Why It Matters
A bad grooming experience can scar a dog for life — sometimes literally. A great one builds trust, catches health issues early, and keeps your pet comfortable. The difference often comes down to asking the right questions before booking.
The 10 Questions
1. Are dogs kenneled between bath, dry, and cut?
The honest answer matters. Express salons keep your dog moving through services with no waiting in a crate for hours. High-volume shops may need to kennel — that's not always bad, but you deserve to know.
2. How many dogs does each groomer handle per day?
A skilled groomer can do 5–8 quality grooms per day. If they're doing 12+, your dog is being rushed.
3. Is my dog with the same person from start to finish?
Continuity reduces stress. If your dog is bathed by one person, dried by another, and cut by a third, the experience is more chaotic.
4. How do you handle anxious or reactive dogs?
The right answer involves patience, breaks, and (sometimes) splitting services across multiple shorter visits — not muzzles and force.
5. What's your matted dog policy?
Look for: "We humanely shave down severely matted dogs and recommend coming back more often." Walk away from: "We can de-mat anything."
6. Are health checks included?
A good groomer checks ears, paws, skin, and teeth as part of every visit and tells you about anything they notice.
7. Are you certified or apprentice-trained?
Certifications (NDGAA, ICMG) aren't required by law, but they signal commitment to safety and skill. Mentor-trained groomers can be just as good — ask about their background.
8. What products do you use?
Look for hypoallergenic, plant-based shampoos and quality conditioners. Avoid salons that won't tell you, or that use heavily fragranced products.
9. Can I tour the salon before booking?
Yes is the only acceptable answer. If they refuse, walk away.
10. What's the cancellation and late policy?
Reasonable: 24-hour notice, $10–$25 late fee, $30–$50 no-show fee.
Unreasonable: $100+ no-show, no exceptions for emergencies.
Visit Red Flags
- Dogs barking nonstop in the back
- Strong urine or chemical smell
- Dirty floors or rusty equipment
- Groomers handling dogs roughly
- Won't let you see the back area
- No vaccine requirements
- Cash-only with no receipt
Green Flags
- Calm, quiet atmosphere
- Visible cleanliness
- Groomers talking softly to dogs
- Clear pricing
- Honest about what they can and can't do
- Asks detailed questions about your dog
- Shows you the back without hesitation
After the First Visit
Watch your dog for:
- Excessive licking of any area
- Limping or sensitivity
- Behavioral changes lasting more than 24 hours
- Visible cuts, brush burn, or razor burn
- Patches that look hand-cut or uneven
Any of these = ask the salon directly, and consider trying somewhere else.
Bottom Line
Trust your gut. The right groomer treats your dog like family, communicates clearly, and never makes you feel rushed. That's the standard — accept nothing less.
Visit our salon. Tour the space. Meet the team. Book at Gordie's Grooming.