Any problems with house-call?

[joannar]

hi im at the planning stages of erecting a groom room in my garden to work from its probably going to be 3 months brfore its up and running so am thinking of offering a house-call service as well. Have any of you ever had any problems doing it this way? Can the dogs be more difficult to do in their owners presence? Lack of space, poor lighting etc. If any of you have experienced any problems doing house-call i'd appriciate to hear any info or advice!

[pamperedpups]

Edited.

[Arrooh]

I love it

Never had a home with poor lighting. The dogs seem to behave not having the confusion of a shop, having the comfort of their safe feeling home and knowing their beloved owner is around. The clients that choose this are so often just the most caring pet owners. It is work to set up and clean, but not having any huge overhead, I can do less dogs and do them gently and peacefully so worth the extra time and trouble. If I could have a shop at home, it would be similar in not having to groom so many dogs just to meet business expenses.

[PoodleMom]

Owner's children! I had a very brief time I did house calls. It seemed like the kids were always the one stirring up the dog. One particularly spoiled little girl threw a fit because I wouldn't let her shave her stuffed dog with my clippers.

[joannar]

Thanks guys for your advice, Ive got a collapsable table with wheels so easy to pull but it is quite heavy to lift, I think I might get a smaller lighter one for the little doggies out there. I'll let you know how I get on!

[Arrooh]

just a note of warning

I have a lighter table. A medium sized dog started flipping out and only with quick grabbing did I save the dog from getting clonked by the table falling with him. It could have been serious. So I started bringing my very heavy table for safety sake. I can see the dogs feel much more secure too on this solid heavy table that doesn't wobble or move. I don't let any customers carry it though, lol.

Also I've found the children sort of fun. I get real firm if they misbehave, but engage them with talk and let them use a brush on their stuffed animal, I'll even put a bow on the toy. I let them know that if they touch any of my equipment they CANNOT stay with me.