Blog
Short Coats Need Grooming Too: Selling the Smooth Groom
Labs, beagles, boxers and pugs rarely need a haircut, but they are some of the easiest dogs to keep coming back. Here is how.
Many owners of short coated dogs think grooming is only for poodles and doodles. Their dog does not need a haircut, so why book a groomer? Yet smooth and short coats shed, collect dirt and oils, grow long nails and have ears and skin folds that need attention. These dogs can be a steady, efficient part of any book once owners understand what a good groom does for them.
What short coats actually need
- Shedding control. Many short coats shed heavily, and some, such as Labradors and pugs, have a dense undercoat. A thorough bath, blow out and deshed removes loose hair that would otherwise end up on the owner's couch.
- Clean skin and coat. A good bath with a suitable shampoo and complete rinse leaves the coat clean and shiny and lets you look over the skin.
- Nails. Short coated dogs need nail trims as often as any other dog. See nail trims for technique.
- Ears. Floppy ears on breeds like beagles and basset hounds can trap moisture. Gently cleaning the outer ear and drying well is part of the service.
- Skin folds. Wrinkly breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and shar peis need folds cleaned and fully dried, since trapped moisture can irritate skin.
The tools that make the difference
Short coat grooms rely less on clippers and shears and more on the bath and drying setup. Rubber curry brushes, deshedding tools and a high velocity dryer do most of the work. As with any coat, the bath and dry set up the result; more on that in getting the bath and dry right. A quick tidy of feathering, sanitary areas or whiskers is optional and depends on the owner's preference.
Take care with flat faced breeds
Many short coated dogs, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers, have short muzzles that can make breathing harder in heat and stress. Keep drying temperatures moderate, give breaks, avoid long periods in a hot drying cage and watch breathing closely. If a dog seems to be struggling, stop and let it rest.
Selling the service
Owners respond to results they can feel. Many will notice less shedding at home, a cleaner smelling dog and shorter nails clicking on the floor. Offering a short coat package, such as bath, deshed, nails, ears and a quick tidy, makes it easy to say yes. Regular visits every few weeks during heavy shedding seasons can keep these clients on a steady schedule, which helps fill the calendar during slower parts of the year.
Are short coat grooms worth it for you?
They usually take less time than a full haircut, which can make them very efficient on commission, as long as they are priced fairly for the deshedding work involved. A big shedding dog can still take real effort. Track how long they take and what they pay, and compare with your longer grooms using the guide to what each groom really pays you and the commission calculator.
This article is general information. If a dog's skin, ears or breathing seem unhealthy, the owner should check with their veterinarian.