How long does it take?

I get this question a lot.  "How long will it take you to groom ___ ?"



The time it takes to groom a dog is dependent on many factors. The dog's breed, size, coat condition, and temperament. But also, the biggest factor I've found, is drying time after the bath. 

You can't get a quality end result if you rush through the process, or if the dog gets stressed out. 

The first time a pet is groomed by a new person, it often takes longer because you're actually getting to know the dog and it's quirks. You get a feel for temperament (Is Fluffy fearful, dominant, easy-going, etc?), if it has the physical ability to stand still for long periods (Is Fluffy overweight, does it have luxating patellas, or hip problems?), does it need breaks in between parts of the process to just chill out, etc. Once the dog gets used to things, the process can move along faster without risk of stressing the dog.


For example, the first time I groom a dog, it may take three and a half hours start to finish (eg Miniature Schnauzer or Shih tzu). I go slower on purpose. Offering treats along the way if permitted, I get to know what the dog will and will not tolerate. Some dogs don't like their nails cut, feet touched, or their ears being plucked, so that part of the process may take longer. Do a little, then stop and come back to it later during the process. All to make sure the dog does not have a negative memory associated with the experience. The next time that same dog gets groomed, it may only take three hours, or two and three quarters of an hour... all because we're taking our time and making it as stress-free and positive an experience as possible.

A bigger dog like an Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog, may take four to four and a half hours, sometimes longer. Its all about brushing-out and drying time with breeds that have lots of hair (that is NEVER to be shaved!).


These times are estimates of course. Some dogs can get done faster than others. It is always totally dependent on what the DOG is willing to tolerate. Some dogs just don't like it when you push them through the grooming process for the sake of expediency. Others don't mind it at all, and may do better when on the table for a shorter period of time. 


So. Again. The answer to that all important question of,  "How long?" is, it will take as long as the dog is comfortable with it taking. I do not agree to compromising the quality of the work, and adversely effect the stress levels of the dog for the sake of getting the dog out the door faster.