Last week we met our new neighbors whom have recently relocated to our home town; they are wonderful people and have two dogs. A few days ago during a conversation, they told us they made an appointment with a mobile grooming service to care for their dogs cleaning needs.

The day came and the groomer showed up and proceeded to park her van against the curve in front of their house; my neighbor was standing in the front porch waiting to greet the groomer who walked up to her and introduced herself, yes, it was a female groomer who looked more like a male, she was stocky and had a tattoo around her wrist. She handed the little pooch to her to see how her dog reacts when held by her. The young dog immediately started to jiggle and looked agitated, meanwhile the groomer was telling my neighbor that the cost was going to be more than what she was originally quoted because the pooch's fur looks very matted (which was not the case) and to make things worse, she was very rude and caddy with her. My neighbor always keep her dogs well brushed and did not get upset, instead she let out a sight of relief because she already decided not to use the groomer so she thanked her and sent her back on her way.

Here are clear signs to watch for before entrusting your beloved pet to any groomer whether mobile or stationary: Make sure your dog does not look tense and agitated when first handled by the groomer. Tip: give your dog three to five drops of Rescue Remedy by Dr. Bach, like three times a day the day before and a couple of hours before grooming. Put the drops directly from the dropper on your fingertips and rub it gently on the nose. It is a wonderful blend of natural flower essences which have calming effects and works great. Most health food stores carry it. If you notice any signs of nervousness in your dog in the presence of the groomer, especially after giving Rescue Remedy, I'd suggest you keep on looking until you find a groomer your dog feels comfortable with otherwise you may regret it later. Dogs can instinctively read people's vibes, you must pay close attention to their body language as it is the only way they can communicate their feelings and if you can train yourself to listen to their body language and gestures, you will understand they are actually asking you to let them choose the groomer they like. Your job in finding the right groomer for your pets should be researching their skills and knowledge level, training, grooming school attended, certificates or diplomas earned and professional affiliations etc. The groomer should spend some time answering as many questions as you may have; a reputable groomer should be more than happy to answer all of your questions as they'd sympathize with your desire to ensure the safety of your pet. The groomer should have knowledge of first aid, skin diseases, animal behavior and extensive training in bathing and drying procedures and speaking of drying, you should not overlook the type of dryer used by the groomer. Forced-air dryers are safer and soothing on the skin and coat of your pet. The cage dryer is a dangerous type of dryer which can cause great harm or even death if the animal is left without supervision with the dryer temperature set in too high. Ok, you have done your homework, all your questions have been answered satisfactorily and hopefully the groomer in question will care for your pets and treat them with respect. But if the groomer gets upset or is rude when you ask questions and if your dog looks agitated in the presence of the groomer, you better watch out, he or she may not be the right groomer for your pets; if your dog feels relaxed and comfortable when it first sees the groomer that is a good sign. Keep on watching how the feeling develops once you handed your pet to the groomer. Does your dog still look relaxed and comfortable? If yes, then the groomer should be a good match for your pet. In my opinion, groomer wannabes and all groomers in general should voluntarily offer to show the potential customer their certification and knowledge, their working facilities, their grooming artifacts such as dryers, nooses, clipper-scissor blades, brushes, sterilizing solutions and other cleaning elements and should also take the time to assure the customer that these artifacts are properly cleaned in between animals to protect the health of the loving pets entrusted to them.

For dog foods rating and dog foods made in the USA, you can visit my sister Joy's new blog. She will be posting interesting information up there.