This is a difficult topic to write about—not because it’s controversial, but because the grooming world is filled with a wide range of experiences. Groomers and grooming shops are not created equal. Pet parents, likewise, all have different levels of knowledge, expectations, and comfort.
My goal is not to criticize but to educate, empower, and build understanding. Some of what I’ll share may highlight outdated or unhealthy practices seen in some shops, but please know this:
✨ The grooming industry IS changing.
✨ More groomers than ever are focused on compassionate handling, safety, education, and individualized care.
✨ There is a light at the end of this conversation.
As a pet parent, the more you understand the grooming world, the better prepared you are to advocate for your dog and find a groomer who prioritizes safety, kind handling, and life-long trust.
Why Groomers Prefer That Owners Not Stay During Grooming
This is one of the most misunderstood topics in the grooming world, but it’s an important one.
1. Dogs Behave Differently When Their Owners Are Present
Dogs are emotional mirrors—they read your energy, your tone, your breathing, your posture.
When a pet parent stays near the grooming table or tries to “help,” a few things happen:
-
The dog’s focus shifts entirely to the parent, not the groomer.
-
They become overly excited, anxious, protective, or overstimulated.
-
They may wiggle, pull, jump, or try desperately to reach their parent.
Even the best-behaved dogs transform into a different version of themselves when mom or dad is in the room.
2. Excitability = Safety Risk
Imagine trying to trim around:
-
Eyes
-
Ears
-
Nails
-
Paw pads
-
Sanitary areas
-
Sensitive spots with skin folds
…while a dog is twisting, shaking, or lunging toward their owner.
Excitable or anxious behavior during grooming significantly increases the risk of injury. A dog only needs one fast movement for a clipper, dryer, or even a comb to cause harm.
3. Dogs Absorb Your Energy Instantly
If you’re nervous? They’re nervous.
If you’re stressed? They’re stressed.
If you’re hovering over the groomer? The groomer becomes pressured, rushed, and anxious—and the dog picks up on that, too.
A calm groomer + a calm dog = the safest possible appointment.
4. Groomers Need to Build Trust Directly
Grooming is intimate. Groomers touch every part of the dog, help them through fears, and guide them through new sensations.
A dog who can form direct trust with the groomer—without the parent acting as an emotional crutch—becomes:
-
More confident
-
More cooperative
-
Less fearful
-
Easier to handle in the long run
Allowing groomers to work one-on-one creates a much more positive experience.
PET PARENTS: What You Should Know for a Safer, Happier Grooming Experience
1. Only One State in the U.S. Requires Groomer Certification
This surprises many pet parents. Since there is no nationwide licensing system, YOU must ask:
-
Is your groomer certified?
-
Do they participate in continuing education?
-
Are they pet CPR / first-aid certified?
-
How many years have they been grooming?
-
Do they specialize in certain breeds or coat types?
A good groomer won’t be offended—they’ll be proud to tell you.
2. Some Shops Still Operate Like an Assembly Line
Sadly, some grooming environments prioritize speed over care. Their philosophy is:
“How fast can we get this dog done?”
This approach often means:
-
High stress
-
Little patience
-
Little individualized handling
-
Dogs processed like numbers, not companions
Look for a groomer who:
-
Connects with your dog individually
-
Knows their quirks, fears, and preferences
-
Works with your dog’s emotional threshold—not against it
-
Is willing to build skills over time rather than force a result in one visit
Your groomer should be your dog’s teammate, not a factory worker on a timer.
3. Outdated Training Methods Still Exist (“You Must Be Alpha”)
Dominance-based handling has been debunked repeatedly, yet some groomers still cling to it.
You want a groomer who uses:
-
Positive reinforcement
-
Cooperative care concepts
-
Fear-free or low-stress handling
-
Respect for your dog’s body language
-
Patience, communication, and consent-based approaches
This keeps grooming from becoming a “scary” ordeal and instead builds trust.
These Are Not Small Preferences—They’re Life Skills
The right groomer will help your dog:
✨ Build confidence
✨ Learn patience
✨ Tolerate new sensations
✨ Remain calm in stimulating environments
✨ Become a dog who can be safely groomed anywhere
These skills carry over into:
-
Vet visits
-
Nail trims at home
-
New environments
-
Boarding situations
-
Meeting new people
GROOMERS: A Message for You
1. If Your Workplace Drains You With Outdated or Harmful Practices—Leave or Advocate for Change
You deserve:
-
A shop that values safety
-
Reasonable scheduling
-
Compassionate handling
-
Mental health support
-
A culture that puts dogs first
You are the foundation of the business.
Your skills keep clients returning—not a corporate sign on the building.
Know your worth.
2. Pet Parents Often Have Wildly Unrealistic Expectations—Communicate Early & Often
Most people have no idea what grooming truly involves.
They don’t know:
-
Coat maintenance
-
Behavior shaping
-
Desensitization timelines
-
What’s possible with matting
-
How long a proper groom takes
-
Safety risks involved
-
The reality of certain breed coats
Communication is everything.
Tell them:
-
What their dog needs at home
-
What you did today
-
Where their dog struggled
-
How they can help
-
What the long-term plan is
-
Why a haircut might need to be different than they envisioned
Educated pet parents become your best clients.
3. Remember Why You Started—You Love Dogs
Some days are hard. Some dogs are afraid. Some habits take months to change.
But one day…
Every dog on your client list will groom calmly, safely, and confidently because of the foundation YOU built.
-
No more wrestling
-
No more fight-or-flight responses
-
No more unsafe situations
-
No more dreading certain appointments
You spend more time with these dogs than with some of your own family—make the experience one that brings you joy.
Final Thoughts
Grooming isn’t just a bath and a haircut.
It’s emotional work, behavioral work, trust-building work, safety work, and care work.
When groomers and pet parents understand each other, communicate openly, and prioritize the dog’s emotional wellbeing…
✨ Everyone wins.
✨ Grooming becomes safer.
✨ Dogs become confident.
✨ Groomers stay passionate.
✨ Pet parents feel informed and supported.
A grooming appointment shouldn’t be stressful—it should be another step in creating a happy, healthy, well-rounded dog.
