Have you ever wondered why many pet owners have some fears and preconceived negative notions about groomers? Of course, some of this comes from news stories reporting horrible grooming accidents, like dogs overheating in a drying cage or being injured when left unattended. But some of it comes from the language many groomers commonly use. Here are a few examples:
- Mr. B. arrives for his first appointment with his medium-sized Cocker Spaniel mix in tow. The dog is a year old and has never been professionally groomed. Or brushed. By anyone. Ever. As you check the dog in, you explain to the owner that his dog is matted. Then you say, "We will have to shave him." If Mr. B had a cartoon bubble appear over his head, it would show you, the groomer, wielding a large,frightening-looking straight-edge razor blade and heading for his dog. Mr. B does not know what tools we use, but the term "shave" makes him nervous. I submit that we ditch the word shave and substitute it with friendlier terms. For example, "He's quite matted, so we will start over by giving him a smoothie haircut today." Or, "He will be getting a G.I. haircut today." These terms indicate that the owner can expect a dramatically shorter haircut, but neither sounds ominous.
- Most groomers use some type of tether to keep pets safely in the bathtub or on the grooming table. And what are these safety devices commonly called in our industry? Nooses. Historically, nooses are not known to keep anyone safe! This term needs to be deep-sixed. Far better words are "grooming loops" or just "loops." I refer to them as "seat belts" and see that my customers instantly understand the tool's purpose.
- How about when we explain our services and mention that we are going to grind the pet's claws? The idea of anyone grinding any part of a mammal's body is uncomfortable. However, if you substitute grind for "buff," the process sounds gentler and more pleasant.
- Then there is the commonly used term clipper burn. Used to describe a skin irritation likely caused by closely clipping an area of a dog's body, the term "burn" is inaccurate and sounds terribly grim. Instead, a far more accurate name is "clipper irritation" because, in almost every case, the skin is irritated by the grooming process, not burned.
So here is Mr. or Mrs. pet owner hearing about a place they should take their pet where things like shaving, grinding, and burning happen, and oh yeah, there are nooses. Is it any wonder that there are some negative associations with our beloved profession? The words we choose matter. I hope we choose words that reflect positively on our work.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals
