I am a dog groomer, ask me anything.

[Thesecretlifeofadoggroomer]

What it says on the tin AMA

Why is it so very hard to get a groomer in the uk that knows what it is and also can execute a decent pony cut on a crested? Three different times and three different groomers to my girl and then delivered my back a a shaved dog with random patches of hair.

I have a Labrador that sheds in March and October. Is there something that a dog groomer could do to reduce the hair she leaves on my carpet?

I am due my first baby in March and the thought of a new born and ALL of the dogs hair makes me feel a bit ick!

Do you save a little collection of knots to show and shame the owner when they come to collect?

And sorry, one of my dogs is a scissor-hating shih tzu. I'm very grateful to my groomer!

@Thesecretlifeofadoggroomer

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.

What does stripping them mean? I brush mine daily, and get loads off! He's only a pup, he's been to the groomers once and I said, 'tidy him up' so she trimmed him but I didn't like his whiskers being cut off so was wondering what to ask for next time. I'm happy to leave his long slightly scruffy coat but I prefer the groomer to trim his nails and clean his ears because I'm not sure how to do that! He also smelt amazing when he had been. Thanks

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

Cantbeassed – good luck hope you get him feeling great!

Our spaniel has had a horrible mat on his ear. Between trimming with scissors and brushing I have almost got to the bottom of it.
My issue now is the very end of the may is greasy (very sticky) and kinda solid. I can't tell where his ear actually ends so don't want to trim more.
My plan was to try and bathe it. Is this stupid considering its matted?

Amiaweed- no not stupid, generally as a groomer we cut them but add water and a little bit of conditioner rub the mattt. Making sure you get all the conditioner In, and you will start to feel the part between the end of the ear and the matt. Again just rub there until it starts to loosen and a gap will form
and then you should be able to get the scissors there. And then leave to dry or blow dry whilst brushing to prevent further matting. Hope you get it sorted :)

My little dog has feet that smell deliciously earthy. I cuddle him and sniff his feet in long inhales. Am I weird?

Also, what's your favorite breed?

Can I add that I think Dog Groomer is one career with the most growth potential - as dog ownership is massively on the rise and as people's disposable income gets increasingly spent on luxury pet products. The person who starts the Vidal Sasson of dog grooming will be a millionaire.

I have a Belington with a bit of poodle thrown ín. Her coat is Belington on her head and neck then thick straight fur with wispy wiry hairs thrown in. I also suspect she has no or a thin undercoat (you can see her skin very easily and she get cold easily). All in all it's a PITA to groom. She is very sensitive to pulling and hates going to the groomers. She was traumatized after the last time, so have taken over clipping duties. My question is how do you deal with anxious dogs and do you have any advice for a beginner in general.

Thanks In advance.

I decided that I would finally shower and trim my boy.
He loathes water to begin with so wasn’t best pleased with me.
The clipper work is shoddy at best and the scissoring is appaling.
I have never begrudged Lauren her money, I definitely don’t now

Ooh. Excellent, thanks SecretLife.

Any experience with Newfoundlands? If so, what tools do you recommend for grooming them, especially for people with hands that can seize up? I try to brush my girl every few days but don't always manage, and she's not a fan of having her stomach done. I have a good sized metal comb, a brush that can do up with velcro over my hand so I don't have to hold it (and which the dog likes to try to eat), and a few other things. Dematting combs scare me a bit; can I damage her hair with them?