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Posted by verypudelyyours on November 19, 2002 at 10:02:36:

In Reply to: Choosing A Groomer posted by PHMorgan on October 06, 2002 at 16:45:41:

:What are some qualifications for choosing a groomer? What kinds of things do you look for in a groomer, and how do you make the determination that a groomer will measure up?

It's fairly easy to become a groomer and go into business. I guess that's a good thing, but the drawback is that anybody can "hang their sign out" because groomer's don't have to be licensed. My experience with groomers, and I have taken my Miniature Poodle to several, is that even when I took her to a "professional", they didn't do that great of a job. There is only one groomer who I would allow to groom my dogs, I used to travel 4 hours round trip once a month. She recently retired and moved further away.

As far as what to look for in a groomer, I guess you have to ask them about their experience and ask to see a portfolio of dogs they have groomed. The saying "anybody can do a Poodle clip" is not true, and I've heard of many disgruntled Bichon owners who asked a groomer if they can do a Bichon clip, and yet their Bichons come home looking more like Poodles (in the Poodle clip called "the teddy bear" or panda clip)

Other than the environment and cleanliness of the grooming shop, I'd be sure to ask if the groomer "stacks" their appointments or if the dog has to stay there all day. You can either ask about the groomer's experience and go on what the groomer tells you, or go by word of mouth of another satisfied customer, or go by trial and error.

I used to take my Bichon to a groomer who did a very good Bichon clip, but I had to leave her at 9 am and pick her up between 3 pm or as late as 5 pm. That is too long of a day for a dog, in my opinion, and I'd never leave neither of my dogs all day again.

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