Taking the dog to the groomer is not a matter to be taken lightly. Especially in the case of dogs with long hair, when the skill of the dog groomer can drastically change their appearance.
Cutting dogs' hair goes beyond aesthetic issues. It is also necessary so that they are cool in summer –although we should not shave them–, it helps to undo knots, prevent infections and parasites. However, the results are not always as expected.
After all, each dog is different and so is each owner. Maybe the groomer gives generic cuts without customizing them based on race, or maybe you haven't stopped to explain in detail what the style you want is like. If the professional you go to is never right, he takes good note of how to get your furry to leave it flawless.
First of all, it is important to verify that the salon you are going to go to is run by a professional with good results. To do this, check the opinions of other people around you, as well as internet reviews and photos on social networks, if they have them. If you have a dog with a long and complicated coat – such as a poodle, chow chow, Maltese, spaniel, etc. – it would be a good idea to find a dog groomer who specializes in its particularities.
Apart from this, you must be very clear and specify in detail the guidelines for the cut you want. Hold a section of your dog's fur and calculate how many inches or fingers you would like to see cut off. You also have to indicate if you want the entire body cut to be uniform or if, on the contrary, you like the hair on the legs to be longer or shorter compared to the back. Another important point is how you want the tail to be cut: at the same level as the rest, shorter, longer, with the tip longer than the base, to name a few possibilities.
The head, snout, eyes, and ears are particularly complex areas, so feel free to give as much detail as you can. Longer or shorter ears, a rounded and fluffy head or rather short hair, clear eyes so you can see well... If you can, collect photographs of how you would like it to look, so that the hairdresser has them as a reference.
However, keep in mind that the care of the coat that your dog presents before going to the hairdresser will also influence the result. For example, if it has many knots, you may have no choice but to cut it more than you would like. Remember to take care of it and carry out good maintenance at home instead of leaving everything in the hands of the dog groomer.
