How To Choose A Reliable Cocker Spaniel Dog Groomer
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"Not All Dog Groomers Are Suitably Experienced In Grooming Cocker Spaniels"
Finding A Reliable Cocker Spaniel Dog Groomer
Many dog owners learn to groom their own dogs but if you don't have the time or the inclination, you might like to use a professional Cocker Spaniel groomer.
Additionally, if you intend to show your dog, it may be advisable to use a professional groomer who specialises in the Cocker Spaniel breed and who is familiar with the grooming standard required for showing.
If you know what you're looking for, it's fairly simple to choose a professional groomer.
However, if you've never owned a dog before, or you've never used a groomer before, you may wonder where to begin!
We recommend you try to get a referral from friends or a fellow dog walker, or contact your local veterinary practice to see if they can recommend a good professional dog groomer.
Ideally, make an appointment to visit the groomer's premises without your dog to allow you the opportunity to have a look around, ask a few quesitons, and to get to know the groomer better.
Questions To Ask Potential Dog Groomers
It's important to find out as much as possible about your groomer if you are going to entrust your pet to them.
There are a few basic questions you should ask when you first contact a potential groomer. We recommend you at least ask the following:
Find out how many years they've been grooming, and what experience they have with the Cocker Spaniel breed.
Ask what's included in the standard grooming package, and ask how much it costs.
Ask how your dog will be dried, for example, will he be air-dried or will he be put into a crate to dry off? Ask how often they check their wards to prevent overheating whilst being blow-dried.
Enquire about hand stripping. We strongly advise hand stripping your Cocker Spaniel so that he retains his beautifully, glossy top coat - please note, you should hand strip your Cocker if you intend to show him.
Ask what other services they offer and their prices.
Do they keep complete pet records, ie including grooming, vaccinations, emergency contact details etc?
Does the dog groomer make you feel uneasy, or do you feel comfortable speaking to them? Did they make a good impression?
It's very important that you communicate clearly with your dog groomer. If you aren't very clear about what it is that you want, you may be disappointed with the results.
If you're not sure what you want, ask your groomer what your options are, and be sure you understand what they intend to do - that way, there won't be any disappointments.
Visit The Groomer's Premises
When you find a groomer that you like, you can then make arrangements to visit. When you arrive, look around the premises and ask yourself the following questions:
Do the premises look and smell clean?
Are they well-lit?
Does the groomer seem organised?
If possible, watch the groomer while they work - do they handle the pets gently and with care?
Are their qualifications and other certificates displayed on the wall? If so, have a look at them; when and why were they awarded?
The groomer may also display photographs of pets that they have groomed previously. Have a good look at the coat; is it shining and smooth; does it look professionally groomed?
You might like to bear the following points in mind:
If you have groomed your dog as a puppy, he should be fairly familiar and at ease with the grooming process.
If your dog is not too comfortable with strangers, ask how the groomer would handle the situation to make sure your dog stayed calm, and didn't become too stressed.
You may need to stay with your dog on his first visit, until he feels comfortable with the groomer.
Using a dog groomer for the first time can be a very stressful experience for you (and your dog), so it's important to ensure you do the research.
Following the above advice will help you to find a professional dog groomer to whom you can confidently entrust your dog, and leave you happy in the knowledge that your dog will be comfortable and safe.
When you return to collect your dog, if you haven't stayed with him for his first visit, you may well be pleasantly surprised at how well he looks after his grooming session.
Unfortunately, no matter how much research you do, you can't always guarantee that you will be happy with the end result - a bit like trying a new hairdresser.
If you're not happy with your chosen dog groomer, simply move on and try somewhere else.
