Why I Give More Feedback Than Just “Good Girl” or “Good Boy”

When your dog comes in for their groom, I know how reassuring it feels to hear, “They were such a good boy/girl!” - and most of the time, they truly are! But you might have noticed that I often share a little more detail than that. Maybe I mention they were unsure about the dryer, or a bit sensitive with their feet.

This isn’t about pointing out flaws, quite the opposite. It’s about understanding your dog better and helping them feel more comfortable each time they visit.

Good Dogs Can Still Have Dislikes

Every dog has their own personality, just like we do. Some love every part of grooming, while others have small worries or sensitivities. They might be nervous around the noise of the dryer, dislike having their legs lifted, or get ticklish around their paws.

They’re still good dogs, but that feedback helps us work with them, not against them.

Why It Matters

If you ever move or change groomers, this kind of feedback is invaluable. It gives the next groomer a head start in understanding your dog’s needs. Instead of starting from scratch, they already know what to expect, and that can make the experience far calmer for your dog.

It also helps you as their guardian to spot patterns, build their confidence, and see where small changes could make a big difference, whether that’s practicing gentle foot touches at home or me using various grooming aids to help them feel more secure.

Learning and Improving Together

As a groomer, I’m always looking for ways to make grooming more positive and comfortable. Recently, for example, I discovered grooming harnesses designed to support dogs safely and comfortably during their grooms. I’ve now introduced two of them into the salon, and they’ve already made a noticeable difference. They’re secure, reduce pressure on the neck, and help dogs feel more balanced and calm. (I will share more about those in due course).

My Values at Dames and Dukes

At Dames and Dukes, every decision comes back to the dogs wellbeing. I believe in:

🐾 One-to-one grooming in a calm, friendly space

🐾 Gentle, respectful handling with kind hands

🐾 Transparency and communication with owners

🐾 Always learning and always improving

So when I share more than just “good girl” or “good boy”, it’s because I want you to have the full picture. It’s never criticism, it’s care. It’s about helping your dog feel safe, understood, and supported, not just today, but for every groom to come.