Well, it’s officially summer, and the request for summer cuts and shave downs has begun! Be sure to read my article on protecting your dog from the summer’s heat, and don’t forget to start stocking up on flea and tick preventative. Remember that it is much easier to prevent parasite problems than to rid your dog (and home!) of them.
I’d like to welcome all my new grooming and collar customers, and thank my existing ones for your continued support and patronage. As The Artful Groomer & The Artful Canine grows, it is important that we show our appreciation through community support and charitable causes. I would like to support a cause that means something to my customers, so post your favorite non-profit passion on The Artful Canine Facebookdddd and Twitter pages. Click on the Twitter and Facebook links on the right and help me choose a good cause!
With the onset of summer, dog owners find themselves adjusting their daily routines to protect their dogs from the summer’s heat, which can be deadly if the right precautions are not taken. While most of you probably know how to protect your dog from the heat, here are a few reminders and tips:
- Provide plenty of cool water at all times.
- Keep your dog indoors during midday when outdoor temps are at their highest. Walk or play in the early morning and late evening, or when outdoor temps are below 85 degrees.
- If you own a dog that has a long coat that sheds, don’t shave it down to the skin. Leave about 1/2” to 1” of fur. Some fur is good for your dog, because it shields the dog’s skin from the sun and insulates the dog from the heat. Dogs don’t use sweat to cool themselves off the way people do. Because of this, they don’t need exposed skin. Not only that, but shaving a dogs coat can permanently change the coats texture and color, something that you might not want if your dog has a beautiful, natural coat.
- Give your dog ice cubes as snacks. They are a cooling treat that also helps hydrate (not to mention satisfy the need to chew and crunch!)
- Keep a kiddie pool in the yard for play and cool downs if your dog is active and needs to release energy.
- Shield your recently groomed dog from the sun’s harmful rays for at least a week. This is true of any dog with very short cuts or thinning hair. Sunburn is very painful for dogs.
Most important – have fun! There are plenty of dog friendly beaches, parks, shopping malls and outdoor café’s and gathering places for you and your dog to enjoy this summer.
 Some people are very comfortable asking their groomer questions, and others are not. For that reason I decided to answer three of the most often-asked questions. I hope this helps open up the dialog between you and your dog’s groomer, and don’t ever be afraid to ask a question about your dog’s care!
How do I tell my groomer that I am not happy with my dogs groom?
Many people are uncomfortable asking this one, and it’s understandable. I am the same way with my hairdresser! But the worse thing you can do is not say anything and be unhappy. Groomers aren’t always able to see things as their customers do. For example, “short” to your groomer may not look quite the same as “short” does to you. The sooner you and your groomer can reach a mutual understanding about how you want your dog groomed, the better your relationship will be.
I explain to my clients that if they aren’t happy with their dog’s groom, they can bring him/her back within 2 weeks for a free trim up. If it is the first groom, it can sometimes take 2-3 sessions to get the style “just right.” If you know how you like your dog styled, be as specific as possible with your groomer. I often refer to AKC pictures as a starting point so that I can make visual references to length and style of a breeds cut. It’s great for getting folks on the same page. I’ve also had clients bring in pictures of their dog after a groom, which illustrates exactly how they want their dog to ultimately look.
How does my dog behave during the groom session?
This is a great question, because most of you will never see the behaviors your dog exhibits on the grooming table at home! Unless you perform the same procedures on your dog at home, you couldn’t know how he/she behaves. Most dogs don’t like being groomed, and that’s perfectly normal. Some dogs have learned to tolerate the grooming process for the treats (or positive attention) that occurs during or after a grooming session. Other dogs have difficulty with some (or occasionally all) aspect of the groom. Unless a dog’s behavior prohibits me from completing a good groom, I’ll rarely let a client know. Why? Because your dog is not being bad – he’s just being a dog! They don’t sweat the small stuff like we do. But if you really want to know, feel free to ask. Remember – no dog is a “bad” dog!
Should I tip my groomer?
As with your hair stylist, waitress at your favorite restaurant, or newspaper delivery girl, tipping for grooming services is an accepted practice. It is customary to tip the person who provided the service, so long as you are satisfied with the service you received. Tipping is a great feedback mechanism for your groomer, telling him/her that they are doing a good job and that you are satisfied with the work they have performed. Tipping is also appreciated when your dog may have been especially matted, dirty or needed special attention of some sort. While a 15 – 20% tip is customary, groomers know it is a particularly tough time for some, given the economic climate. It is important to keep your dog groomed – for his/her comfort and health – so don’t ever avoid a groom because you can’t leave a tip. Like some of my clients have done, you can always bring some homemade cookies or offer some other gesture to show your appreciation and that you are satisfied and happy with your groomers work!
Yes, we’ve fallen a bit behind! Although they may be late, we continue to draw a winner every month from those that have signed up for our newsletter.
Our March winner is Charlena D. from Sarasota. FL and her havanese, “Macie. Charlena and Macie chose our Pink Bunnies Collar and Leash from our Everyday Collar Collection.
Our April Winner is Jessica F. from Minneapolis, MN and her 5 1/2 year old Welsh Terrier, “Miss Bear’ (aka Bearsky). Jessica and Miss Bear chose our Pink Flower Dog Harness from our Easy Step-in Harness Collection.
Congrats to all!
I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking of North Port’s first dog park (named Paws Park) this past April. The park is scheduled to be completed in October. I know many of my local customers are just as excited as I am that North POrt finally has it's own dog park! You can view the park plan here. I am working with the city to create some fun events that the whole family (furry ones and all) can attend and enjoy! Plans are underway for a Halloween event, so stay tuned …
Huricane Preparedness for Your Dog |
As we prepare for what some are saying will be the most “active” hurricane season, we must prepare for our dogs safety as well. Remember to stash away an emergency dog kit – canned food, water bowl, poop bags, dry snacks, and a collapsible or portable crate – no shelter will allow you in with a dog without a crate – so that you are ready to go when mother nature acts up. Go to SCGOVE.net to find out which shelters take dogs closest to your home. Call if you have any questions, and remember – no dog left behind!
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Martingale Collar
Step In Harness
4', 5' & 6' Leash
Adjustable Buckle Collar