A dog groomer is a animal caretaker who improves a dog's hygiene and appearance. He or she will typically wash, brush, trim, and style a dog's fur, as well as clip its nails and inspect its teeth for decay. A professional might use a number of different tools and techniques to groom dogs of all breeds and sizes. A groomer must have a careful eye for detail and be skilled at promoting a safe, comfortable environment for their canine clientele.
Many people rely on the skills of an experienced dog groomer to pamper their pets. A grooming professional usually asks a client how he would like his animal to be groomed, and relies on previous experience to care for each dog accordingly. Dogs can usually be bathed and trimmed in less than an hour, though certain breeds and client requests may extend a grooming session.
Groomers are employed in a number of different settings, such as kennels, dog daycare centers, and pet supply stores. A large number are self-employed, frequently offering door-to-door services with the aid of a mobile grooming station. Many different types of tools and products are necessary to groom a dog, including brushes, electric shears, hand-held scissors, shampoos, and nail clippers. Some professionals specialize in a single phase of dog grooming, such as bathing the animals, though most groomers manage the entire process.
A new dog groomer typically learns the trade firsthand through informal training sessions with experienced groomers. He or she may work as an assistant, helping to control animals, sanitizing equipment, cleaning the facility or mobile unit, and setting appointments. New groomers often choose to become certified or licensed by completing an accredited master grooming certification program. In the United States, the National Dog Groomers Association offers certification to individuals who complete a short program and pass a written examination. Becoming certified is not usually a requirement for employment, though it can help new groomers improve their credentials and provide more job opportunities.
When choosing a groomer, a client usually looks for a person with experience in the trade and a compassionate personality. It is essential that animals are made to feel as comfortable as possible during the stressful grooming process, to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the groomer. Therefore, he or she must be highly aware of the needs of each dog and be able to recognize warning signs that they are uncomfortable. The most successful groomers are the ones who truly care for each dog and cater to its needs throughout the process.