How To Choose
a Breed
*All* breeds have a downside as well as an upside..... it may be
brushing
requirements, it might be snoring or a short lifespan. Might be barking,
or
intolerance of cold or warm climates. You need to know before you
decide.
All breeds have their share of health issues, too. There is no perfect,
easy
care, "born trained" breed suitable for all living conditions. The more
you
understand about a breed, the more likely you are to choose the right
one
for *you*.
Of course some dogs vary from the norm, and often vary from
littermates...... your odds are just better if you know what the 'norm'
is.
So, how do you choose a breed of dog to accompany you for the next 12-15
years?
I would suggest that the first thing you do is visualize how you expect
to
interact with the dog on a daily basis.
Do you see him snoozing by the fire? Do you see him running and playing
for
hours on end with all the neighborhood kids in your backyard? Do you
expect
long leisurely walks, or a jogging partner? Would you possibly enjoy
doing
some sort of organized activity with your dog like agility training,
frisbee
play, or flyball?
If your property is very small or not fenced, how much walking do you
want
to do *daily*, rain or shine, freezing or sweltering?
What type of energy level would you most enjoy inside your home? Dogs
want
and need to be with their family, so he will be spending lots of time
inside
with you. Do you mind if he barks at things outside the window? Would
you or
any children like to play training games? Or do you expect him to "sit
down
and shut up" while indoors? Would you like a warning bark if a stranger
approaches, or a dog that loves everyone?
How about shedding?
All dogs shed, but some breeds (often called non-shedding) don't drop
the
hairs.... they simply collect in their coat. This means that they need
regular grooming, usually every 4-6 weeks. These breeds include Poodles,
Bichons, Wheatens, etc. Grooming shops vary a lot in price, and the
cheapest
is not usually the best. Are you prepared to shell out $50+ (even $100
for
a large Standard Poodle) every month?
Other breeds may not need a pro groomer to trim them, but need extensive
brushing to keep them clean and healthy. Who will be the designated
brusher?
Do *not* give a child this responsibility without being prepared to take
over. Children usually lack the skills to do it correctly, and once the
newness wears off, it is just another chore to get out of.
And even shorthaired dogs shed..... some are even worse than the long
hairs.
How much hair can you tolerate floating around your home?
OK...... you've answered all these questions, and now is the time to
consider what type of dog you like looking at.
Sleek and slim, big and fluffy, tiny enough to carry in a shoulder bag,
or
giant enough to clear your kitchen counters in 10 seconds flat??
There is something for everyone.
Browse www.akc.org and look at
pictures.
But be aware......... dogs are not just dogs. Most breeds were
originally
bred for a very distinct purpose, and they still retain many of those
characteristics nowadays. Taking the time to study up on the original
purpose of a breed can give you lots of clues as to what behaviors to
expect.
Scent hounds were bred to follow rabbits and other critters around by
following their scent...... so no one should be surprised
if they love to follow their nose around all day. They will get
distracted
by interesting scents, and some might just enjoy snorking
around 24/7.. or nearly!.
Sight hounds were bred to hunt various types of prey by chasing them,
following them visually as opposed to by scent. Again, one should not be surprised to
find them chasing cats or other small critters. It is simply their nature.
You can control this behavior with leashes and
fencing, but trying to train it out of them can be frustrating, and I
would still never 100 % trust them.
Many of the herding breeds were bred to control flocks of animals by
chasing, nipping heels and barking. They are tireless, and react very quickly to
any
situation, so if one barks in response to every little thing, or tends
to herd children by nipping at their legs, who is surprised?
Retrievers like to fetch, many terrier breeds love to dig, and guardian
breeds are more protective. Many of the Toy breeds have always been "lap
dogs", but others are downsized versions of working dogs, with similar
characteristics.
Obviously, a diligent trainer can train around many of these hardwired
behaviors, but why set yourself up for that?
Choose a breed whose characteristics most closely match your preferences
and
you are already way ahead of the game as far as specialized, time
intensive
training goes.
So.... you have lots of reading and research to do. Don't skimp here, or
get
in a hurry. This dog will be a large part of your life for many years,
so at
least give it as much thought as you would in choosing a car. Books,
websites, dog shows.... all can be informative and educational. Take
advantage of it!
This process might take you a couple of weeks if you really go at it....
the
last breed I chose took me well over a year to decide on. I wanted to be
sure I made absolutely the best choice for my wants and needs.
So research, research, research!!
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| How To Choose A Groomer
Ok.... you're the proud owner of a fluffy new Poodle, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer,
or other "groomed" breed.
How do you choose a groomer?
First, lets discuss what a groomer does and does not do.
A groomer will bathe your dog and give him a haircut. Most breeds have
"standard" haircuts, but many owners prefer to adapt certain aspects of a
trim to their own needs and wants. This is fine, but don't expect a
groomer
to do anything silly like mohawks, dyeing, etc. Some will, some won't....
it is up to them.
They will trim the dogs toenails. If the dog is well behaved many groomers
will grind or file the nails so they are less sharp, but if your dog jumps
on you and scratches up your skin it is a behavior issue, not a nail
issue.
They will remove the hair from inside the ears (applicable breeds) and
clean
the gunk out, but they will not treat ear infections. Some groomers
routinely express anal sacs, some will not.
Some groomers offer toothbrushing (bring your own toothbrush) but by law
are
not allowed to do any teeth cleaning.
Flea control is also variable. Some groomers still use old fashioned
chemical dips to kill fleas, but most are switching to safer, more natural
methods. With the availability of products like Frontline or Advantage a
dog should never be flea infested, anyway.
Most shops offer a wide variety of shampoos from specific color formulas
to
hypoallergenics, as well as medicated shampoos indicated for skin
problems.
If you have a preference say so, but be aware that some of the medicated
types might cost more.
A great first step in choosing a groomer is to ask your vet for a
recommendation. Vets know area groomers and have an opportunity to see and
hear many things about grooming shops. It is a good place to start.
Even better, if you see a nice looking dog on the street, ask the owner
who
the groomer is. *No one* will mind talking about how gorgeous their pet
is,
and owner referrals are the best indication of a groomers competence that
you have.
They know how they like the place,
how their dog likes the place, and how their dog looks when he comes home.
These folks are invaluable.
You could look in the phone book......
Groomers are not currently required to have any sort of formal licensing,
so anyone with a pair of clippers can call themselves a groomer. Sounds
like
a recipe for disaster? It is.
You will see words in ads like "hand finishing" or "no tranquilizers".
Well, all groomers hand finish and no ethical groomers tranquilize dogs,
so
this is no help.
"Member NDGAA" means that they paid their dues this year to belong to
National Dog Groomers Association of America. This is a sign of interest
in
staying professionally connected but hardly speaks to their competence.
"Certified", "Certified Master Groomer", "CMG", or "NCMG" is better.
This means that a groomer has voluntarily submitted to actual testing
using
live dogs. Once they pass they are "Certified", and once they pass *all*
breeds they are "Certified Master Groomers".
This at least shows you that they are serious about their profession and
make every effort to stay current and competent in all areas of style,
health, and equipment. If you have a
rare breed, a certified groomer will know how to trim it.
*But* this testing is costly and not offered in every city, so a groomer
can be fabulously talented yet not certified.
Generally, grooming shops are a better bet than grooming as a "side
service", like groomers in pet shops or vet clinics. This is of course
variable, but specialty grooming shops pay better and serve a better
clientele (defined as keeping their dogs well maintained) so attract
better
groomers.
How long has the person been grooming?
You simply cannot become a good groomer in a short time. An eye for
balance
and style is inborn, but nothing beats practice, practice, practice. All
dogs and all coats are different, and the more experience a person has the
more likely they are to make the proper choice in how to deal with any
specific situation or coat. I would judge about 10 years to be a good
requirement for "experience". Grooming schools are good at teaching
basics,
but a recent
graduate just doesn't have the skills to produce top notch work.
Call for a visit.
Someone will be available to answer any questions but obviously cannot
spend an hour talking. Look the place over, but be brief. You are just
there
to get a feel for the place and the people.
You should expect a clean shop, but there will be dog hair around. There
should be no bad odors, nor should there be dogs unattended on tables with
no one around.
Dogs will be in cages... they are safe, happy, and it
keeps them out of trouble...don't
stress over this one. There might be lots of barking, might not be...
depends on the day.
Watching the actual grooming area from the reception zone may or may not
be
possible depending only on the layout of the shop. Most shops will have no
problem allowing you a few moments to watch someone else's dog being
groomed, but don't want you to watch your own dog. They are not hiding
anything- they
are only trying to groom your dog safely, without him wiggling in
anticipation of getting back to you! A dog that normally stands quietly
for
grooming will often turn into an impossible task when "Mom" comes into
view.
Scissors and clippers are sharp, and can cut skin... the last thing we
need
is for a
dog to whip his head around looking at Mom while we try to scissor around
the eyes. It simply is not safe.
Your puppies first visit should be for a simple procedure......... usually
a
"feet, face, and tail". This is a brush out, a bath, nails trimmed, ears
cleaned, anal sacs expressed, pads and privates clipped, and a tidying of
the face, feet, and under the tail.
This is usually shorter procedure than a full haircut, and the day will
give
you additional 'feel' for the shop, as well as not overtaxing a young
puppy.
How young?
Groomers prefer to see puppies as early as possible, but of course your
vet
and vaccination schedule will also come into play.
By four months, anyway.
Puppies are not born knowing how to be groomed..... it is a learned
process.
The earlier a puppy starts learning, the better.
You can help at home *a lot* by getting the dog accustomed to being
brushed.
Handle his feet, and look in his ears. You are not necessarily trying to
get
anything done, other than getting him used to being handled.
This is the greatest gift you can give a groomable breed..... they will
have
to be groomed countless times in their lifetime, so teaching them that it
is
a happy experience is essential.
Most of what a groomer does this first visit is training. There are new
smells, buzzy sounds, and scary scissors. Your groomer wants to work on
well
behaved dogs, so it is in *their* best interest as well to be gentle and
kind to baby puppies.
Your puppy will be very tired after his grooming shop visit, and probably
thirsty as well. Water may be offered in a grooming shop but most dogs
will
refuse it, so give him a nice drink, and then let him nap. He has been
very
stimulated while in a grooming shop.. visually, socially, and physically.
He
needs some rest.
And a few other comments....... if your dog is very old, or objects to
some
procedure, you simply cannot expect him to look like the dogs in the
magazines. Once you find a competent groomer you must leave it up to them
to decide how much any given dog can tolerate. Any groomers first concern
is
the safety of the dog. If they feel that they cannot safely grant a
request
(like a intricate 'show trim' on an infirm, elderly pet) then listen to
them.
If your dog has become badly matted (for whatever reason, usually neglect)
he will probably have to be shaved.... again your groomer will counsel you
on the feasibility of "dematting". Brushing out severe tangles can
hurt.....
some dogs have very sensitive skin and cannot be brushed out when they
have
gotten past a certain point.
And about those "magazine dogs" or even dogs at shows, for that matter.
These dogs do not live their lives looking like this.... they are prepped
and
groomed right before the photo shoot (or show), are carefully bred and
trained, and are clearly the exception....... that's why they are in a
magazine or show.
Most pet dogs will never look like the dogs in books, not because their
groomers are incompetent but because they just don't look like that. We do
the best we can with what's handed to us.
Groomers have no magic wand...... what we have is patience, skill, and
great equipment. We can do the best possible job on your pet, but any job
looks better on a healthy, well maintained dog.
Grooming is a physically demanding job and one that requires people skills
as well as a great way with animals. Once you find your great groomer, be
thoughtful.
Call well in advance for an appointment, not at the last minute begging.
Leave them time to do a good job.... dogs are not done one at a time, so
every shop has a method for the amount of time required, and it is best to
respect their schedules. Most groomers "prep" all the dogs for that days
work, then bathe and dry them all before any "finishing" takes place. A
small staffed shop doesn't have the manpower to be checking dogs in and
out
while trying to groom at the same time... 15 or 20 minutes lost here and
there can impact their day in a negative way. Each shop has their own
method.... the dogs are quite content to wait their turn, usually resting
quietly and watching all the other dogs. For many dogs, this is the only
social activity they see, and although they don't get to play with each
other they do sense a camaraderie. It's "their" day to be special.
If your dog *must* be done by a certain time, let
them know when you make the appointment...... not one hour before you
expect
it to be ready.
If your dog has any "issues" that you are aware of, tell the groomer. If
he
bites, tell them. If he is allergic to anything, tell them. If he has
health
problems, hates men, is dysplastic, or has back problems, tell them. The
more information we have the better equipped we are to do a good, and safe
job.
If you have any complaint, tell your groomer. Each dog, coat, and haircut
is
different, and it may take a time or two to get things exactly right.
Think
about what you want done *before* you get there..... make a list if you
need
help remembering. Phrases like "not too short" or "take a little off but
not
too much" do not make for clear communications. Take a photo, but realize
that your dogs coat may not behave the way you want it to. Most of us will
bend over backwards to do whatever you request, but as always.... it
depends
on the condition and attitude of the dog.
How much will it cost?
Probably more than you imagined. A human haircut that takes 15-20 minutes
can cost $30, so don't be surprised if a grooming that takes three people
four or five hours (groomer, bather, fluffer) costs double or triple that.
Our time
is what we are selling...... dogs that take a long time will be charged
more.
Called a plumber lately? Grooming is just as specialized a service, and
our
time is worth as much as theirs. Good groomers are in high demand, hard to
find, and deserve adequate compensation.
And last.... Tipping is not a city in China!
Can't afford a big $$ tip? It's not the amount that counts.... it is the
thought.
Hey, just bring me a bag of M&M's...... I'm not choosy!!
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