Questions to Ask Before Your Dog's First Groom

A good first groom starts with good communication. The more I know about your dog before we start, the better experience I can give them.

Here's what to tell your groomer — and what to ask them.

What to Tell Your Groomer

Behavior & Personality

• Is your dog generally calm, anxious, or reactive?
• How do they do with strangers handling them?
• Have they been groomed before? How did it go?
• Any history of biting, snapping, or fear aggression?
• Do they have any triggers (loud noises, specific handling)?

Sensitive Areas

• Do they hate having their paws touched?
• Are they ear-shy?
• Any areas where they're ticklish or sensitive?
• Do they have any painful spots (arthritis, old injuries)?

Medical Information

• Any skin conditions, allergies, or hot spots?
• Lumps, bumps, or warts I should be careful around?
• Joint problems or mobility issues?
• Seizure history?
• Any medications that might affect grooming?
• Recent surgeries or injuries?

The Style You Want

• How short do you want the body?
• What style face — teddy bear, clean face, natural?
• Ears left long or trimmed short?
• Tail style preference?
• Any specific look you're going for?

Pro tip: Bring photos! A picture of the haircut you want is worth a thousand words. Even a photo of your dog from a previous groom you liked helps.

Questions to Ask Your Groomer

About Their Process

• Do you cage dogs while they wait?
• How many dogs do you groom at once?
• How long will my dog be there?
• Can I see where you work?
• What products do you use?

About Experience

• How long have you been grooming?
• Do you have experience with my breed?
• How do you handle anxious dogs?
• What do you do if a dog gets too stressed?

About the Appointment

• What's included in the price?
• Are there any add-on charges I should know about?
• How should I prepare my dog?
• Should I stay or leave during the groom?
• How will you contact me when it's done?

Red Flags to Watch For

A good groomer will welcome your questions. Be cautious if they:

• Seem annoyed by questions about their process
• Won't let you see the grooming area
• Can't explain how they handle anxious dogs
• Rush you through the consultation
• Guarantee a specific time regardless of dog's needs
• Don't ask YOU any questions about your dog

What I'll Ask You

When you book with me, I'll want to know:

• Your dog's name, breed, and age
• Any grooming history (good or bad experiences)
• Behavioral concerns or sensitivities
• Medical issues I should know about
• The look you're going for
• Anything else you think I should know

The more you share, the better I can tailor the experience to your specific dog.

Don't Be Shy

Some owners feel embarrassed telling me their dog is difficult, or that they had a bad experience elsewhere. Please don't be.

I specialize in anxious dogs. I'd much rather know upfront that your dog is nervous than discover it mid-groom. That information helps me — it doesn't scare me away.

The best grooms happen when there are no surprises. Tell me everything.