Less Than Perfect Is Perfectly OK!
We’ve all been there as pet groomers: the super anxious dog, the senior -wobbly on his legs- dog, the dog that hates the blow dryer in his face, a total sweetheart who goes wild the second you reach for this paws… Sometimes, the best we can deliver might not be the best haircut or the most perfectly trimmed nails.
That is ok! And as groomers we have to learn to be ok with that. Still ’til this day I hate to have to return a dog to his owner with a damp face or a so-so haircut. It doesn’t feel good because you don’t want it to be a reflection of your best work when the owner walks his dog in his neighborhood and inside you’re like “ughhh, if only the dog would have let me...!” In the end though, when I see a happy owner and a relaxed pup, I’m happy!
What if I told you that the haircut you just delivered on that super anxious pup might actually be the best one he has ever received in his lifetime? If you are a perfectionist like me, you might not immediately see it that way, but you’ll have to learn to. I realize that there are clients out there that have the most unrealistic expectations. It is up to you then to match those expectations with the dog’s behavior or situation. And that, my friends, you do with proper communication and with a proper take-in process.
It is important to know before the start of the grooming what you’re working with. Ask the right questions before the start:
Is he matted?
Is he ok with nail trimming?
Is he a senior dog?
Are there any health issues I should be aware of?
Has he had any previous grooming issues I should be aware of?
Once you know the answers to these questions, you can then level set expectations.
If there are any “issues”, and before you say what you won’t be able to do or deliver, simply ask the owner how she’d like the haircut and what are the most important things in regards to grooming for her (for example, some might say that the nails are an absolute priority). If the owner has realistic expectations you can simply confirm them by saying: “Great! Of course I’ll do my utmost best and make Fluffy look as beautiful as possible!” If you feel that the expectations need a little redirecting, do so, and do so gently and friendly. You may say something like: “Since he’s old and a bit wobbly on his legs, the haircut might not come out as perfect as you’d like. You might see a few hairs out of place. It all depends on what Fluffy can handle and how much he will allow me to do. But rest assured, I will be gentle and loving and I will do my utmost best to make him look as handsome as possible! Ok?” Then after you finish your grooming add: “I did my very best! I hope that you’re happy.”
Really in the most cases, I’d even go as far as by saying 9 out of 10 clients, will be thrilled with what you were able to do and deliver. Don’t be too hard on yourself and when you find yourself with a dog like this, reassure yourself that “less than perfect is perfectly ok!”.
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