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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSome states have licensing and certification requirements which mean that the groomer should meet certain standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certified groomers usually must pass written and practical exams given by accredited grooming schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, some places self-certify their groomers. Be sure that the groomers meet high standards and that they haven\u2019t had any complaints filed against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s still incumbent on you to be sure that they meet those requirements and are right for you and your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grooming isn\u2019t just to beautify your pup. It\u2019s also to keep him healthy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grooming is important to keep your dog\u2019s skin, coat, teeth, nails<\/a>, and ears in peak condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019ve done your homework, it\u2019s important to trust your instincts. If for some reason you\u2019re not comfortable with a specific groomer, don\u2019t use her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog\u2019s life is literally in the groomer\u2019s hands. So be choosy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article I\u2019ll give some tips on how to find the best groomer for your Golden Retriever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, I don\u2019t recommend just opening the phone book or doing a random internet search to find a groomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s better to get some type of recommendation when beginning your search. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the groomer that someone recommends might not be best for grooming your particular dog, it provides a starting point in your search for the best groomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask family members, friends, and neighbors who they use to groom their dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask people you see who has a well-groomed dog. I\u2019ve found that most people love talking about their dogs and being helpful to other dog parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, I got my first dog groomer by asking an owner I met walking her shih tzu who to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I had a shih tzu at the time. I wound up using that groomer until I learned to groom my shih tzu Cuddles myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, ask your veterinarian who she recommends. Some vets may be reluctant to recommend a groomer but may inform you of groomers that their clients are happy with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And ask about why they like the groomer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it how well she grooms their dog? Or price? Or location? Or the groomer\u2019s credentials? You get the idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If they have a golden retriever like you do, it\u2019s even better because you know that the groomer has experience in grooming that breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Dog Groomers of America Association is an independent agency that groomers can voluntarily join. It promotes professionalism, education, and setting professional grooming standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their website has a groomer locator<\/a>. Although groomers who join this organization may follow its standards, you still need to thoroughly check out the groomer by doing your own research because the agency doesn\u2019t do regulatory checks on its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many states have similar voluntary organizations you can check out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Groomers who are members of such organizations usually have to sign some code of conduct and certify that they meet certain standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s a starting point if you don\u2019t have any other recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you\u2019ve chosen a couple of groomers to check out. There are many questions to ask the groomer and to tour their facilities and how well they\u2019re run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are certain facts you\u2019ll need to know before making your final decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend asking the following questions in addition to any follow-ups you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask for a price list and whether there are any extra charges for additional services such as ear cleaning, nail clipping, or teeth brushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, before you leave your dog with a groomer, ask exactly what you\u2019ll be charged. Of course, the groomer will probably have to evaluate your dog first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, ask to see any insurance policies, certifications, and licenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve found potential groomers, check out any references they provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also check reviews on reliable sites like Google and Yelp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the groomer or salon are registered with the Better Business Bureau, see if they have any ratings or complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But checking reviews, ratings, and complaints is in addition to the research you\u2019ll need to do regarding each specific groomer you\u2019re considering using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask for a tour of the salon before making a decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It should be clean and without an excessive smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, during business hours, there may be some hair to clean up. But it should be from only the dog currently being groomed rather than mounds of hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shop should be professional and well-organized. And the environment should be calm and welcoming, not frenzied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The staff should be friendly and welcome your questions. If they seem annoyed, go elsewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you may need to schedule an appointment to meet with the groomer, as she may be busy at the time you go. Or call to make an appointment to meet with the groomer before making your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you tour the salon, you\u2019ll probably see some dogs being groomed on a grooming table with their heads through grooming loops. This is normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the groomer must ensure the dog\u2019s safety and never leave him on the table unattended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also find out about the products that they use such as shampoo, conditioner, or rinses. It\u2019s best if they are more natural than chemical-laden ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I used to bring my own products for my dog when she was groomed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every dog will do well in a busy salon. It can be too noisy, active, and stressful for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider whether your dog has any special behavioral or physical needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So when choosing a groomer, you may want to choose a quiet, low- key salon with fewer groomers and clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or you may choose a mobile groomer who has a specially-equipped van that comes to your house and grooms him in the van at your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or you may decide that he needs to just be groomed at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve chosen the groomer of your–and your dog\u2019s–dreams, you have certain responsibilities so that the process goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be on time for appointments because good groomers are usually booked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk to your vet about keeping your dog on some type of flea<\/a> and tick preventative<\/a> so that he doesn\u2019t go to the groomers infested with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inform the groomer of any dietary restrictions your dog may have. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow To Find Dog Groomer For Your Golden Retriever<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ask Around<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check Out Organizations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Check Out a Specific Groomer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ask the Groomer Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Check Out Reviews and Ratings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check Out the Salon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Considerations Regarding <\/strong>Your<\/em><\/strong> Dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your Responsibilities <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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