By Robyn Michaels
August 31, 2016
Most of us successful pet dog groomers are making a living at this since we not only like dogs as well as managing them, however since we have an aesthetic eye for the dog. We want to make the pet dog look as pretty as possible with the least amount of anxiety (for both the dog, as well as us). However, since we are doing what we love, as well as don’t gown like a lot of professionals, or perhaps since we are mainly women, many people—particularly employers, tend to discount rate our skills. After all, exactly how much skill can it take to….give a pet dog a bath?
It’s not rocket science, as well as actually, discovering to bathe a pet dog shouldn’t take a lot more than 1/2 hour. However, that 1/2 hour of learning can potentially cause discovering a lot more skills, making a person not only a lot more useful as an employee, but actually create a lot more riches for all involved. My job, as an employee, is to make my employer money. If my employer doesn’t appreciate that I comprehend that, all our communication may be discounted.
Another issue, however, is integrity. I have been a successful pet dog groomer not just since of my dog grooming talents, however since of exactly how crucial I feel integrity is. There have been lots of times that a pet dog owner has come to me believing his pet dog needs a haircut (for example, so the pet dog will shed less, or be cooler in the summer), as well as I’ve told the owner that either it is not a great idea, or it won’t make a difference and not to squander their money. often I’ve suggested a de-shedding treatment, or a ‘tidy’, however just as frequently I’ve said, “Were this my dog, I would refrain from doing anything. I cannot make this pet dog look much better than he already looks.” a lot of pet dog owners have appreciated my honesty however a few of my bosses have been truly angry!
In an animal healthcare facility or a kennel, the receptionists will be the very first contact for clients seeking a grooming service, including bathing. These people are busy. They are great with clients as well as computers for the most part. Their work is tedious as well as frequently stressful. However, they frequently don’t understand exactly how to offer what groomers do.
Every service needs to teach receptionists exactly how to response the phone. They have to understand in what buy to ask concerns to save time. The very first concern must always be, “Have you been right here before?” If they have, you should have all their get in touch with info in your database. Then, it is a matter of asking what service they need. If they state that the pet dog needs a bath (or grooming), the receptionist needs to ask what type of pet dog (noting breed, or at least size), age of dog, as well as if the pet dog has ever been professionally groomed before. Usually then, the potential client will ask about costs. The receptionist must be able to provide a variety of costs. Our minimum expense is $25 for a little dog, as well as our most costly is $95, however the typical is $55. So, without seeing the dog, that is the very best info we can provide.
The client will ask what is included. The receptionist must state “A comprehensive brushing, cleaning of the ears as well as cutting the nails if necessary, as well as if the pet dog has a lot more than 2 inches of coat or is matted, some kind of trimming or clipping may be required.” This is important. The receptionist needs to tell the client we cannot bathe matted dogs, as they will not dry thoroughly as well as we can’t assurance rinsing out all the shampoo.
Often, the client will state that the pet dog is not matted. We can’t get into this discussion over the phone, as you understand that they have either not cleaned the pet dog at all, or have cleaned over the top only. With the pattern towards the ‘non–shed’ designer dogs, where they are offered without any grooming instruction, or the owners have been offered a pin brush, you can be sure you will see a great deal of matted dogs. In any type of case, the receptionist must never state ‘shaved’ to a potential client. If the client states shaved, that is one thing, however I like ‘cut short if necessary’. Then, if there are extra questions, the client has to satisfy directly with the groomer.
I always like satisfying with the new client as well as the pet dog at least someday before the grooming, for two reasons: One is so the dog gets the experience of coming into our facility as well as leaving–with the owner, however likewise so the client as well as I have a much better concept of what we expect of each other. If this is not possible, I always try to phone call if I have to cut the pet dog short (shave) for either sanitary or humane reasons. as well as if I have to do that, I will always remind the client that, if the pet dog does not have a severe health and wellness issue, the hair will grow back. I will likewise shonull