Most responsible dog owners know that grooming is important for their pets, and in this article, we will take a look at how long it takes to groom a dog. If you are looking for a quick answer, it takes anywhere between 1 to 4 hours. However, this really depends on certain factors regarding your dog and the groomer. So, to better answer this question, it is important to know what is involved in the whole process:
Usually, dog groomers will first ask how you would like your dog groomed. Once they get an idea about what you want, they then inspect the dog before the grooming process begins.
When the groomer confirms that the dog is ready for grooming, they usually start to work by brushing your dog’s fur and clipping the nails. After all this is done, the dog groomer then baths the dog and dries the coat to prepare its coat for cutting.
If this is your first time going to a dog groomer, don’t worry if the dog fidgets or moves too much during the grooming process. Your groomer has ways of keeping your dog calm, or they will just adjust your dog’s posture to make the work easier.
Usually, the bathing, clipping, and brushing is done in a short span of time if the dog doesn’t move too much. The time needed for cutting, on the other hand, depends on the thickness of the fur and the style that you want your dog to have.
How Long Does It Take to Groom A Dog?
The time that it takes to groom a dog may be short or long depending on the following factors:
Dog breed
Different dog breeds need varying amounts of time to be properly groomed. Dogs such as Poodles, Bichon Frisé, Afghan Hound, Portuguese Water Dog, Puli, Komondor, and similar dogs have tricky coats to work with and therefore may take a considerable amount of time to be properly groomed, even with professional aid. Expect 2-4 hours grooming time for these types of dogs.
However, if you own dogs that have short tight coats, expect them to be groomed in just a short span of time, which is roughly 1 to 3 hours.
The workload of the dog groomer
You should always expect that you are not the only customer of a dog grooming shop. This is why the time that it takes to groom a dog is also affected by how many customers are being attended by your preferred dog groomer.
One way to counter the long waits is by making a list of other dog grooming shops that are near your vicinity. Another strategy that you can utilize is to take note of the date where your dog groomer seems to have lesser customers and set those dates as your dog grooming schedule to save time.
Dog Grooming Shop’s Popularity
Expect to wait long hours on popular dog grooming shops. Most will have lots of customers to attend to. To solve this problem, you can look for alternatives that are less popular and have fewer customers but still bring out the same result for your dog.
You can also check their customer service strategies to see if they still work fast even if they have a lot of customers. Popular dog grooming shops cannot cater to the needs of all their customers for the day, so it is important to know other shops that you can go to in case such a situation happens.
Dog groomer’s skill
Experienced dog groomers work faster than others but still give that fulfilling look to your dog. Take note of dog grooming shops that only employ experienced professionals and avoid those which are known for working slowly or sloppily.
That being said, a fast worker is not always a tidy worker, and experience doesn’t always mean that you will get good results. So in the beginning, there will be a bit of trial and error as you find the right groomers for your dog. So, make the most of your dog grooming budget by choosing the best dog groomer that you can afford.
Why Is Dog Grooming Important?
Regular grooming for your dog not only enhances its appearance; it also aids in keeping your pet healthy. Here are the following benefits that come from dog grooming:
Dogs that are groomed have decreased chances of suffering from health problems such as thrush, scratching, and skin problems. They will normally have healthier coats, making them look presentable for potential home visitors. Proper grooming prevents lice infestation and reduces shedding of fur, keeping the dog happier and allowing them to build a closer relationship to the owner.
In connection, the following are the benefits of dog grooming for you as an owner:
Regularly grooming your dog will help keep you safe from asthma. It also frees you from the hassle of having a smelly dog, therefore making your furry friend more attached to you.
Should You Groom Your Dog By Yourself?
You might think that going to a grooming shop and waiting for an hour or more is a hassle and decide that you groom your dog by yourself. You can do your own grooming ONLY IF you know how to do it. If not, it is better to seek professional help and let them do the job. Grooming a dog without experience will do more harm for your dog than the benefit that it brings.
Every responsible dog owner should make dog grooming an important part of their pets’ lives. Grooming may take a considerable amount of your time, but a little sacrifice for your beloved pet is what you need to keep them happy, healthy and attached to you. And you’ll get all of this and a dog that looks beautiful.
