Why Dog Groomers Prefer You to Leave Your Dog with Them

Many dog owners believe staying with their pet during grooming offers comfort, but professional dog groomers strongly prefer that you leave your dog with them for the session. This approach creates a calmer, safer, and more efficient experience for both your dog and the groomer.

Let’s explore the key reasons why groomers encourage owners to leave their dogs during grooming appointments and how this benefits everyone involved.

Your dog will settle better without you

A dog's behaviour often changes significantly when their owner is present. While owners may feel their presence reassures their furry friend, dogs usually look to you for comfort and commands. This can distract them and make them less responsive to the groomer’s guidance.

Without you present, dogs tend to settle more quickly. The groomer can build a direct, one-to-one relationship, holding your dog’s focus and helping them feel secure during bathing, trimming, and styling.

Groomers work more effectively

Having an owner hovering or watching can make groomers feel tense or distracted, which may slow the grooming process or affect the quality of the result. Leaving your dog enables groomers to focus fully, work confidently, and handle your dog professionally without feeling observed or rushed.

Better dog management during grooming

When you’re around, your dog naturally looks to you for direction and may ignore or be less responsive to the groomer’s commands. This can make it challenging for groomers to manoeuvre your dog safely and complete the job efficiently.

Leaving your dog with the groomer allows them to manage your dog in a calm, professional manner, focusing on safety and effective handling without having to worry about your reactions.

Health, safety and insurance considerations

Many groomers operate from home-based parlours, fully insured and licensed for professional grooming. However, insurance policies often do not cover the presence of non-staff people during grooming. This can pose risks both for safety and insurance compliance.

Limiting attendance to staff helps maintain a controlled environment that safeguards your dog, the groomer, and others around.

Respecting other dogs and appointments

In busy groomer schedules, multiple dogs come and go in tightly planned slots. Owners present during the grooming may stress other dogs waiting for their turn or those being picked up, by causing distraction or excitement.

Allowing groomers to manage appointments without spectators ensures all dogs remain calm and the schedule runs smoothly.

Maintaining grooming appointment schedules

Time management is crucial for groomers to ensure all appointments finish on time and each dog receives proper attention.

While groomers always prioritise discussing your dog's grooming needs and answering your questions, staying during the grooming can unexpectedly delay the process, impacting other clients and the groomer’s day.

Building trust between your dog and groomer

When you leave your dog with the groomer, it helps build a trusting relationship directly between them. Over time, this bond reduces grooming-related anxiety and makes future visits easier and more pleasant for your dog.

This trust benefits both your dog's wellbeing and the groomer’s ability to deliver excellent care and styling.

By understanding these reasons, you can appreciate why professional groomers prefer you to leave your dog during appointments, creating a safer and more successful grooming experience. For those looking for puppies or planning to bring a new dog in for grooming, respecting these guidelines will help your dog get the best care possible.