How To React to Nicks and Cuts At the Dog Groomer

If your dog comes back from the groomer with a cut or nick, what should you do? Is it a sign of negligence or just bad luck?

Dog grooming involves a dangerous mix: sharp blades, tabletop nooses, wet surfaces, and pets who don't care what their hair looks like. It's important to consider several factors when reviewing a grooming injury. In this article, we'll consider cuts, nicks, and gashes.



You Might Comfortably Stay With the Groomer If: 
- the bleeding stopped quickly after the cut
- it's a minimal cut that does not require medical attention,
or it's a more significant cut, but the groomer agreed to pay your veterinarian's bill for care
- the groomer told you about the cut, or (if they didn't know) apologized when you reported it to them later

 Yes, there are some grooming accidents that are difficult to prevent. A dog may sneeze just as the groomer is trimming close along the ear, or maybe the phone rings at the exact moment the shears are closing to round-out that beautiful paw. Sometimes accidents happen at no (or minimal) fault of the groomer.

If your dog (like many) has a particular area they don't like groomed, this area may be more likely to be nicked or cut during grooming. Consider talking with your groomer about alternative styles that may require less brushing, less scissor detail, or otherwise avoid the sensation that is difficult for your dog. The appearance may be different than you prefer, but it might be worth the safety advantages.

Consider Leaving If: 
- your dog has cuts often (and you've reported them all to the groomer)
- it often happens in the same places
- your groomer suggests that they cannot groom your dog without causing cut. If they think your dog is too anxious/scared/wild/aggressive to be groomed safely, it may be best to find another groomer.

Frequent cuts may suggest your groomer's methods need safety improvements, or possibly that your dog has difficulty tolerating a part of its grooming. If your dog has had many grooming visits, it's likely they've given you feedback about how well Wiggles tolerates the process.

For All Injuries
Accidents are difficult for everyone - you, your pup, and the groomer. If you're having a hard time deciding how to react to a more minor grooming cut or nick, it may be a good idea to mention it at your next vet exam. For more severe cuts, only you can properly consider the injury, your past relationship with the groomer, and how they reacted to this situation. 

3 Parts to Picking A Great Dog Boarding Kennel

How to Pick A Kennel For Your Dog's Vacation

HARD: Not feeling guilty leaving your furry family member behind while you're on vacation.
HARD: Finding a neighbor you trust enough to love Max unconditionally AND not raid the cookie jar.
NOT SO HARD: Finding the right place to care for your dog until you return.


1: Ask and you shall receive
Tap into friends, vets, animal shelters, pet shops, and even other dog-walking strangers for information. Ask:
A) what local kennel they've used, and if they were satisfied - why/why not?
B) if they've heard any good things about other places
C) if there are any places they think you should avoid


2: Check your facts
Call prospective kennels. Ask if:
A) they have a license or certificate showing that they meet state boarding standards (differs by state)
B) a vet is on-site, or distance to the nearest vet
C) proof of current vaccinations, including Bordetella, is required ("No" is a red-flag!)
D) dogs are monitored continuously, or if the building is locked at night and left unattended
E) each dog gets their own kennel area, and if you can bring your dog's own food (less stress for pup)
F) the dogs have scheduled times for walks or running to get exercise

3: Visit before you book
Visit (unannounced if possible) to check conditions of the animals there. Be sure to check:
A) cleanliness (including poop removal), ventilation, and odors - because your dog will come home smelling just like the facility
B) the dogs' attitudes. Are they relaxed? Excited? Stressed? Restless?
C) for the smell of cigarette smoke. Is anyone smoking near the dogs' crates?
D) for warning signs. Do you see anything that makes you nervous? Think it through carefully.

If you're nervous, do an overnight trial before the big trip. Dogs who are overly anxious or aggressive may be not do well when boarding. Leave enough time to test a new one if the kennel is the issue.

You and your dog will both be SO happy you used these 3 parts to find the perfect match!

9 Ways You Accidentally Train A Misbehaving Dog

1. "Max, STOP! Be a good boy!"
All your dog understands is "Max", maybe "stop", and "good boy!" He doesn't understand the rest! Choose your words carefully and only use positive phrases like "good boy" when your puppy is actually behaving. Stick to simple "No" or "Stop" for misbehavior.

2. No jumping rule that only applies to certain people
It's ok to jump on your husband, but he's not allowed to jump on your mother? Dogs don't understand that only some people can handle their weight. Set a no-jumping rule and stick to it. Nobody in your family should ever encourage your dog to jump up. Stay away from teaching tricks that include jumping on people, even to "give kisses", "give a hug", or "high-five".

3. It's only ok if he bites when he's playing
Same as with the jumping rule, dogs don't always understand when biting is and isn't allowed. Ban biting completely from his list of acceptable behavior. Be especially careful of games where people tap on the sides of puppy's face and try to evade his bite. These games, commonly played with puppies, are a lot less cute when his adult jaw is stronger or when the vet tries to look inside his mouth and gets bit.

4. Using treats to lure a runaway dog back inside
If your dog gets loose once, maybe it won't be a disaster to use a little ham to lure him back, right? Well, now your dog knows that running away means she gets a tasty bit of ham. Next time she wants some ham, she might just dart past the UPS driver.

5. Yelling at a barking dog
She's barking to let you know the neighborhood kids are riding bikes again. You yell at her to be quiet. She hears you barking at the kids with her. It's better to make noise using a whistle, silent whistle, shaking a can of pennies, or clapping your hands. Now she knows you're not yelling with her because you think those kids are annoying, too... or do you?

6. Put her nose in her poop
Poop isn't just gross, it's got lots of bacteria in it that can make your little lady sick. Putting her nose in it is a great way to teach your dog not to let you find out where she poops. This could make her afraid to poop outside while you're watching and you might find evidence left in closets or behind chairs instead.

7. Give him the old shoes so he'll leave the new ones for you
He will love the taste of your gross old shoes and who could blame him? Unfortunately, he doesn't know the difference between cheap and expensive or old and new, so he may help himself to the shoes you bought for your brother's wedding because he likes the new leather smell, too.

8. You REALLY spoil her. She's your baby.
Giving your dog everything and everything she wants can make her really insecure and scared on the day when she finally hears "NO!" If nobody teaches her the limits of good and bad behavior, she won't know what to expect when you reprimand her for the first time. Like children, dogs also want to know the rules and they want to know what the consequences will be.

9. Your small dog gets carried everywhere
Being independent from you, on a leash, can give your dog confidence. He needs to know that he can walk by himself in the world without being harmed so that he doesn't get scared when you put him down. That kind of fear often leads to biting. Walking also burns off nervous/pent-up energy that can make little dogs pretty neurotic. Nutty attack chihuahuas? Put 'em on a leash and walk 'em!

Reduce Your Dog's Anxiety At The New Groomer

Maybe your last groomer was your dog's soul mate until she retired. Now you and your dog are both nervous, and you've got an appointment at a new groomer.

These easy tips can help you both glide easily through to your shiny new grooming experience.

As natural pack animals, dogs will look to their owners as pack leaders for cues about new situations. Know that they watch every move and can detect your unconscious hints of fear, anxiety, and aggression. Walk tall, smile, and be friendly. "Follow me, Fluffy!"

Don't feel bad for your dog! Realize that grooming is not punishment, but can be more like an indulgent trip to the spa. You feel cleaner and happier after a refreshing shower, and we all walk just a little bit prouder after a fantastic haircut. "My dog is going to love this."

Avoid negative phrases like, "I'm so sorry you have to go to the groomer, honey, but you'll feel better and you'll get lots of treats when you're done." You can even substitute your mother's phrase, "Think of all the crusty homeless dogs in Africa who would love to go to this groomer."

Focus on how nice your dog will look when they're done to help you send out positive signals about the situation. Think calm, happy thoughts when walking into the grooming shop to announce to your pet that you've arrived at a welcoming place. "You are going to look great."

Introduce yourself to the groomer with a smile and a handshake. Initiating this kind of touch in front of your dog can help build trust. "See, puppy? The groomer touched me and nothing bad happened."

Most groomers pet down a new dog before admission to check the condition of the coat. Let the groomer know if your dog doesn't like his head scratched or if she prefers to sniff first. "Fifi, meet Sarah. Sarah, Fifi prefers to sniff and lick your hand first"

Lastly, when it's time for you to leave, firmly hand the leash over and walk away calmly. Don't try to sneak out or linger because it can give the impression that you expect something bad to happen. Know that dogs get groomed with great results every single day. Remember that most groomers are also dog owners and dog lovers who will treat your dog like their own.

Say this last phrase out loud as you hand off the leash and know that it's true for you both:
"I know you'll be fine".