23/03/2026
It’s not just a haircut..
A lot of people sadly still view dog grooming as a hobby profession or have the opinion that it is ‘just cutting dogs hair’ and as such the industry on the whole is so undervalued.
The truth is if you’ve found a quality groomer, they likely do more than you even realise…
Upon arrival your dog groomer will greet your dog, this might seem like just a basic hello but your groomer is analysing your dogs personality and presentation to them and adjusting their own body language, voice tone and approach dependent on if your dog is excitable/shy/fearful so as to immediately attune to your dog and help set them at ease. So much behavioural information processed in a matter of seconds!
Then the groom takes place. Throughout the process your groomer will be communicating with your dog without so much as a word (although many of us also chatter and sing to them too!). Most groomers will be able to read your dogs body language and behavioural signs and respond accordingly setting them at ease and adjusting where needs be. Stiff hips? We can find another way to get around the back legs. Uncomfortable having around the mouth touched or held? Work a different angle on the head until they are acclimatised to it. Your dog may not enjoy being groomed (although many definitely do!) but they all should be afforded a comfortable and safe experience. The reason so many groomers have bad backs? It’s the literal gymnastics we perform moving around your dogs during a groom to keep them happy 😆
The styling itself is an art. A skilled groomer won’t just produce basic haircuts, they will look over your dogs whole conformation and make decisions in the styling that will bring out the absolute best final look. This not only applies to pedigree dogs but also to crossbreeds, unless you have a specific style in mind many groomers will envision many different looks on your dog before opting for the one to best suit their features. Rounded muzzle/square muzzle/teddy bear face/ beard and eyebrows/ear length … it’s all carefully considered based on your individual dog. Style choice is also determined by how much maintenance you are able and willing to put in at home too and why it’s so important to be transparent with your groomer and come to a mutual understanding before the appointment takes place. Don’t worry if a short style is your only option, short can still be cute!
After the groom, of course playtime! Also time for a groomer to make note of any new or unusual lumps/bumps or potential medical issues. Even just a change from your dogs typical behaviour that may just needs a little monitoring, it will all be mentioned to you upon collection and the information can be passed along to your vet if needs be.
Often a groomer is blessed with being a dogs sole groomer throughout their life, or for a large portion of it. This is perfect for building a great bond of trust and for a groomer to truly know your dog inside and out, they will notice signs of aging and slowing down and adjust their grooming and handling of that dog accordingly. Trust us when we say when you lose them it’s like we’ve also lost one of our own.
Dog grooming is a physically and often emotionally challenging job, but it is a passion , a vocation and incredibly rewarding to those that fall in love with it as I have for more than 20 years and counting ❤️
