14/04/2025
Fabulous post by the BDGA! Now of course my customers do get an inside peek of the industry and get to see a lot of what goes on in the salon and how much work goes in to each dog! So many people comment that they had no idea how much time it took and how many tools, lotions and potions you need for one dog, so I am so glad i get to show you some of it!
What you don't see is the thought process going through my head as I'm chatting away to you about my plan of action..... I'm visually checking every inch of your dog, as I'm lifting their legs I'm aware of joint, ligament and tendon anatomy as to know which way I can and cannot manipulate them, I'm feeling for anything out of the ordinary, and watching the tiniest change in body language to tell me something is wrong. And as many of you will know I will always point out anything I come across that I think is worth keeping an eye on or even needs vet intervention.
You also don't see the hours of driving on the roads playing wacky races, the cramped attempt in the boot of my car to disinfect my table, scissors, blades and brushes in between each client before I arrive at your house, the thorough UV sterilisation of everything once I get home at nighttime, the hours writing up notes on each dogs progress and all the other paperwork and time that goes into being self employed. Most groomers put their heart and soul into this job and go home physically and mentally burnt out at the end of the day.......all for the love of dogs đ â¤ď¸
WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.
You didnât see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the dayâs appointments. You didnât see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.
You didnât see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didnât notice the matting hidden beneath your dogâs topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.
You werenât there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadnât noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dogâs wellbeing.
And after you left, you didnât see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.
All of that⌠for a price thatâs often lower than what youâd pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They donât have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.
The truth is âŚâŚ. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.
Itâs about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. Itâs about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. Itâs a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesnât mean they shouldnât be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.
If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - itâs not by luck. Itâs because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.
Tip them if you can. And above all - donât undervalue them.
Theyâre doing far more than just washing the dog.
If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk
Mobile in-home holistic groomer covering South/West Yorkshire. Fully qualified, pet first aid trained, insured and DBS checked. Welcome to the page!
