I am a dog groomer, ask me anything.

[Thesecretlifeofadoggroomer]

What it says on the tin AMA

Which breeds scare you?

Non really, however I'm more weary around smaller dogs. Because with a larger dog if their aggressive you can move quicker and spot the signs quicker.

But with a smaller dog such as a chihuahua they move so quick there more likely to bite you.

Do you do anal glands as standard?

Strangely enough, I decided I am going to do some grooming training this morning!
I have a Bedlington and we are planning to move to Spain in around 3 years. I would like to be competent enough to groom him myself.
I have just looked at grooming courses.
Do you think a certificate followed by a diploma would enable me to do that?

We do not do anal glads, I wouldnt do that for all the money in the world hahah. We inform the customer and recommend they go to a vet as soon as possible.

Sorry do you mean to do your own dog or open a business???

How many matted oodles are you seeing?

Any tips for paws? My labradors feet smell disgusting!

Sorry, to do my own dog.
Also, have you been watching pooch perfect?

Have you ever done a teddy bear cut on a Pomeranian or could you? Just curious

What’s your favourite and worst breed to groom and why?

I would expect glands done if I'd booked a full groom. As well as nails and ears.

@LegoandClarance

I would expect glands done if I'd booked a full groom. As well as nails and ears.

Sounds like OP isn’t the groomer for you then.

TheQueef –
Plenty! Even in normal times, they are the dogs that mostly come in with matts! But when they don’t…perfect!
Girlcursh – My little girl has this; she is a bullmastiff but her feet stink hhaha. I use coconut oil, mixed with a little water to wash them every so often (also because she has really dry paws) but other than that I try and use a professional shampoo in between grooms just for her feet as to much washing can cause irritation. I wouldn’t use any perfumed products as this can irate her paws.
However have you checked for any cuts? Infections? As this can sometimes be the case 😊
Mydogisagentleman – You don’t necessarily need any qualifications to groom your own dog, just watch youtube videos and learn. Some people may say this is wrong but if your dedicated on learning yourself then do it. you could do a course but they are extremely expensive, and if its only for your dog then it is pretty pointless.
It can be a pain if you nick the dog and then take her/him to a groomers and the dog is therefore scared, but if you are dedicated to grooming him/her keep on with it and if you don’t get it the first time don’t be disheartened. Just keep trying, its not easy hahaha but you will get there.
I haven’t watched it yet :’), my husband has been watching it as he is a dog groomer too. I have heard brilliant things about it though!
Hm2020 – YES!! And it looks AMAZING! Like a literal little teddy bear! Whenever they come into the shop I’m straight over like MINE! hahah
Youboughtmeawall – As I have said above the poms, they just finish perfect and then poodles and doodles if their fur is intact they are just beautiful dogs!
LegoandCkarance – Nails and ears is definitely in with the full groom, but you have to be trained in anal glands and any groomer doing it without training is playing a dangerous game. Personally, I think it is a vets job.
Loving these questions guys, I love talking about my job, I think people get sick of me in real life! :’) :’) :’) hahaha

You bought me a wall - sorry I missed the worst groom, although I genuinely don't hate to groom any breed, the most challenging dog to groom is probably a yorkie. Only the really skinny tea cup ones that are like bones as you have to take more time as they are really easy to nick. However temprement wise, the shih tzu, there all little gets 😂😂😂 joking most are lovely but out of all the breeds the shih tzu seems to be the more "listen lady keep them scissors away from me"
😂😂

I was expecting you to say one of the massive ones was the worst! But the tiny ones! How cute.

How would you groom a long haired Jack Russell? Would you trim the fur?

You bought me a wall - you have got more room to style with the bigger ones haha. give me a fat lapo any day. No folds, no wrinkles, just pure fat to just glide the clippers over... Bliss haha. I'm sure lots of other groomers will disagree as they don't half kill your arms 😂😂

I once saw a video of a groomer on LadBible and it looked like incredibly hard work. How did you get into the business and what qualifications do you you need?

Shieldingending - You are meant to strip them at least twice a year. But most people don't like it and either want them shaving off, teddy beared or yes trim all around. No arguing with customers haha. I do prefer a trim all around as its neater as doesn't disturb the coat.

I have a lhasa apso cross. Due to lockdown and the fact his hair grows so quickly iv been grooming him myself. His body is fine and i can stay on top of this with regards to preventing matting but under his ears are a nightmare..should i just completely shave this area..and tips would be really helpful

Still going to work - It is, it is so hard haha. Especially dogs that are personally offended that you want to groom them and do everything they can to stop you haha.

Your back brakes, you get dry hands, arthritis, sore hands, sore feet, some groomers have even had slipped disks because of the job. But I love my job! Would never do anything else!

Legally you don't need any qualifications, you can just open one tomorrow as long as you have insurance.

It's abit all over the place at the moment, as groomers are wanting it to become law that you have to have qualifications to open.

However if they did id be flugged, Ive been doing this ten years! Personally I don't think qualifications count for everything, they can help but experience is key. But that is just my opinion.

Can't be assed - personaly I wouldn't shave under the eyes due too irratation and possibly cutting. If he is okay with it use a comb to brush the hair forward and then chop with scissors making you don't touch the skin.

If he doesn't like it..Calmly, prefrebly in a calm environment..Get the scissors and close them and make sure the point is away from the eyeball. Gently glide the closed scissors over the area and then praise, eventually snip and then close and snip. Get her used to the feeling of the scissors on her before snipping, this has worked wonders on many dogs that hated their under eyes being done haha.

Sorry 'cantbeassed' I mean him not her haha

dont think he'l mind...many thanks..due to give him a clip in next couple of days so i'll take your advice on board..