How to Choose the Right Dog Groomer with Dr Katrina

As a dog owner, choosing the right dog groomer for your dog is an important decision.  Houndztooth’s brand ambassador, Dr Katrina Warren offers her valuable tips to help make your decision easier. 

Having had Toby, her famous border collie, and her current border collie, Chill, as well as working with The Wonderdogs for years, Dr Katrina has a lot of experience grooming her dogs.

The COVID pandemic has seen a significant increase in pet ownership across Australia, and as a result, we have seen an increase in demand for dog groomers. Poodle crosses have become extremely popular family pets, and these dogs require regular clipping to maintain their coats. 

A professional groomer will not only ensure your dog is washed and clean, but most offer a range of services, including removing mats, clipping, cleaning ears, clipping nails, expressing anal glands, and deshedding the undercoat from double-coated breeds.

You need to be able to trust your groomer to look after your precious pet, and you want to make sure the experience is a positive one for you and your dog. One bad grooming experience can have a lifelong impact on your dog, so take your time when selecting the right groomer.

So just how do you go about finding the right groomer? Here are 8 tips to help make this important decision.

1. Ask for a recommendation – ask your friends and other dog owners if they can recommend someone in your area.
2. Visit the salon – make sure you are happy with the cleanliness, ventilation and how/where your dog will be confined when not being groomed. Are the tables, tubs and grooming clean? Does the salon feel calm, not manic?
3. Are you comfortable with the way staff interact with you, your dog and their clients’ dogs? Are they gentle and caring? Importantly, are you comfortable leaving your dog there?
4. Ask if the groomer has any qualifications, how long they have worked in the industry, and their experience with your dog’s breed and coat type. Groomers in Australia are not required to have any formal training, but many courses are available. Zoom Groom is also a good choice for you.
5. Ask what products they use and research the products – look for all-natural products formulated for dogs.  Houndztooth’s pet shampoo & conditioner range includes goat milk shampoo for dogs which is naturally-derived for dogs with problem skin.  If your dog suffers from sensitive or itchy skin, ask your dog groomer if they use your own natural shampoo. Houndztooth’s  Stella’s Blend No.2 Manuka honey dog shampoo is hypoallergenic to help manage your dog’s skin. Some groomers are happy to use your own natural shampoo on your dog if you ask while making an appointment.
6. Chat to staff and get a feel for how they work, what services they offer your dog, and what is involved with their groom. E.g. do they clip nails and clean ears?
7. Check if they have liability insurance and a First Aid kit.
8. Find out the cost in advance – you don’t want any surprises, and grooming some dogs can be quite a time-consuming task.

Stella’s Blend No.2 The Works Value Pack

$85.95

Stella’s blend grooming collection is specifically formulated to nourish your dog’s delicate skin.  Combined with our Coco’s Blend No.4 Rescue & Relief natural topical spray for your dog’s skin. Low-irritant goat milk and oatmeal natural dog shampoo carefully formulated with Australian almond oil and Manuka honey extract. Love, luxe, and lustre Lather up glamorous coats To shine like Stella The Works Value Pack: 1 x Stella’s Blend No.2 Dog Shampoo 500ml 1 x Stella’s Blend No.2 Conditioning & Deodoriser Spray 250ml 1 x Coco’s Blend No.4 Rescue & Relief Spray    

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If you are a dog owner that prefers to have your dog groomed at home there are many mobile dog groomers available which can be more convenient and relaxing for your dog.  If you chose to use a mobile dog groomer then we recommend applying Dr Katrina’s tips to choosing the right mobile dog groomer for you and your dog.

A full list of Houndztooth’s approved groomers using our pet shampoo & conditioner range can be located on our stockists page.