How to Choose a Professional Dog Groomer

Grooming is now offered in both large scale commercial pet stores and in small boutiques owned by local small business owners that live and spend in your own community. Although the larger corporate pet stores sometimes offer an illusion of a happy pet grooming experience it is important to realize it can be just an illusion. Behind the curtain your pet should still be receiving the same maintenance and care as it does in the boutiques, but big corporate has more space and walls to hide the unpleasant stuff that is involved with proper dog hygiene. If they aren't hiding it and you can't watch the entire process from start to finish than they just aren't doing it, but trust us from over 40 years of experience, not everything about the grooming experience is pleasant for your dog or the groomer because it's downright difficult and sometimes gross.

Dog grooming made it to the top of the world's dirtiest jobs on a recent TV series called "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel. There is a reason for this. If a dog is receiving proper care at your local groomer they are getting their ear hair pulled and cleaned to prevent ear infections and mites, they are getting their anal glands expelled during their bath to prevent backup, they are getting their pads shaved to prevent stuff from getting stuck in the pads of the foot, and they are getting their toe nails trimmed. A good groomer also doesn't hide add-on fees. The major care should always be included. If your pet is regularly brushed and cared for you may just require a bath, but if you receive a hair cut your puppy should get a bath to go with it. This is where it gets tricky because some groomers only do one or the other and don't explain add-on fees for separate services. Additionally, many groomers are just starting out and haven't been trained properly by a professional. Young student groomers often think like the customer that it should be all about a pampering spa experience for the dog, but the truth is if the dog doesn't receive proper care this could cost you as the customer big bucks down the road from your local veterinarian.

Often a larger corporate location does the hard stuff like cutting nails, cleaning ears and bathing where the glands are expelled in the back room. They have a big window where passers can view their puppy getting the final touches. They use the noose system (hook leash to collar) to hold the dog in place. Many groomers still use this method for dog restraint. It's our experience that this method is part of the illusion. It is better to learn proper restraints and holds for dogs that are both safe and assist in supporting the dog during all stages of the grooming and bathing procedure. A noose system can be exactly that. New groomers using a noose system can get distracted and are often misled into believing this will fully restrain the dog, but it often leaves just enough room for the dog to jump.  There have been reported cases where dogs have hung themselves from tables that were restrained this way. Luckily, to my knowledge big corporate groomers only use these tables in the front room where owners can see the happy smiles of their pets getting the finishing touches, but who really knows. That back room holds a lot of mystery.

Although Golda's Grooming is a small grooming boutique, it is our experience that it is best to be open and to communicate with the owners that their dog either enjoys the experience or doesn't. Although it is nice for the owner to think of grooming as a pampering experience (and some dogs do too) it is also best to know the truth about your pet so that you can encourage it to do better the next time and it is rewarding to know of your dog's progress when your pet does handle it's grooming experience better.  Some dogs are fear biters and demonstrate a natural fear at first of grooming tools. Some dogs hate their faces or feet touched. Others treat it from the beginning like a spa experience. A lot of this really depends on the dog's personality and natural fears. Our main point here is that if your groomer doesn't let you stay and watch the whole process upon request there may be something they are trying to hide. It's also good to ask lots of questions to make sure your dog is receiving all the required care it needs to maintain not only it's looks, but also proper health and hygiene. It can prevent costly vet bills down the road.

If you liked this article be sure to follow our blog, because we will be posting more related to the types of questions to ask your groomer and how to help make the grooming experience a positive one for everyone involved.

Remember, it is important to educate yourself about your pet if you love him/ her to make sure your little one is receiving the proper care it needs to remain healthy and clean.

And now for a bit of humor regarding dogs and the bathing experience:



For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Nail Polish and Bows -- Is It a Girl Thing

Polish and Bows has for a long time been used as a statement that says "Fabulous" and "Fancy" for many dogs. It's also a simple and convenient way to keep long haired pups from having fur constantly over their eyes. In America, during the 18th and 19th century the focus on both show and pet dogs was for their workmanship. Dogs often chased rodents and other pests out of fields, were used for hunting, or helped pull carts and watch over livestock. It wasn't until the mid-19th and 20th century when the farms dwindled and the industrial / manufacturing era changed the way that people viewed their dogs. With limited ability to work for a living dogs became the adorable, loving, lap pets that they are today. With that new outlook on the purpose of a pet came more attention to the way dogs looked. They were out of the field and onto the living room rug and so owners looked at them more often and wanted them to be able to stare back at them. Would you rather your pet see you or not? With many long hair breeds the option is trim the face short as in the example below. Or, keep it long and pull it up with a bow.

The bow although cute can also be viewed as a necessity for this reason and both boys and girl dogs alike wear them to keep the hair out of their eyes.















Similarly, is the use of nail polish. Nail polish can only be placed on the toes of dogs who have their feet regularly shaved. If you tried to polish the feet that have fur over the nail, the polish gets in the fur before it can dry and causes a big mess. Polish is a long enjoyed tradition of all poodles toy, miniature, and standard of both the male and female breeds. The poodle has long held the title as the elitist pet. It is a high maintenance and expensive dog that comes in many shades and sizes to choose from. It is a traditional symbol of prestige and money in any size and shade of fur. From the look to the temperament the poodle represents quality. The poodle often acts as if it knows it's meant to perform and show off.

 Golda's Grooming in Knoxville, TN off of I-40 specializes in the maintenance and care of poodles and other fancy small breeds.  Golda's own poodle Abby prefers to wear pink, but she dresses in a variety of colors to match her ever growing wardrobe.

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Dog Ramp Review - Protect your older dog from injury

Golda's Grooming recently invested in a dog ramp to protect larger dogs from injuring themselves climbing in an out of a vehicle and to climb up onto a table or into a tub. So far, it is working like a charm. Still, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using a ramp for your pet that we've learned the hard way and would like to share with you.

1. You must spend some time regularly training your pet to walk the plank. They will initially show signs of fear for the unknown.

2. It's important to train your pet through developmental stages. Once comfortable with climbing onto a favorite chair or couch you can then move forward to the vehicle, and from there you can try the groomers. Just because your pet is comfortable with climbing onto a couch in its own living room doesn't mean it will be as willing to climb into the dreaded tub.

3. Use lots of treats and praise to encourage your pet when it is doing what you've asked of him/ her.

4. Keep a hand on your pet at all times. It's important that your buddy know you're there. It will reduce chances of him/ her getting spooked and trying to jump in the middle of the climb. It will also help your pet to feel secure.

5. If you have multiple dogs, remove the additional dogs from the room while you train. The dog you are working with will be better focused, and it will eliminate all the other pets from distracting you from the task at hand. This is a one at a time kind of deal.

We hope you've enjoyed these tips and have included a photo of the ramp we are currently using.

This ramp averages around a $100 and supports large dogs comfortably. It can be purchased from www.drsfostersmith.com. Our golden retriever Crockett has no problem with climbing it and we've found it to be very sturdy. Other ramps can be purchased for as little as $65 and possibly less if you try Ebay.

Drsfostersmith.com recommends the use of ramps for the following reasons: Use of dog ramps or pet steps can help your dog when he has difficulty jumping into a vehicle or onto the furniture.  When selecting the pet ramp or steps that best fits your situation, consider where it will be used, how high it will need to reach, and whether you want it to be portable. You may also have a preference as to the type of material used in its construction.

It is also especially useful for your groomer if your large dog is accustomed to climbing a ramp and is preferable joint care for senior dogs to prevent hip or bone injury if you are unable to lift them. Golda's highly recommends the purchase of a dog ramp for large breeds that are getting older.





For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Robin Williams Leaves Behind Pug Leonard

Great comedy is so rare, but is also inspired by those we love. In memory of one of the greatest comedians of our time, Robin Williams, we'd like to note on our pet blog that one of his comedic inspirations was his super cute pug Leonard. Even Ellen DeGeneres took note of Robin's love for his favorite pug pal when she showered Robin with special made dog toys on her show. Leonard was adopted from a local pet rescue in 2010 and since then the two seemed inseparable. Even taking Leonard on set and sharing his dinner table with him. Leonard is the true epitome of "mans best friend".  It's a great loss for ALL that such a comedic genius has left us.


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For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Tips and Tricks

Yorkie Love and Care

It's important to show your Yorkie that you love and care for him/ her. Like most small dogs, Yorkies need lots of extra attention and playtime. They love to play fetch and learn new tricks. Yorkies are also known for being attention hogs. They will do just about anything to get attention both positive and negative. They want to know that you notice them.

 

Yorkies also need regular grooming care. Their coats easily tangle so they need to be brushed regularly. A curved wire brush is always the best brush for long coated pets because it helps to pull through any new little tangles. By brushing your puppy daily you not only show it that you care, but you are aiding the groomer's job which in turn often reduces additional de-matting fees that can get expensive if your dog hasn't been properly cared for. It's also important to have your Yorkie groomed and/ or bathed regularly. Every 6-8 weeks is the average grooming care for a small dog. A pet that has been bathed and groomed regularly often behaves much better than one which hasn't and isn't as afraid as other pets because it's used to visiting as pampering salon time.

 

Your puppy salon should be able to help you decide what the best fashionable look is for your pet. Yorkies can have a variety of playful haircuts that can change their look drastically. You can have your pet cut short all over to avoid all that brushing and combing through tangles, or you can grow his coat long. You can also choose a medium length that makes your Yorkie look more like a little Ewok. Its fun to change up the look of your puppy and some cuts go better with fashion accessories than others. The length of hair is also important for body warmth. A shorter style could be better for summer weather and keeping your puppy cool; whereas a longer look could keep your pet warmer in the cold winter months. Golda's Grooming of Knoxville, TN is directly off I-40 and specializes specifically in grooming care for small breeds only.

 

Other things you may want to consider asking your groomer or veterinarian care provider about is Yorkie hygiene. Dental care, Ear Cleanings, Gland Expelling, and Skin Care are all important to keeping your puppy looking and feeling its best. Like grooming, the more often you brush your pup's teeth and get its ears cleaned the less it will bother your Yorkie. Doggie toothpastes are relatively low cost and can save you $ money in expensive veterinarian teeth pulling fees later down the road. It not only keeps your buddy's breath fresh, but clean teeth may also reduce your pets irritability. Nobody with a toothache likes to play and be social (pet or person).

 

More information on the proper care of your small dog will be provided at a later date along with popular puppy hang out spots in Knoxville and other relative information on pet events in the area.

 

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet