More on dog grooming

One of the worst experiences in dog grooming? When a customer neglects to pick up their dog. This is happening to my boss right now. Her husband had to go to his second job, leaving my boss and her young son at the shop until 1:00 am. All because someone left their dog at the shop. The lady probably won't even tip her!

Oh, yeah, another thing--always tip your groomer unless they do a terrible job! If you tip your hairdresser, you should also tip your groomer. Groomers don't get into this business for the money. It doesn't pay well, and it can be gruelling, thankless work. So put a little sunshine in the day of someone who loves your dog almost as much as you do!

On dog grooming

Most of you probably don't know this, but I am a part-time dog groomer. Yes, it's an odd profession for an accountant with an MBA, but it's definitely a huge passion of mine! I work at a small mom and pop shop here in Albuquerque called Bath Brush and Beyond (isn't that a cute name?).

I used to own my own shop and loved it, but the economy shut me down two years ago. My five-year-plan is to earn enough money to open another grooming shop.

Grooming is a profession that requires patience, compassion, skill, training, and a bit of artistic flair. A lot of folks don't realize how much work goes into grooming a dog. Many dogs are very good on the table, but I get my fair share of dogs who don't want their legs shaved, dogs that pee on the table (and sometimes me!), dogs that are horribly matted because they don't get brushed daily, and dogs that just plain don't want to be groomed--these are the ones that often bite. Can you imagine trying to give a haircut to someone with terribly tangled hair who is trashing around trying to bite you? LOL It can definitely be challenging!

I was thinking this morning of breeds I don't enjoy grooming. Maybe that's a negative slant on things, but I honestly do love most breeds. The ones I don't particularly like are German shepherds (they are VERY nervous and difficult to wash and dry), Pekingnese (tend to bite a lot), labs (they aggravate my allergies way too much), and Pomeranians (just because when you cut their coats short it's very difficult to get a smooth look). My boss hates doing cocker spaniels, but I love them. I also don't do Bichons, but only because my scissoring technique hasn't progressed to the point where I can give a good haircut.

My favorite breeds to groom are Golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, shih-tzus, and miniature poodles. There's just something so satisfying about giving a poodle a good clean face with a sweet topknot above. 8)

Well, that's my spiel on grooming for now. I'm sure I'll have more to say in days to come!