Professional Grooming
Even if you normally groom your Golden Retriever yourself, there may be times when you would like to have him groomed professionally by an experienced groomer. There are many excellent groomers everywhere that are capable dog professionals, but finding just the right person can be a daunting task when there are so many to choose from.
To find the right person, start by asking other dog owners or your veterinarian who they use. Try to go with someone who comes recommended. In order to find the groomer who can be the most helpful to you, it is a good idea to be clear about what you want them to do as far as trimming goes. Be sure to inform them of any skin or health conditions. Be prepared to present an updated copy of your dog's vaccinations, and be sure you clarify all fees ahead of time — remember, cheaper isn't necessarily better.
Grooming dogs is hard work. Often, people can be finicky about how they want their dog to look, but they don't mention it to the groomer until after they have completed the grooming. It's not fair to be unclear about your expectations and then disappointed in the results. Being a considerate consumer will help your dog to get the best grooming experience possible. You can earn your groomer's admiration by following a few simple tips.
Pick up your dog on time; don't leave him at the shop longer than necessary.
Brush your dog frequently at home and remove mats promptly — don't send a mess to a groomer and then expect miracles.
Ask the groomer how your dog behaved. Offer to work on foot handling, standing, or any other areas in which your dog was more difficult to handle.
Be understanding of your groomer's time, and try not to linger when you pick up your dog • Realize that many groomers work alone; try to be understanding if they are running behind.
Let your dog take a potty break before you bring him into the shop.
If you can't keep your appointment, cancel with as much notice as possible.
If you love your groomer, refer friends to them!
The Golden Retriever is a gorgeous dog with a style and flair all its own. There is nothing as beautiful as a healthy robust Golden that has been groomed to perfection. Learning to groom your Golden isn't a difficult task, but it may be more time consuming than you initially anticipated. You might consider having your dog professionally groomed every eight to ten weeks and simply doing maintenance brushing, ear and teeth cleaning, and mat checks in between. Keeping your Golden looking his best can be a shared effort. The benefits for you will be more time to relax and play with your Golden buddy.
