Taking your pup to the groomer can mean different things to different owners. Some are excited for their dogs to come out looking and smelling their best and others are nervous. So, as an owner, how can you make the experience better? How can you ensure your dog gets the haircut you want each time?
As dog groomers in Melbourne, this is something we deal with on a daily basis. We’re always asking pup parents how they want their dog to look and the response we often get is “Just a bit off”, “A cute cut” or “Whatever’s best”. As good as we are at our jobs, we’re not mind readers – which can make things tricky and sometimes lead to disappointment on the owner’s side.
With over a decade of experience, this is our complete guide to getting the haircut you want for your dog at the groomer.
When you take your pooch to a dog groomer in Melbourne, there are a couple of things you can do to make it easier for everyone. Not only can you prepare your dog for grooming but you can also follow these tips, so they come away with the perfect cut.
Short but not too short… Kind of like it was last time… A little longer around the ears…
These answers are all open to interpretation. What is short for you, might not be short for us. It’s best to be as clear as possible so there’s no room for confusion. Bring in photos, tell us in cm how you like the length and show us exactly what you mean when you say ‘around the ears’. Being precise means everyone is on the same page.
It’s always best to start your dog grooming appointment by talking to the groomer about what you like. The more information they know, the easier it will be to give you the cut you’re after. This is especially true if you’re not really sure about what you like or want. They’ll help to get the information out of you!
What’s more, try to avoid phrases such as ‘puppy cut’ or ‘teddy bear cut’ without explaining exactly what you mean. A teddy bear cut, for example, just means the same length all over. If that length isn’t specified, you might not get exactly the look you’re after.
It’s important to let your groomer know if there have been any changes in your dog’s health or behaviour. They need to be aware of injuries, skin problems or open wounds so they can cut your pup’s coat accordingly. It’s also a good idea to let them know if there have been any changes in the household, such as a new pet or baby. This can alter your pup’s behaviour which groomers need to be aware of to manage.
A key reason why pup parents don’t always get their desired look is that they haven’t maintained their dog’s coat between visits to the groomers. If you don’t brush your dog’s coat and check it for matting, your groomer won’t be able to do the desired trim because they’ll need to remove the mats first. A good dog grooming tip is to get your pooch used to being brushed from puppyhood. This will make it part of their routine and help the two of you to bond.
Balancing expectations and reality is difficult, but it’s important to know that not all dogs can have all haircuts. There are lots of breed-specific grooming styles which have been developed based on the texture of the breed’s hair and some dogs don’t even need to be trimmed! At The Dog Dazzlers, we’ll only trim your pup in the best way for their health and coat type. That may mean that you won’t get the exact look you’re after but they will get the best cut for them!
The more we get to know you and your furry friend, the easier it is to give them the perfect groom. Your pooch will trust us which makes the time they spend with us more enjoyable. We’ll bond with them and get to know you so we can understand your likes and dislikes so you get the perfect cut!
As we mentioned, it’s good to start brushing your pup at home when they’re a puppy. But we also advise bringing them to our dog groomers from a young age so they get used to the experience. Not only can we care for their coat early on and ensure it’s healthy, but they’ll also get used to the different smells, people and equipment. When your pup is calm (and even happy to come to the groomers!), it’s easier for us to groom them exactly how you’d like us to.
We know that there are some nightmare stories out there of owners barely recognising their pup after a grooming session. At The Dog Dazzlers, we take our time to really understand what kind of cut you want and talk you through the possibilities. Following these useful tips will help your groomer understand exactly how you want your dog to look so that you leave a happy pup parent. Book your pup in at The Dog Dazzlers to give them the pampering session they deserve!
Based in Burwood, our purpose built facility provides pups with all their daycare and grooming needs – find out more now:
If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.
If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.
