tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post7486835573565837524..comments2024-03-20T03:14:55.880-04:00Comments on Pet Grooming: The Good, The Bad, & The Furry: Had a Bad Grooming Day?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-23148793283390810122015-04-30T02:49:37.283-04:002015-04-30T02:49:37.283-04:00I'm sure groomers do have bad experiences with...I'm sure groomers do have bad experiences with the public as well as the dogs, but no mention here of groomers who do not listen or know the right cut for the breed. We have a twelve month old full coated Shih Tzu, my wife has spent hundreds of hours looking after her coat since we had her at nine weeks. This week we took her to be bathed and groomed and just have her hair clipped between her pads, that was it. No, we came back and she's had her face clipped, her beard cut off (not even straight, looked like it had been done with a pastry cutter) and the hair on her ear leathers trimmed. A full coated Shih Tzu never has its face cut, except for an excess of hair blocking their vision if necessary, the clue is in "full coated". The problem with many groomers (but not all, I accept) is that they just don't listen, or they feel as though they have to justify themselves by using the clippers. Many make me feel very nervous. We now have a Shih Tzu with a seven - eight month old head on a twelve month old full coated body, an absolute disgrace. Did she have knots or tangles? No she's looked after very well and her coat was immaculate. The trouble with many groomers is they think they know best or take the dog off you and think they own it. Unless groomers accept that there are some in their trade who don't cut the mustard, then all of the above is idealistic because there ARE some bad groomers out there, either due to lack of skill or lack of sufficient knowledge for the breed, it's not all the fault of Joe Public and their dogs the whole time. We asked for something simple, it's not as if we were asking for as full trim or style. We got two hours sleep the other night we were so upset, her look as a maturing, very pretty young Shih Tzu bitch all gone inside an hour-and-a-half at the groomers after all my wife's effort and hard work. Never the groomers fault? Just always nasty-spirited owners or naughty dogs? I would politely suggest that there are two sides to every story and unless it's an issue of the dog's welfare (e.g. matting) the owner should be listened to as they may know more about the breed than the groomer does. That, after all is the service half-decent owner goes to pay for, not to come out with a dog that's been clipped to a groomers vision of what the owners should have. The groomer told us she had a beautiful coat, she wished all her owners were like us, but then she made a bizarre judgement and butchered her face, we are still trying to reconcile what she did and why.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-82200801778849229812014-02-20T23:31:59.745-05:002014-02-20T23:31:59.745-05:00Sorry, somehow that reply got all messed up while ...Sorry, somehow that reply got all messed up while being published, but I think you can still make sense of what I was trying to say. :)<br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-42364793910087310852014-02-20T23:29:44.351-05:002014-02-20T23:29:44.351-05:00Hi,
I am sorry that you are being used.....yes use...Hi,<br />I am sorry that you are being used.....yes used!<br /><br />The groomer that you are working for is getting free labor and it sounds like she is not taking any time to teach you in return for your hard work. Did she take you on with the promise of apprenticing? If so, an apprentice is supposed to be taught, not just thrown into the fray.<br />This groomer is setting you both up for failure.<br />You could accidentally injure a dog, and she could be sued for it!<br /><br />You are learning...you should be supervised at all times.<br />I would start you off with only bathing and drying at first. This would allow you to handle all different types of dogs and temperaments while learning how to thoroughly clean a dog. You would also learn the proper way of drying different coats. The bathing and drying are one of the most important parts of grooming, because if the coat is not prepped properly, you can not get a nice cut.<br />Once you mastered bathing and drying, only then would we move on to clipping, then to scissoring.<br />Don't get down on yourself. This person is not doing right by you. What she is doing is not the way to teach someone. It is not safe for you or the dogs. Don't let her make you hate grooming before you even get started. Grooming is a very physical and challenging job in and of itself. You need someone who is willing to take the time to teach you properly.<br />Good Luck<br />Lisa, MFF<br />Unfortunately, it is hard to pinpoint working hours with grooming, BUT you should be getting a lunch and a couple of short breaks in a 12 hour day.<br />I am sorry, she is really taking advantage of you. I have been there and done that with a couple of people who hired me before I opened my own shop.<br />I would have to say that you need to look for another groomer willing to apprentice you. I have a feeling that the groomer you are working for right now will not be willing to sit and talk to you and change things.<br />When you find a new place to apprentice, I would sit down with the groomer and write out a contract explaining exactly what is expected of you and the hours you will work. Both of you should sign it.My Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-8538105985213804472014-02-20T00:39:02.409-05:002014-02-20T00:39:02.409-05:00Hey, im a brand new groomer who just started appre...Hey, im a brand new groomer who just started apprenticing at a shop two days ago, I was only suppose to work from 9-2 but the groomer who is training me is burning me out and throwing me into everything without a though to my confidence or how tired I might be I worked 12 hours yesterday and 6 hours today without a break and I had only two dogs that were easy to work with and the rest were fear biters and jumpers, I almost ended up in tears today when I was told to clip down a coat and I was nervous as the dog had multiple mass' s and I did not want to hurt her. She left the room and just told me to do it! I understand she is busy but I need to be weened into grooming so I can build up my confidence one day at a time. I studied online so everything I had learnt was only read not anything practical. I am so burnt out and my back is so sore, there are no chairs and no breaks are really hurting my legs and of course im not getting paid for this..<br />I need some advice to help build my confidence and not feel like im failing Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-69937330912253229202014-02-02T10:39:06.356-05:002014-02-02T10:39:06.356-05:00Thank you Lisa!She had a bad attitude as I've ...Thank you Lisa!She had a bad attitude as I've heard and was not polite ever.She left on her own.Yes she has started working on her own and is obviously trying to bring the clients I have gotten over to her by bad mouthing me.Very sad and very immature!I do check in all my dogs and I introduce myself ,I ask what they like /and want and even hug and kiss there Fur babies.I am going to keep standing strong and doing my best work I can give and win these clients over with my kind personality and willingness to please and make there dogs look great!I am now going to constantly look at your posts for inspiration.You have helped me feel better so much already!<br />A million thanks from a Newbie!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-66882938956592733372014-01-31T20:43:06.596-05:002014-01-31T20:43:06.596-05:00Hi,
I am sorry to hear about the negative things t...Hi,<br />I am sorry to hear about the negative things that you have been dealing with at work. It is hard enough being a new groomer and constantly second guessing yourself and worrying if you are doing all your grooms correctly. You certainly do not need other people putting drama in the mix.<br /><br />I cannot understand why the groomer preceding you would even be worried about how you are grooming. Was she let go on bad terms, or did she open her own place and is trying to build her clientele by bad mouthing you and have your customers come to her?<br /><br />Does the Vet allow you to wait on your groom customers? If not, see if you can get him/her to let you. The grooming customers need to get to know you. They need to see that you care about their furry babies. They need to see you handle, hug, talk to their dogs. They need to have you talk to them in a very friendly manner and listen to their dog stories and how they would like their dogs groomed. <br />Pet grooming is a very personalized profession. People want to know that their dogs are being cared for. You MUST win these customers over. Unfortunately, some people do not like change.<br />I have a feeling that the last groomer is using the fact that you are new to grooming as a way to try to toot her own horn and take customers. I know that it is hard, but try not to let her bring you down. Use her meanness to make YOURSELF more determined to prove her wrong and win your customers over. <br />Just the fact that you know there is more to learn and that you want to learn tells me that you are a good groomer. Hang in there, do the best you can, take care of those dogs and don't let other people get you down.<br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-17920378996606805902014-01-31T17:19:12.565-05:002014-01-31T17:19:12.565-05:00Hi,I stumbled upon this at the best time on a slig...Hi,I stumbled upon this at the best time on a slightly bad enough grooming day for me.I am a newbie groomer and u work alone at a vet.There is another groomer who used to be there groomer talking negatively about my grooms and downing me especially when someone didn't like the groom I did she then calls and gets them to come to her to fix my (Terrible)work..as I've heard.I also have people trying to compare me to her work as the way she did the clients and have not been feeling good about anything grooming lately.Today I was angry and also wanted to cry because of the things I've heard .I am still new and have much more to learn but this is a field where you are constantly learning.Today I thought maybe I'm a terrible groomer,maybe I shouldn't be grooming..but anyway reading your blog this post has gave me strength to go back tomorrow and do MY best again!Thank you!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-16728706088969993122013-06-13T22:12:53.296-04:002013-06-13T22:12:53.296-04:00Hi stacyjantz,
I am very happy that this post help...Hi stacyjantz,<br />I am very happy that this post helped you. We all need someone to just pat us on the back sometimes and say, "I understand."<br />Take a breath...count to ten, or one thousand if you need to. :)<br />Come join us on my facebook group. We groomers pick something happy everyday, even if it is one teeny, tiny thing about our day, to help us feel better. Come read the happy grooming stories. Hopefully they will help you feel better.<br /><br />https://www.facebook.com/groups/171595193003906/<br /><br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-83699842954473043422013-06-13T02:02:31.215-04:002013-06-13T02:02:31.215-04:00I NEEDED to read this!! I get so upset and take ev...I NEEDED to read this!! I get so upset and take every negative part of my job to heart, and sometimes I just can't handle the stress. I feel like some days I'm on the verge of going psychotic on the next customer who says something dumb. And I can hardly vent to anybody because nobody understands the stress of being a groomer. This post needs to be printed and posted on the wall by my table. Thank you for writing just what I needed to read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-57430916903103073582013-05-01T20:09:02.596-04:002013-05-01T20:09:02.596-04:00Hi Ally,
This is coming from the pet owner part o...Hi Ally,<br /><br />This is coming from the pet owner part of me. My biggest pet peeve with some of the Vets that I have dealt with are several things.<br /><br />One, Greet my pet warmly. As if you DO truly care. I don't even care if they greet my dog before they say a word to me. (sounds like you are already doing that)<br /><br />Two, Don't act like I am wasting your time. Don't rush me, and really LISTEN to what I am saying...even if I sound like a crazy pet owner.<br /><br />Three, DO NOT talk down to me. Don't talk in a tone of voice that makes me feel like I am 3 inches tall, because you think that I am being a nutty pet owner, or because I don't quite understand everything that you are telling me.<br /><br />I understand that Vets run behind sometimes. Believe me, I know what that feels like. But, I think that they forget sometimes, in their rush to get to everyone, that I AM the one paying them. (People doctors forget this too)<br /><br />I know, I know....people can SO try your patience. Especially some pet owners. That is most likely why we like working with pets more, but unfortunately those pets come with an owner. lol<br /><br />From the comments that you have left on my blog, and just the fact that you take the time to read my blog tells me that you are going to me a great and sensitive Veterinarian. That's if you don't kill yourself with all your classes. :) Take a minute to yourself once and a while and hug a dog. :)<br /><br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-73508260488733502682013-04-24T16:56:08.540-04:002013-04-24T16:56:08.540-04:00Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your response (sorry about...Hi Lisa,<br /><br />Thank you for your response (sorry about mine being so late - vet school is a bit crazy sometimes!). I totally agree that many vets and others who work with animals in any way sometimes have a tendency to lose sight of the big picture and the real reasons why we do what we do. I've seen fellow students even who I know that I would never, ever bring my own pets to based on how I've seen them interact with animals sometimes - jerking on dogs' leads and yelling at them for being curious about a tree or another dog while out on a potty break because they're in too much of a hurry, or being way too forceful and rough with a fearful cat. And then they wonder why the animals are scared when they come to a vet! <br /><br />Now I will admit that sometimes my own skills in communicating with PEOPLE aren't exactly the greatest (though I am working on those communication and listening skills!!) but I do think that my own saving grace when I'm working with clients and their pets is that I DO take the time to establish a rapport with the pets and try to pick up on how they're feeling and what might make them more comfortable. I think a lot of owners DO notice that and appreciate it, even if I might sometimes be a little bit awkward with the human family members they get that I just want us all to be on the same page and that I am trying to advocate what is best for their pet as well. :)<br /><br />Keep on grooming and keep on writing!!Allynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-67416099149707321342013-03-22T22:12:31.093-04:002013-03-22T22:12:31.093-04:00Hi Ally,
I am glad that some of my rambling could ...Hi Ally,<br />I am glad that some of my rambling could help. :) Good luck becoming a Vet. <br />If I may, some humble advise... Try not to ever get so hardened by what you see and do that you forget that those animals that you work on have feelings. I see so many Vets today, including my own, (and groomers) that seem to forget that. They become working machines and forget that the dogs and cats have feelings, and forget why they became a Vet or Groomer in the first place. Be that Vet that is not SO busy that you can't take a few minutes to really listen to the owner and greet the dog, cat, or other animal that you are caring for. One of the most compliments that I get from my customers is on how I greet their dogs, and show that I really do care...and I really do! Even after 28 years of grooming. :)<br />Lisa, MFF My Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-21132725695046918432013-03-21T17:02:31.268-04:002013-03-21T17:02:31.268-04:00I'm a vet student, not a groomer, but this is ...I'm a vet student, not a groomer, but this is fantastic advice that is applicable in way more professions and situations than just grooming. I tend to focus way too heavily on the negatives while forgetting all the good. It's such a simple thing to think about actually capturing it all - the good and the bad - yet I never really thought about doing that. I will keep this with me for my clinical year. Thank you! :)Allynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-31096759718674780992013-03-11T21:41:34.436-04:002013-03-11T21:41:34.436-04:00Hi,
I so understand where you are coming from. I r...Hi,<br />I so understand where you are coming from. I remember those days. You are right, it is very easy to get burned out in this career. All that you can do is the best that you can do. Be nice to the dogs, get rid of customers that drain you and you can't please. After 28 years of grooming, I still have not gotten that 'thick skin'. :)<br />As for those pancake dogs...I have found that the best thing that I ever did was just stop fighting them and groom them laying down, and then inform the owner that their dog does not like to stand on the table and that I will not force them to. So, if they see any stray hairs that I missed, that is why. Every owner that I have told this to has understood and was very happy that I was working with their dog and not forcing it to do something it didn't want to.<br />Hand in there. Good groomers are always needed.<br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-40410125447535302013-03-08T15:53:51.355-05:002013-03-08T15:53:51.355-05:00I've only been grooming a few months and I hav...I've only been grooming a few months and I have this feeling a lot! I do work by myself in a little local pet store, so not having anyone to look over my grooms or give me tips has been quite difficult. There have been a few days that on the way home I cry the whole way because I was unhappy with how a cut turned out or how I was treated by a client. It's hard to grow that thick skin you need.<br />It seems like it's really easy to get burnt out. Your blog is a God send! It's been so helpful, I need to work on my patience especially with those pancake dogs!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-2367708656376415372013-01-22T21:30:25.549-05:002013-01-22T21:30:25.549-05:00Hi Jennifer,
LOL Great minds think alike! For the ...Hi Jennifer,<br />LOL Great minds think alike! For the past 3 years we have scheduled one three day weekend a month, except for Nov. and Dec. because of the Holidays. I totally agree, having that three day weekend helps you to relax and reboot. It gives you something to look forward to...a break. :)<br /><br />The picture idea is great too. I have noticed that when I step back to take pictures, I notice things that I missed. I don't know why it is so much easier to see things through a lens and in a picture then when you are looking at the real thing. I guess it is because the dog in the picture stays still long enough to see anything wrong. :)<br />Thanks for the great suggestion!<br />Lisa, MFFMy Furry Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03957566282521723511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861555359944928813.post-73735029787553542612013-01-22T19:31:03.226-05:002013-01-22T19:31:03.226-05:00What a wonderful blog post today. I really wish I ...What a wonderful blog post today. I really wish I had found your blog years ago. To this day, I'm not sure how I survived my first couple of years as a groomer.<br /><br />I would like to add one thing to this list that helps me A LOT:<br /><br />Three-day weekends. Now, like many other groomers, I don't get paid time off. I hardly ever get to take a week-long vacation because I just can't afford it. What I do instead is to build into my budget the chance to take a 3-day weekend every 2-3 months. I don't usually go anywhere or do anything fancy. Sometimes all I need is one day with no appointments, no family to meet, no errands to run. This helps me stay fresh, take a deep breath, and remember that I love my job.<br /><br />I've also really enjoyed taking more pictures of the dogs that I groom. I can see the dogs that I think turned out well, remember the cuts that customers loved, and see the things I want to fix next time - or this time if I see something in the pic I didn't see on the dog on the table. I can look at the pictures of my requests fondly and say OK, today I had a lot of crappy dogs, but I have Fido on my schedule tomorrow, and the photo I took last time helps give me even more warm and fuzzy feelings because I'm such a visual person. <br /><br />So I don't know about you, but I highly recommend taking pictures of your dogs, both as a morale booster and as a learning tool.<br /><br />Jennifer<br />The Writing GroomerThe Writing Groomerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07701100827882727464noreply@blogger.com