By Kathy Hosler
July 11, 2013
Although your official task title may be “Professional Pet Stylist,” it’s a risk-free bet that many of your clients likewise expect you to be a mind reader. Whether you have been grooming for only a few months or for 30-plus years, great deals of pet owners believe that you should immediately understand precisely exactly how they want their valuable pet groomed.
Do you shudder when somebody comes into your beauty parlor as well as states that they want a “puppy cut” on their dog? all of us understand that a puppy cut means something different to every person. You may instantaneously picture the type of trim that would look fantastic on their bit darling, however what they have in mind may be totally different. The truth of the matter is that a great deal of issues that arise between groomers as well as pet owners are a direct result of bad or uncertain communications.
Let’s look at the example of the puppy cut. A new client is available in as well as requests a puppy cut for her eight-month-old miniature Poodle. “You know, I want her fluffy all over, just like a puppy,” the client states emphatically. This is when you not only requirement to be a mind reader; you have to be a detective as well. begin by making direct eye get in touch with with the client as well as asking specific concerns about what they want. Do they want Poodle feet? A clean face? exactly how about the length of coat to be left on the body?
Now is the time for you to get out three extremely valuable tools. The very first is a styling chart or photos that show the different styles as well as lengths that can be put on their dog. let them look it over as well as point out to you what they want for their dog.
The second is a ruler – yes, a ruler. exactly how many times has a person told you that they desired their dog to have one inch of hair left around its body as well as then show you the length they expect by opening their thumb as well as finger – as well as the area between them is at least two inches? There is no arguing with a ruler.
The third as well as potentially the most valuable tool is a comb. examine the pet while the owner is still there to see what type of condition it is in. even if the owner swears, “I clean him every day!” you must take time for this important step.
If the pet is matted as well as you understand that it will have to be put in a short clip, be simple as well as tell the owner. show them where the matting is as well as why it cannot be combed out. It’s a great concept to have them indication a release if you do have to provide their dog a “smoothie.” never say, “I’ll see what I can do,” understanding that you will have to clip it truly short however providing the owner the perception that somehow you will be able to salvage their darling fluffy pooch. Do not promise what you cannot deliver.
It’s never a great thing when a client returns for their pet as well as they are unprepared to see their dog with extremely bit or no hair. They may feel that you betrayed them as well as will always keep in mind that you shaved their bad baby. (Never mind that it was matted to the skin… To the owner, it’s still your fault that their pet is “shaved” if both of you did not agree to the short clip at the time of drop-off.) On the other hand, if the pet is in great condition as well as you as well as the owner are both in contract about the type of styling you will provide their dog, you may be able to turn out a groom that will have the owner jumping for joy.
No matter the final result of the “puppy cut,” if you are truthful, direct, as well as have the pet’s finest interests at heart anytime you talk with an owner, they are extremely likely to see things your way. great communication goes a long method toward making a satisfied as well as devoted client.
A great pet stylist has to wear many hats: mind reader, detective, communicator, negotiator, as well as more. So hang on to your hats as well as get grooming!
Total
1
Shares
1
0
0
0
0
Advertisements