By Denise Rodeheaver
Some grooming appointments take longer than others, but it isn’t
always a pet problem. There are several ways to prevent delays. The
most common problem is clients arriving late for their appointment. Be
at the grooming appointment either five minutes early or on time. Pick
up time is also important. If someone arrives to pick up early
that may make another pet late because the groomer had to hurry and
finish the early arrival’s pet. If pet owners do
arrive early, they should be patient and quiet, because when the pet
hears or sees their owner, they will get anxious and start dancing. It
is very difficult to scissor paws that are moving all over the table!
Pets should be exercised before coming to the shop. Exercise
has the same relaxing effects on pets as it does on people. Pets
that are brushed in between grooming appointments will take the groomer
less time to finish. Bringing pets into the shop on a leash or
in a carrier will make things go quicker and smoother at check in.
Groomers are usually overworked rather than overbooked. Because
pets are living, breathing, thinking animals, each grooming takes
time. A groomer can give a rough estimate on a time frame, but
the only predictable thing about people and animals, is that they
are unpredictable. Extra time must be worked into a groomers’
schedule for unplanned events.
One or two pets could be grumpy and decide they don’t want
to look good. One may potty on the table, and sit, step or dance
in it before the groomer can get it cleaned up. That means starting
over with another bath and drying.
Dogs arrive flea infested but must leave flea free and sometimes
those little critters don’t want to leave. This slows up
everyone’s bath time. Frequent phone calls from anxious
customers can slow down progress. Pets may decide they don’t
want to be groomed, and cause a fuss or bite the groomer, which really
slows down progress!
Denise Rodeheaver is a C.A. H. Professional Groomer and co-owner
of Winding Road Kennels in Parkersburg, 304- 428-3518
