06/27/2023
Excellent advice from fellow groomer:
Annual post on matts and shaving dogs... *prepare thyself* lol.
With more doodles/ cockapoos/ poodle mix dogs on my books than ever, and lots messaging through each week wanting to book in (particularly now the sun's out it has been super busy with appointment requests☀️)
I thought it useful to put a post addressing matting and how you are able to help groomers prevent it!
It doesn't ever have to happen, all it takes is a little care and attention on your part as your dog's owner, and your dog can remain fluffy and fabulous all year round!
Even if you want a shorter cut for heat or the summer, your dog can still look beautiful and not something that resembles a rodent (anyone who has ever had their dog shaved all over will vouch for/knows this one🙈 especially with certain breeds.lol.)
Groomers DO NOT enjoy shaving your dog! Your dog is our walking advertisement.
We want your pooch to look amazing the same as you do.
However. With that said, never EVER should vanity come before comfort.
Putting your dog through hours of dematting is painful and uncomfortable on your dog and mentally difficult and painful for a groomer - imagine not being able to comb your hair out without it getting stuck in a tat tight on your scalp, and you've an idea how your dog feels when we have to de-matt them.
When matting is considered serious/ severe, a shave down is the only option.
This is when we cut/clip below the matts, so as to remove them, it depends how tight matts are to the skin, how much hair we can leave on the body and how shortly shaved your dog will actually be.
So, what do you do?
You play an active role in maintaining your dog's coat, with REGULAR brushing AND combing at home. The comb is your best friend's best friend!🐶
Take the coat, separate where you want to check, take your comb and flow it through the coat. If it brushes freely - all is good, great news - no matts, woohoo!
We can style however you want😁 you need to check THIS ALL over the body. Problem areas include, legs, underbelly, chest, muzzle, ears, hind quarters, legs, armpits, chest, neck ..etc.
If the comb gets stuck - not so great news, there are matts and these may need shaved out depending on how tight they are.
You attend regularly for grooming appointments however often your groomer requests/recommends (4/6/8 weekly).
There is also the option of mini grooming and brush and blow drying, something worth considering if you are not the most productive at looking after your dog's coat needs.. either between grooms can be a life saver - well worth it, and keeps pesky matts at bay!
You listen and actively take part in the advice your groomer bestows upon you!
Any suggestions and education your groomer provides you with (it is our job to help and educate you😁) is for you and your dog's benefit, including how often to visit, correct tool choice, method of brushing and combing, and how to keep on top of the coat care for whatever style you have chosen.
You give the required notice if unable to make your appointment.
Please keep in mind your groomer is busy, and the job is their income - if you don't bother to turn up, and you have booked their time - they are now down that money.
Can you imagine if 4/5/6 people do this in one week? It all adds up and impacts greatly from a financial and business perspective.
It's common decency and courtesy to pay for someone's time you have booked!
It's also on you to remember the appointments you book. Don't rely on someone else to remind you. Take accountability and keep yourself right, if you need to get a little diary to write it down in - I do this (I know this is the only way I remember my stuff when life gets busy!)📖
