As a shop that's only been open for 5 months, we're getting a ton of dogs that have been kicked out of other grooming shops, or have not been groomed in ages.
We find ourselves spending too much time brushing out dogs in terrible shape, trying to save Shih Tzu tails, washing filthy dogs 2-3 times, shaving Wheatons & Sheepdogs down with #10's.
Right now, everyone has been getting "one free brush-out" & we will spend some time saving its tail or dematting it to avoid having to skin the poor dog. We tell the owner that this is too hard on the dog, it has to come in 6-8 weeks, etc. Some people HAVE listened and started coming regularly. Most have not.
I note the dog's chart that next time it is not to get any extra time spent on it without extra $$$ - but I am also considering a policy where I will not shave a dog down twice due to neglect. It's too hard on me, the equipment, the dog, and my time.
Do any of you have a policy like this, or what do you do when a dog comes in matted to the skin? Charge more? Shrug it off and shave it? As a new shop we can't be too obnoxious about kicking people out - but we're losing money on some of these people too!
We find ourselves spending too much time brushing out dogs in terrible shape, trying to save Shih Tzu tails, washing filthy dogs 2-3 times, shaving Wheatons & Sheepdogs down with #10's.
Right now, everyone has been getting "one free brush-out" & we will spend some time saving its tail or dematting it to avoid having to skin the poor dog. We tell the owner that this is too hard on the dog, it has to come in 6-8 weeks, etc. Some people HAVE listened and started coming regularly. Most have not.
I note the dog's chart that next time it is not to get any extra time spent on it without extra $$$ - but I am also considering a policy where I will not shave a dog down twice due to neglect. It's too hard on me, the equipment, the dog, and my time.
Do any of you have a policy like this, or what do you do when a dog comes in matted to the skin? Charge more? Shrug it off and shave it? As a new shop we can't be too obnoxious about kicking people out - but we're losing money on some of these people too!
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