Basics In Pet Handling

by Marion Wampler
© 2000 Marion Wampler All Rights Reserved
Published here with the permission of the author.

The Basics

What ever the physical problems the Pet Groomer may find themselves dealt with, remember that the finished results depends wholly on the Pet’s limitations. I never press the Grooming Session to the point where it’s too long and tedious for the Pet to cope.

Most Owners are understanding once their Pets limitations are politely explained to them. If they become unreasonable I tell them that my Service is the hygiene, safety and welfare of their Pet and does not include inhumane treatment. These Customers are never worth the headaches they cause. Praise him for everything he does well and limit the “bad dog”. When a dog reaches puberty it can be another “ball-game” however. They can throw a literal tantrum, scream, bite and become little hellions in just one visit. Just like a child, this cannot be taken lightly; for the Puppy is testing your authority and doesn't want to be co-operative anymore.

Firmness with-out abuse is in order or all the past hard earned work will be for naught. If he wants to throw a tantrum, let them throw it as you continue to work on him. Donut stop and let him rest, unless he's looking over-stressed. If you get mad then you've lost, so ignore it, act like it isn’t happening and the pup will get confused and give up for awhile. It's the only way he can develop acceptance. Don’t use a tone of voice that is apologizing for he’ll think that his behavior is justified; get mad and yell, and he’ll know what button he can push in the future and you'll have lost all prior accomplishments. Say nothing but continue at what he’s protesting about, and he’ll eventually realize that it’s going to get done no matter what He wants. By demonstrating that you are in total control you build respect. Caution should be used in not stressing a Pet so much that it becomes unhealthy. So use sound judgment.

Correction Basics

I have corrected many Dogs that had very poor grooming manners in a few visits without yelling or getting abusive. Dogs that bark all the time while at the Groomers disrupt the whole environment as well as themselves. I don’t   allow it. A rolled paper slapped on your thigh gets plenty of attention and is often recognized at home. Sometimes as a last resort a pat on the butt with a verbal firm "No".  Some dogs I have leashed on the floor by my table so that every time they scream or bark, I can immediately push them with my foot and say "No". My Shop is basically quiet no matter how many dogs are there.

I never reprimand a Pet for having “accidents”. Nerves, age or health has led many to have them. I have seen a Shepherd become so totally embarrass by urinating, that it took 5 minutes of reassurance that “Accidents” can happen before she would crawl out from under the table. I don’t however tolerate a male dog’s “lifting of leg”. It’s a smelly nasty habit and encourages others to follow suit. Never place such dogs beside one that has been finished and ready to go home. Keep them leashed to a wall away from corners or anything that can be “marked”. Seldom will they “mark” the immediate wall behind themselves as few dogs enjoy laying in their own urine. You need to keep a good eye out for them and be prepared to escort them quickly out the door; a dog can lift his leg and mark faster than a blink of an eye!

Copyright 2007 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved