Last week a couple came in our salon to ask how much we would charge to groom a Bouvier. I came out to talk to them, asked if they keep it in breed profile trim - with fall, beard, longer legs, etc. They were impressed that I even knew what a Bouvier was! They said they went into several other salons and they either had no idea (in one salon, one person asked how big the dog was and then yelled to someone in the back "how much to groom a 90-lb dog?"), or said they did not groom Bouviers. Well, if they asked me if I ever groomed one, the truth is, no. But I do know how to groom one in theory, I have resources to consult - grooming books and this board.
So, before they came today, I looked for all threads on Bouviers on this board, searched breed photos, studied Notes from the Grooming Table and Jodi's book (got it just in time!). The dog was wonderful. She was a little hyper, hopped around like a puppy (and she is 7 years old), did very good for most of the groom (did not like dryer much, so that took a while). She had gorgeous beard and fall over her eyes; I did A comb on her body and E comb/scissored legs. And the owners take really good care of her - she did not have one single mat in her.
They were happy with the groom, said they are glad they found someone who knows how to groom Bouviers, and made appointment to bring their another dog, mini-labradoodle.
Wish I have some decent pictures for critique but she got so excited after I put her collar on, she would not sit still. Will try next time.
Anyway, I don't understand why other groomers would not take in breed they never groomed before. I understand, it is not possible to be proficient in all breeds, but with all the resources available to us today, why not to learn something new?
So, before they came today, I looked for all threads on Bouviers on this board, searched breed photos, studied Notes from the Grooming Table and Jodi's book (got it just in time!). The dog was wonderful. She was a little hyper, hopped around like a puppy (and she is 7 years old), did very good for most of the groom (did not like dryer much, so that took a while). She had gorgeous beard and fall over her eyes; I did A comb on her body and E comb/scissored legs. And the owners take really good care of her - she did not have one single mat in her.
They were happy with the groom, said they are glad they found someone who knows how to groom Bouviers, and made appointment to bring their another dog, mini-labradoodle.
Wish I have some decent pictures for critique but she got so excited after I put her collar on, she would not sit still. Will try next time.
Anyway, I don't understand why other groomers would not take in breed they never groomed before. I understand, it is not possible to be proficient in all breeds, but with all the resources available to us today, why not to learn something new?
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