Teach an owner?

[Crystal]

Have you ever been asked to teach an owner to groom their own dog? I was approached by a woman who found dog a three months ago. This is a shih tzu mix and she was groomed over a month ago at a local shop and the woman was not happy because her dog was extremely stressed out. She has done some of her own grooming already at home and the dog gets very stressed even when her owner does light things at home.

She has already ordered a table and clippers, and all the other tools she will need, and they should be arriving soon. This lady thinks that no matter who grooms her dog, that her dog will still be upset as before (vomit, defecate, eyes blood shot, excessive panting, etc).

I always felt that whatever works best for the dog is the right way, even if that means I don't get a customer in the end. This woman has offered to pay me twice what I would ask for a regular groom, and she will be doing the bath ahead of time. So I will have a clean and dry dog to work with. Apparently she has had to do alot of work just to get the dog to accept bathing, so I was fine with that. I gave her some tips already on home bathing and products, etc.

Am I stupid for doing this? I didn't know how to feel about it, honestly. But she was determined to never have anyone else groom this dog except her, and either way it is helping out the dog. My husband told me I was foolish to accept this offer because it would be a waste of my time knowing that I'll never see this dog again, but I figured that atleast I can help her with some of my own knowledge to keep her dog well maintained without alot of stress.

[Raggs]

I would do it. It helps the dog and also if it stresses really bad and seizes or something, the liability isn't on your head.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

You're not stupid, and I'd give your husband a dirty look for calling you stupid, LOL.

Anyway, the woman is bound and determined not to have a groomer work on the dog, she's gone THAT FAR out of her way to even purchase a table and clippers, so I would gratefully accept her offer ... or whatever you call it, lol...and teach her. She MAY just be so impressed with you that she will give up on trying to groom the dog herself but will at LEAST know that you know what you're doing and in the end, call you back. Hope that makes sense...

I'm just saying she may very well turn into a customer in the end, because if the dog is stressed, it will be stressed with her too, so if the dog is going to be stressed either way, at least she can let it be stressed with a groomer who is patient and knowledgable like YOU.

Tammy in Utah

[DAPER DAWG]

I would do it and it is very nice of you to think of the dog first. I have had some people try and and realize it's too hard and bring the dogs back.

Good for her thinking of the dog so much also and it's better she be taught the correct way to use the tools for the dogs safety.

I was thinking of offering a class for brushing and grooming info. for the humane society.

[eastwickecs]

I have also showed some owners how to groom thier own dog. I feel that they will find a way to do it on thier own anyway so it is better if they see how to do it right. I have also helped clients pick out what they need for equiptment. But I have to say that everyone that I have ever taught always ends up coming back for me to groom the dog. I think when they see how much work it really is, and that we dont just get to play with dogs all day, they see that maybe in the long run it is better for the dog. Also if she sees how you are in working with the dog she may feel better in taking the dog in for grooming. Hopefully whatever is best for the dog will work out. But I think that you are doing a good thing in trying to help her.
Good Luck
Shannon

[Misty]

I would do it Crystal. It is not a stupid thing to do. You will make the money while you are there and you may get referrals from her because you were such a nice and caring person. Also she may get another dog for you to groom or after awhile of grooming the dog herself it may calm down and she may want you to do it. Also the neighbors may see you there and then you will get them.
I have taught a couple of people to groom their own dog and was just glad that I could help them. I have always gotten something good out of it later.

[ejmj30]

I agree with everyone and would also do it. I've had a couple people ask me to show them how to groom their dogs. I've said I would, but they've not scheduled a time to come in.

I also have a couple people who groom their own dogs most of the time, but then have me do a full groom to get them back on track every couple months.

I don't mind because they may not be every 6 wk customers, but they do keep up with their dog's coat, and they're usually big grooms that I'm glad I don't have to do all the time.

I doubt she'll ever groom the dog as well as you can, so either she'll come to you now and again, or she'll speak highly of you being so thoughtful of her situation, or she'll give up altogether and you'll be her groomer.....which may not make you happy, but at least you can charge her for extra handling and she'll understand why. Good luck!

[Gracy Rose]

I would teach her:-) This way when she realizes it isn't the easiest job you now have a client:-)

[Jadenlea]

I dont think its dumb. Its a nice thing to do. I wouldnt make a habit of it though (she tells her friends and they tell their friends hehe)

One thing I would give her to think about though is this... dogs are social creatures and need socialization. Keeping it only in the home and all protected she could be making it even more neurotic. The dog would probably benefit from being away from her occassionally. Unless the dog is very old ..then Id just let it be

[Crystal]

Well actually the word my husband used was foolish. He was just thinking that I am wasting my time since I know it's going to be just a one time thing. I was the one who used the word stupid, because I felt like I was handing my job over to someone. But I'm still busy every day now, so I shouldn't worry about losing business. Maybe she'll refer me to others.

It's nice to know I'm not alone to just think of the future of this dog for her grooming. Although that is possible she could be a future customer if she gives up from doing this on her own.

You all probably might understand how i felt, but let me give you an idea.

Before grooming, I worked for a large bank. The department I worked in was being relocated to Florida, 125 people were being laid off. Because of the relocation, the bank asked me and a few other of my coworkers to travel to Florida for 2 weeks and assist with the transition of all of our work. Can you believe that? Well I did it because there was a big bonus in it for me, which i used to pay for grooming school. However, when I thought about it, I couldn't believe that I was asked to train the people who were taking my job. it's like what is this world coming to?

so anyway, that feeling I had back then was similar to the same feeling I had after reluctantly agreeing to teach this lady how to groom her own dog.

[redbird]

I would

You never know when someone walks through your door with a groom, if it will be the first of many or just one visit.

I would charge her by the hour, and try to make the same as you would
off of several grooms.

You have made your wage for your time. No problem.

[rapuzzled]

Well actually the word my husband used was foolish. He was just thinking that I am wasting my time since I know it's going to be just a one time thing. I was the one who used the word stupid, because I felt like I was handing my job over to someone. But I'm still busy every day now, so I shouldn't worry about losing business. Maybe she'll refer me to others.

It's nice to know I'm not alone to just think of the future of this dog for her grooming. Although that is possible she could be a future customer if she gives up from doing this on her own.

You all probably might understand how i felt, but let me give you an idea.

Before grooming, I worked for a large bank. The department I worked in was being relocated to Florida, 125 people were being laid off. Because of the relocation, the bank asked me and a few other of my coworkers to travel to Florida for 2 weeks and assist with the transition of all of our work. Can you believe that? Well I did it because there was a big bonus in it for me, which i used to pay for grooming school. However, when I thought about it, I couldn't believe that I was asked to train the people who were taking my job. it's like what is this world coming to?

so anyway, that feeling I had back then was similar to the same feeling I had after reluctantly agreeing to teach this lady how to groom her own dog.

Well, it does happen a lot. I have several friends that have had to train their replacements, or even their bosses. Needless to say, they weren't very happy about it, lol.

[Helly]

Think of it this way. This woman probably is not going to be your client anyway.You can make whatever money you can get by teaching her how to groom her dog right, or you can turn her down and make nothing. She may discover that she needs more than one lesson, in which case you'll get a little more money from her.

To me, some money is better than no money.

[Arrooh]

Good PR

If the woman ends up with another dog, or hears of someone needing a grooming she'll remember you. Besides she might decide after all to let you groom it. I taught a friend of mine's daughter to groom her poodle. She did okay, but guess what, she's so busy etc that she decided to have me for a groomer after all.

[SCISSORHANDS]

Do it once

I would do it once and charge accordingly. She will probably groom it once on her own then ask you to do it at your shop.