09/27/2026
There is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart some time now as I see all these new dog grooming businesses popping up anywhere and everywhere these days. There is nothing that can take the place of years of experience and deep rooted knowledge in dog behavior. Reading every individual dog as you groom them is so very important. There is never a one size fits all category. Back when I started grooming we did not have the internet and VHS tapes had just been introduced, ๐ต ๐ฎ but we didnโt even have a player back then. ๐ It was all hands on learning from those that came before, for which I am so grateful for. Seeing some of these โreelsโ and videos pop up on social media on grooming makes me sad and angry all at the same time. Dogs being harshly controlled and fought to get a hair cut. Some down right abusive situations. Some I cannot even watch. You cannot replace nor exchange what comes from a lifetime of reading dogs with a video or online course. With that being said, I know there is a place for those tools these day, and the basics can be covered. There is so much more to it than the skill and talent of sc******ng and knowing what a breed specific cut should look like. It is also about how you achieve that. Dogs come in from all different walks of life and so many from abusive beginnings, and some from just general lack of training due to not knowing how to raise a puppy and letting the puppy be the boss. Knowing the difference, and the ways to deal with each circumstance is key in grooming a dog. It can make or break their grooming experience. Iโve seen way too many dogs with grooming PTSD recently, and it is truly heartbreaking. The cheapest grooming shop on the block might not be your best choice. In an ever changing industry with zero regulations, just know that hanging a sign out front of your house does not equal real credentials. Getting from fluffy to fabulous should not be a traumatic experience. Off my soapbox, I just had to get that off my chest. Photo of Lucy just because. ๐