Before you start

• •Appointment confirmed and pre-groom notes reviewed (breed, last groom date, notes from prior visits)
• •Correct blade set pulled for breed and customer preference (blade size on client card)
• •Tub temperature set to warm (approximately 100°F — not hot)
• •Client card with any health or behavioral alerts visible at station

The procedure

Step-by-step, in order. Each step has the action and the reason it matters.

1. 1

   Pre-groom assessment at check-in — before the dog leaves the owner

   Inspect the dog with the owner present: check for matting, skin conditions, lumps, ear infection signs (odor, head shaking), and note any changes since last visit. Call out any pre-existing condition before the owner leaves. This protects you from claims that grooming caused it.

2. 2

   Brush-out before bath

   Brush out any matting before wetting. Wet mats tighten significantly and become harder to remove. If matting is severe (3+ inches), inform the owner before proceeding — a dematting release waiver is required for matted dogs. Do not work through severe mats without consent.

3. 3

   Bath — two rounds of shampoo

   First shampoo removes dirt and oils. Rinse fully — any shampoo residue causes skin irritation. Second shampoo with appropriate product for coat type. Medicated shampoo (if prescribed) must sit for the contact time on the label — set a timer, don't guess.

4. 4

   Ear cleaning (during bath)

   Squeeze ear cleaner into the ear canal, massage at base for 30 seconds, let the dog shake, then wipe visible ear with cotton ball. Do not use a cotton swab deeper than visible. If ear shows redness, discharge, or strong odor — document and inform the owner. Do not clean — refer to vet.

5. 5

   Anal glands — if on service ticket

   External expression only. If expression requires internal technique, this is a vet service. If glands are impacted (hard, not expressed by gentle pressure), stop and document — do not force. Inform owner to schedule a vet appointment.

6. 6

   Blow-dry — correct technique for coat type

   High-velocity dryer for double coats and thick coats — keep moving, never hold in one spot. Finish dryer on face and near skin. Dog must be fully dry before cutting — a damp undercoat will affect clipper performance and can cause clipper irritation on sensitive skin.

7. 7

   Nail trim and grinding

   Trim nails just past the quick-free zone (pink line visible on white nails — on dark nails, trim in 1-2mm increments until you see a gray dot — that's 1mm from the quick). Grind after trim to remove sharp edges. Have styptic powder accessible. Document any quick nicks and inform owner at pickup.

8. 8

   Clip and style — work from head to tail

   Follow the breed standard or the customer card style preference. Work head → neck → body → legs → tail. Double-check blade guards before starting each section. Even lines and blends are the difference between a repeat customer and a complaint.

9. 9

   Final inspection before photo and check-out

   Verify both ears cleaned, nails trimmed, no shampoo residue (run hand against grain and check skin), even clipper lines. Take a phone photo at check-out — dated photos protect against false return complaints ('you cut too much').

Verify when done

• ☐Pre-groom assessment completed with owner present
• ☐Mats addressed before bath or waiver obtained
• ☐Coat fully dry before clipping
• ☐Quick nick (if any) documented and owner informed
• ☐Checkout photo taken

Common mistakes

• ✕Skipping the pre-bath brush-out on matted coats
• ✕Starting the blow-dry before checking water temperature on the ears
• ✕Not fully drying the undercoat before clipping
• ✕Skipping the checkout photo

Trainer notes

The pre-groom assessment with the owner present is the single most important step for preventing disputes. If the owner doesn't see you check the dog before they leave, any pre-existing condition you discover later becomes your problem.

Common questions