Taking your beloved dog to the groomer should be a positive experience for both you and your pup. Clear, respectful communication with your groomer is key to making sure your dog comes home looking and feeling great. However, there are certain remarks or questions that professional groomers hear all too often – and wish pet owners would avoid. At Dapper Doggery, our team has heard it all, and we’ve compiled a friendly list of things not to say to your dog groomer, along with what to do instead. Following these guidelines will help you build a better relationship with your groomer and ensure a happier grooming session for your dog.
1. No Rude Remarks – Treat Your Groomer with Respect
It should go without saying, but treating your dog’s groomer with courtesy makes a world of difference. Comments that come off as condescending or disrespectful (for example, “You’re just a groomer, why is this so hard?”) are hurtful and unhelpful. Remember, groomers are caring professionals who have dedicated themselves to a tough job. Showing them basic respect sets a positive tone. If you’re rude or dismissive, consider that you’re leaving your pet with the very people you just insulted – not exactly a great way to start a relationship.
“We treat every pet like family, and we appreciate the same respect in return,” says Justin, owner of Dapper Doggery. In short, be polite and kind. A friendly greeting and a simple “Let me know if you need anything” will go much further than any snippy remarks.
2. Avoid Vague Instructions – Be Specific About What You Want
One of the most common mistakes is giving unclear or contradictory directions about your dog’s haircut. Telling your groomer something like “Just do whatever you think looks best” or “I want him short, but not too short” can be problematic. Such vague requests mean different things to different people, and your idea of “cute” or “short” may not match the groomer’s. In fact, groomers often have to play 20 questions when owners use these imprecise phrases.
“When a client says ‘just make him look cute,’ I still ask a lot of questions,” notes Anna Demchuk, a pet stylist at Dapper Doggery. “Everyone has a different idea of cute, so I encourage pet parents to be specific or show a photo of the style they have in mind.” Instead of open-ended instructions, provide details: for example, “Please trim his body fur to about an inch long, leave the tail fluffy, and tidy up his face.” Bringing reference pictures or describing exact lengths and styles will help your groomer understand your vision and deliver a result closer to what you imagine. Remember, clear communication upfront prevents disappointment later.
3. Don’t Hide Important Information (Honesty is the Best Policy)
Groomers aren’t here to judge your pet parenting skills – their priority is your dog’s well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to be honest about things like your dog’s coat condition, behavior, and health. Telling fibs such as “I brush him every day” when your pup is actually a tangled fluff-ball will only make the grooming process harder.
Experienced groomers can easily tell the difference between a coat that’s been neglected for months and one that just got a little messy from yesterday’s playtime. In the same vein, don’t pretend you have no idea how your dog got so dirty or matted (“Oh, he just went swimming this morning, that’s why he’s a bit tangled”) when clearly the issue has been building up for ages – seasoned groomers see right through that line.
Honesty is even more important when it comes to your dog’s temperament. If your pup hates having his paws touched or has snapped at you during at-home bath time, tell the groomer in advance. Some owners insist “He’s an angel, he would never bite” – only for the dog to growl or nip once the nail clippers come out. “We’ve seen dogs who are sweet at home suddenly lash out during grooming because they’re scared,” says Tasia Pellin, pet stylist at Dapper Doggery.
Groomers know that even the gentlest dog might bite if stressed. As one grooming blog bluntly put it, please inform the staff if your dog has a history of biting, since dogs behave differently around strangers handling them. Armed with this knowledge, your groomer can take necessary precautions (like using a calming approach or a muzzle if needed) to keep everyone safe. Being upfront about any issues – mats, fears, health conditions, or bad habits – helps your groomer adapt and give your dog the best care possible.
4. Trust Your Groomer’s Expertise – Don’t Insist on the Impossible
Professional groomers are skilled in their craft and genuinely want your dog to look great. That said, they aren’t magicians. It’s important to trust their judgment when they tell you what is or isn’t feasible for your dog’s coat or comfort. For instance, insisting “I don’t want him shaved” when your dog is severely matted is unrealistic and can put your pup’s well-being at risk.
Groomers cannot perform a miracle detangling on a dog with tight, painful mats without causing harm. Brushing out heavy matting can be extremely painful for the dog and may even injure their skin. A groomer simply “cannot do just a light trim or not shave a horribly matted dog” – attempting to do so would hurt the dog, so a humane shave-down is often the only option.
Olga Moskalenko, one of our pet stylists at Dapper Doggery, agrees: “When a dog’s fur is extremely matted, the kindest thing we can do is a short cut. It might not be the look you imagined, but it’s done for your pet’s comfort and safety.” Similarly, don’t demand an elaborate breed-specific haircut that doesn’t suit your dog’s body or coat type. If your pup is a Poodle mix, saying “I don’t want him to look like a Poodle” is counterproductive – his genetics will shine through no matter what, and that’s okay!
And no, your Shih Tzu will never come out of the salon looking exactly like a Siberian Husky or a Westie just because you like that breed’s style. Unrealistic requests can frustrate both you and the groomer, so it’s better to ask what is possible for your dog. Trust your groomer to suggest a cut that will work for your pup’s coat condition and lifestyle. They can definitely get your dog looking adorable – but within the realm of what’s healthy and achievable.
5. Have Patience – Don’t Rush the Grooming Process
Grooming a dog is an art and a thorough process, not an express service like an automated car wash. Asking your groomer “Isn’t he done yet? Why is it taking so long?” or pushing for an unreasonably quick turnaround is something we recommend you avoid. There are many steps involved in a quality groom: from bathing, drying, brushing out tangles, to clipping and scissoring with care. Groomers also work on multiple dogs in a day and give each pup the attention they need.
If you only bring your dog in a few times a year, remember that an infrequent, overgrown coat will naturally take longer to groom – imagine if you only got your hair cut once or twice a year; you’d probably end up looking like someone marooned on a deserted island and need a major makeover! In short, grooming time varies by breed, coat condition, and the dog’s cooperation level. A nervous or matted dog will need more breaks and gentler handling, which means more time.
Plan ahead and don’t schedule a grooming appointment when you’re in a huge rush. If you truly need your dog finished by a certain hour (for example, you have to pick him up before school pickup), mention that when booking the appointment, not when dropping him off. Most groomers can accommodate reasonable requests if they know in advance.
As a courtesy, also be punctual when dropping off and picking up. Nothing irks groomers more than owners who demand, “Have him done by 3 PM sharp,” and then show up at 5 PM. By being patient and understanding, you let the groomer focus on doing a great job. Your reward will be a well-groomed, happy pup when you reunite. As one groomer quipped, yes, your dog had an appointment – so did several others! A good groomer will never rush unsafely, so it’s best to relax and trust them until you get the call that Fido is fresh and ready.
6. Show Appreciation – Don’t Scoff at Tipping
While tipping is technically voluntary, snubbing your groomer by saying something like “Why should I tip? I’m already paying for the service” can come across as disrespectful. Dog grooming is a personal, often challenging service – one that involves skill, patience, and a lot of elbow grease to make your pup look his best. Just like you might tip your hairstylist or your waiter, it’s courteous to tip your dog’s groomer if you’re happy with the job. A few extra dollars is a heartfelt way to say “Thank you for taking such good care of my fur baby.” In fact, many in the pet care industry consider tipping an expected part of grooming etiquette.
Grooming is both a job and an art, and when a groomer styles your dog just the way you asked, it’s customary to leave a tip to show your appreciation. Think of it this way: your tip not only rewards the groomer’s hard work, but also helps ensure they feel valued and motivated to keep up the excellent service
“Our stylists put so much love and effort into each groom,” adds Justin from Dapper Doggery. “Even a small tip or a simple thank-you note means the world to our team.” So while you should never feel obligated or pressured to tip beyond your means, avoid explicitly telling your groomer you won’t tip them – that’s definitely something not to say. If you truly can’t afford a tip, a genuine thank you and a smile still go a long way. But if you can, showing a little gratuity is one of the best ways to acknowledge your groomer’s dedication.
Bottom Line: Your dog’s groomer is your partner in keeping your pet healthy and happy. By avoiding these faux pas and communicating with respect, clarity, and honesty, you’ll foster a great working relationship. Groomers really do love our pets – they wouldn’t be in this profession if they didn’t! As Olga, one of our pet stylists, wisely says, “We truly care about the dogs in our care, and seeing a pet parent’s happy face at pickup is what keeps us going.” So next time you visit the grooming salon, remember this friendly advice on what not to say. A little tact and understanding will ensure a smoother experience for your dog – and a grateful groomer who can focus on making your pup look fabulous. Both your dog and your groomer will thank you for it!