The Consultation
The consultation process starts before the groom even begins. A thorough admission check helps you assess the dog’s health, coat condition, behaviour, and suitability for grooming, while also giving you the opportunity to set realistic expectations with the owner.
In this lesson, Colleen demonstrates a practical nose-to-tail salon admission process, including checking eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat condition, mobility, parasites, nails, and overall body condition. She also explains why these checks matter, when concerns should be referred to a vet, and how early communication with owners can prevent misunderstandings later in the grooming process.
Combined with the consultation notes below, this section is designed to help groomers develop safer, more professional intake habits that support both dog welfare and smoother salon communication.
During the Consultation
Ask About the Dog’s History
For new clients especially, gathering background information is essential.
Important questions include:
How old is the dog?
Has the dog been professionally groomed before?
Is the dog vaccinated?
Does the dog have any medical conditions or health concerns?
Does the dog have any behavioural concerns?
Can the dog have treats?
Is there anything the dog dislikes during grooming?
Clarify the Grooming Request
Discuss:
what style or haircut the owner wants
what is realistically achievable
coat condition and maintenance requirements
whether the requested groom is humane and suitable for the dog
Checking for matting during admission allows you to discuss realistic outcomes with the owner before the groom begins.
Physical Admission Check
Before grooming begins:
check the eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, and gums
run your hands over the dog’s body
look for lumps, bumps, wounds, irritation, parasites, or matting
assess coat and skin condition
check feet, nails, and mobility
observe the dog’s behaviour and movement
This helps identify concerns early and ensures the dog is fit to be groomed safely.
A thorough consultation and physical check can help:
improve safety
identify health concerns early
reduce stress for the dog
improve owner communication
set realistic grooming expectations
prevent misunderstandings during the groom
create better overall outcomes for both the groomer and the client
Strong consultation skills are one of the clearest signs of a thoughtful, professional groomer.
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