Accident waiting to happen

[kdickerson]

New self service dog wash just opened up the street. We were excited and ready to pass out cards and stuff (because we used to do SSDW, and people still ask sometimes). Then, last week we found out that they are offering "self serve grooming" as well for $10-15 more.

It's kinda scary.... They don't have a trained groomer or anything. They just give you the tools and let you go for it. No experience necessary, it's "fun" and your dog would "prefer you groom them because they trust you!" the website says!

The dear bf doesn't get why I think this is CRAZY, but I know you guys will understand.

Hopefully none of our doggy friends get hurt.

I see traumatized, half "groomed" dogs in my future At least (it seems like) the customers who try to do it themselves and pay me to "fix" it end up being the most loyal, nice customers in the future.

[BIG M]

Oh man ......

the veteranarians are gonna be busy. I am certain once they learn a thing or two, this concept will be out the window. Hard lesson to be learned!

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Well, I feel sorry for the dogs. But they'll learn really quickly when dog gets cut and the owner wants THEM to pay for it. It'll be too much of a problem, it will die with the business!

Tammy in Utah

[odette]

you will be busy!!and you're right about once they try it they do appreciate us more. hopefully there won't be to many sliced ears,flanks. and we all know the dog that will not allow mom to do it, so look at the positive side, you will be getting lots of people who appreciate your expertise!

[bednbones]

One of our local groomers

offers classes on how to groom your own dog. She gives them a kit of a slicker brush, small bottle of shampoo, nail clippers and QS. She charges them $50 and she said after they watch her go thru the whole training, most decide they will never groom their own dog and give the kit back. She then saves it for the next class. When they see what really goes into grooming a dog, the equipment, skill etc. they realize it is worth it to pay a professional.

Yep, they will be lined up at your door. Maybe you can put a banner up "Will fix your clip!"

[Mamabearwith2]

It's kinda scary.... They don't have a trained groomer or anything. They just give you the tools and let you go for it. No experience necessary, it's "fun" and your dog would "prefer you groom them because they trust you!" the website says!

GASP!! That's what I did when I read this! YIKES!! Can you throw a link over?

V

[kdickerson]

I won't post a link to the website on the forums, but I will pm a link to anyone that asks. Not looking to cause trouble or embarrassment (if they were a forum member), just concerned

I did a goldendoodle a few weeks ago that the dad had broken the skin in several places trying to cut matts out with scissors and it just made me so sad for the dog. Luckily, she was a pleasure to groom and was not scared at all.

The boss made the decision that we will not be referring people their way, and we might even start self serve again depending on the amount of interest.

Really, even if they did have someone who was trained keeping an eye on the customers, this really isn't a good idea. Plus, anyone that was trained would be wanting to charge more, because they would be literally giving a lesson. Ugh.

[Poodleluv]

Oh boy! As the wonderful departed Steve Irwin used to say. DANGER,DANGER,DANGER. Hope no doggie gets any parts missing before they realize this isn't a workable idea.

[RudyRoo]

I did 2 grooms last week on dogs that the owners had tried to groom. Both owners said, man, it's also harder than it looks and gave up before they hurt their dog. Sounds like a really bad idea!

[SiberianLover]

We just had a cat in on Saturday that had a hole in her armpit under a mat, and dad thought he did it.

I bet you'll be getting lots of business from this!

[Dawn125]

I hope they aren't really giving them any tools that can do serious damage, like sharp pointy sissors.

[gitl]

BIG, BIG mistake.......

[pooh13]

I hope they aren't really giving them any tools that can do serious damage, like sharp pointy sissors.

I'm with you on this one .. geesh

[kdickerson]

Yeah they're supplying everything. I just know it's gonna be fun. I hope whomever is "teaching" the customers the grooming at least has enough sense/training to show them the very basics of safety, like not to point scissors at dog, etc.

[DBT]

OMG ....i hope there are no 7# 's involved! all i can see is poor little pets with throats torn open and ears dissected