Don't shave the dog!

As a professional groomer of both pet and show dogs I hear this at least 5 times a week. Client walks in with a matted-to-the-skin dog and says, "Don't shave the dog" My reply is they will need to take the dog home and brush him/her out then. As professionals, we know the difference between a dog that can safely be brushed out without hurting the dog or damaging the skin. There is a point of no return and when the safety of the dog is at risk, professional/educated groomers do not dematt!

Think about this...if you didn't brush your hair for 6 months do you think you could easily get a brush through that mess? Nope! Same with your dog. Bathing a matted dog makes the matts worse. They shrink (like wool) and get tighter when water is added to the already dirty, matted coat.

Groomers do not make the decision of whether to shave a dog or not....the client does. If you bring a matted dog in to be groomed the only safe option is to shave the dog and start over. If your dog won't let you brush him/her then s/he isn't going to let us do it either. Be smart and keep your dog in a cute, short clip that is easily maintained by monthly grooming appointments. If you keep your dog in a short trim and maintain it, then you should not have to do much in between grooming appointments, provided you get your dog in every 4 - 6 weeks depending on breed.

Don't shave the dog? BRUSH you dog and we won't have to shave him/her!