The Groomer Didn’t Finish the Haircut? The Reason Is Advocacy…
We ask a lot from our dogs to fit into “our world.” Grooming, vet visits, handling, training, and even walking on a leash are not natural experiences for dogs. It’s not always easy for them to fit into our modern world, but during potentially uncomfortable moments, it’s important to be conscientious and observe how our dogs communicate with us. It’s our responsibility to read their body language and react appropriately with their best interest as our focus. It’s our responsibility to advocate for our dogs
At Blossom Pet Salon, we want each dog to feel confident during the grooming process. Whether your pet is young, old, unbothered by grooming, or has had negative experiences in the past, we strive to build your dog’s confidence with grooming. Building confidence takes time and your dog decides the pace. For some dogs, grooming is a positive experience. For most, grooming is neutral. And other pets are still on their confidence journey!
Because grooming involves many sharp and dangerous tools, extra care must be taken when working with dogs who are not acclimated to the process. Dogs who exhibit behaviors such as, very sudden movements, biting or intense reactions, extreme stress, and other unsafe behaviors, significantly limit what we can complete during an appointment. In cases like this, we may not be able to give the best haircut, and sometimes, we may need to stop the service. The decisions your groomer makes during your pet’s appointment are made with the intention of advocating for your pet. We are looking out for your dog’s physical safety, but also for their state of mind. If your pet is experiencing significant stress or displaying unsafe behaviors, we’ll have a transparent conversation with you. We’ll discuss any behaviors that need addressing, what you can do at home, and we’ll make a plan for how we can help your dog succeed for future grooming services.
As a pet parent, it might feel frustrating when your dog is sent home from the grooming salon with a half-completed or sub-par haircut. We want you to be happy with your service, but we will always choose your dog’s needs first. While it may not be what you were expecting, it’s a good sign that your groomer has made your dog’s well being their priority. It’s not healthy, physically or mentally, for your dog to be pushed significantly over their threshold. In fact, having a “get it done no matter what” approach, without attention to your dog’s mental state, will probably make grooming harder for your dog in the future.
As groomers our passion for dogs is like no other. We want to see your dog succeed! If we are unable to complete a service or if your dog is displaying high stress levels or unsafe behavior, we may recommend more frequent grooming appointments or “happy visits.” Frequent appointments will give us an opportunity to build a healthy relationship with your dog and acclimate your dog to the process, routine, and stimuli of grooming. When grooming becomes consistent and more frequent, it becomes more normal and less stressful. Happy visits are short training sessions with lots of treats and positive reinforcement to build a neutral or positive association with the salon. In more severe cases, we might recommend veterinary prescribed medications or even working with a trainer as part of a long-term plan for building confidence and setting your pet up for success with grooming.
When you book an appointment with us, we advocate for your dog’s needs. We aim to find a balance that fits your desires for their haircut and what is best for their coat, health, and state of mind. But we will choose your dog first! Sometimes that means a shorter haircut than what you prefer, a half-completed service, or in some cases a service that couldn’t be started. If you are willing to partner with us to collaborate on a care plan for your dog, we are ready and willing to put that plan into action! We’ve noticed that many other grooming salons forget to explain the “why” behind their decisions and the care each pet receives, which is why we will always be transparent and honest when communicating with you to foster a trusting relationship. That way both you and your groomer can advocate for your dog!