Getting Ready for Christmas with #PetSmartGrooming

   This post is sponsored by PetSmart® and the BlogPaws™ Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but Barking from the Bayou/mkclinton.com only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

   A few weeks ago, we took Pierre to be groomed at our local PetSmart® Grooming Salon. He was long overdue since I had spent some time searching for a new groomer. Several of my friends who take their dogs to PetSmart had recommended them. It is always best to talk to others that have used a particular salon. I’m happy to report that taking their advice was a terrific idea! Now, I'm the one recommending PetSmart Grooming services.

 I scheduled my appointment over the telephone, but it is simple to use their online booking. You can always choose your favorite groomer when you schedule. If you are new to the salon and aren’t familiar with their staff, that’s no problem. Your dog will be in experienced hands from the moment you step through the door. That’s because each PetSmart salon associate is required to receive an annual safety certificate along with course-work that keeps them up-to-date on common medical conditions, the dog’s anatomy, and how to spot signs of distress in your pet. All of these things made me feel so much better about trusting my best friend’s grooming to them.

   Our groomer’s name was Chris and I will always ask for him! It was obvious how much he enjoys his work with the dogs. Let’s face it; a dog lover can recognize another dog lover right away. There is no question that Chris is one of us. All of the signs were there; the way he held Pierre and spoke reassuring words in a calm voice. He was gentle with the brush and held Pierre securely.

   The first thing he did was use a mat breaker brush to help eliminate any tangles or snarls. Then it was off to get a bath and blow dry. Pierre looked like a fluff ball after his whitening shampoo and milk bath conditioner! Smiling as he worked his magic with a variety of brushes, scissors and a shaver, Chris gladly answered my questions. I’m sure that he has probably heard them all in his seven years as a PetSmart groomer.

   Did you know that the groomers attend PetSmart Academy for 30 days? Afterwards, they serve an internship where they must groom 100 dogs. I was surprised to learn that there are 5 categories of dogs. A dog groomer will work on 20 dogs in each group while they are interns. That includes body contouring such as shaving and close cuts. Pierre’s category is short-legged Terriers with a pattern. If you have a breed like a Bichon Frise, they are hand-cut with scissors. Next you have the long-legged Terriers that include the Airedale. Poodles are in the sporting group but have over 20 different cuts that can be used! It is not easy to become a qualified PetSmart groomer, but according to Chris, it certainly is worth it.

  Every PetSmart Grooming Salon offers a “Look Great Guarantee” that promises you’ll be happy with your pet’s service, or they will do whatever it takes to make it right. We were extremely pleased with how handsome Pierre looked. He pranced around like a magazine cover dog all day!

   I’ll be scheduling a spa day for both Pierre and Bentley in the next few days so they'll be ready for the holidays. Bentley could use their bath and FURminator® de-shedding treatment. Pierre a.k.a. "Santa Paws" still looks awesome. He'll only need a little primping. The nice thing is that I can drop them off while I do some Christmas shopping. The salon will send a text or email to let me know they are ready. It’s important that the boys look their best when we go have pictures made with Santa Claus.

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Santa is watching, please tweet!

Get your #dog ready for #Christmas with help from your local #PetSmartGrooming salon. #ad https://t.co/IedyUNQU5R pic.twitter.com/8yO7D9CXHJ

— M. K.Clinton (@mk_clinton) December 2, 2015