are first and foremost about the safety and health of the dog or cat being groomed. With puppies, you also have to be careful about not traumatizing them their first time in. I would call around or visit different places, including big and small private salons, chain ones like the one I work at, and even mobile groomers who work out of a van outfitted with the latest grooming equipment. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

It has been said that finding a groomer is like looking for a great baby sitter and a great hairdresser in the same package. Not only do you want to find someone who can give your pet a good haircut, but you want your pet treated with care and respect. Making a choice can be difficult. Look in the Yellow Pages and you will find that most of the groomers listed pretty much say the same things, all attesting to be the perfect spot for your 'Spot' to land.

from: ON CHOOSING A GROOMER by Barbara BirdI LOVE DOGS! It has been said that finding a groomer is like looking for a great baby sitter and a great

This might help you...PetGroomer.com Pet and Dog Groomer Resource with Grooming Schools

Don't bother looking for a licensed groomer if you're in the US, because there isn't a state that licenses groomers at this point in time. A few states do require grooming SHOPS to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture, but they're primarily looking at things like cleanliness and adequate housing for the animals.

You can look for certified groomers, though. Look for CMG or NCMG (Certified Master Groomer, or Nationally Certified Master Groomer. While this is no guarantee that the groomer will handle pets humanely, but they should know how to groom a dog correctly.

When you're checking out a shop, first notice how clean it is. Does it look clean and smell clean? Ask for a tour of their facilities. Ask how they dry the dogs; with cage dryers, or on a table with stand or high velocity dryers. Avoid shops that only use cage dryers. They can be dangerous, and you really need to fluff dry a dog on the table if you want to get a good groom. Ask how long your dog will need to stay. Ask if they have a vet on call in case of emergency. Ask if anyone in the shop has taken a pet CPR class, and knows basic pet first aid.

When you schedule an appointment, the groomer should ask several questions besides "How do you want your dog groomed?" They should ask, and write down, who your vet is. They should ask if your dog has any medical issues they need to be aware of. They should ask if your dog has ever had an allergic reaction to shampoos, conditioners, or colognes. They should have you sign a release to obtain emergency medical care. If they don't ask, you should offer the information, or take your pet elsewhere.