Being a dog bather is fun and frustrating.

[Anonymous]

I have been a dog bather for only four months now and have learned tremendously about dogs and the pet parents, as well. I had a job before this so I was used to dealing with customers, but not like this. Customers can be awesome, or they could be frustrating.

These are the most frustrating and fun things about being a dog bather.

1. Owners lying.

This happens A LOT.

Pet parents will always say they brush their dog daily, that their dog is not dog-aggressive, their dog doesn't bite, and that their dog is completely healthy. It really is dangerous when they lie about their dog not being aggressive, because we are the ones who find out after being bitten or almost bitten (we get bit/pinched a lot, but not to the point of bleeding usually).

And when owners want only a trim on a severely matted dog, they will fight for that haircut. It takes a lot of convincing to shave their dog down because it's for the best and the fur should grow back normally on single coated dogs.

2. We get to make a dog look pretty!

It's very satisfying when a dog comes in with tangled and dirty fur to leave with a feather soft coat.

3. They expect us to be done in 30-60 minutes.

I can only get a dog done under an hour if they have a smooth coat, are behaved, and I don't have three other dogs waiting. So far, (my absolute favorite dog ever!) the biggest dog I can get done in 45 minutes is a golden doodle that comes in regularly (also my request). She's well behaved and her fur is always soft to begin with so it makes drying her easier.

There is this one dog that has severe skin allergies, so much so that I get dozens of bumps on my arms from touching him. He's so itchy that he doesn't stay still when you touch him, making his bath and doing his nails difficult to do.

The fastest I have done a very furry dog, like an Alaskan Malamute, is an hour and a half.

4. We can't resist a little play time.

Even though we experience ever part of a dog during their visit (their anal glands, their nasty breath/teeth), we can't help but adore them. Dogs are man's best friend and what way to help the dog relax than to play with them?! We sincerely do not want to traumatize your dog and do everything in our ability for them to enjoy their time with us, whether it's plenty of cuddles (we're not allowed to kiss them though, :( ), or play with them.

Especially if the dog is a puppy and needs a little relaxation time. Other dogs find solace in taking a nap in their kennel, so we give them breaks in between services.

5. They want an appointment, like, RIGHT NOW.

This happens daily; over the phone, in person, etc. People want their dogs groomed that same day and make a fuss over having to wait one week for an appointment. Cancellations happen, but don't count on them. If you want same-day bath without a haircut, that can happen most likely.

Grooming a dog takes 3-4 hours because a groomer will have two other dogs they are working on. Dogs need to be bathed, nails grinded/trimmed, ears cleaned, anal glands done if small dog, dried, brushed, and trimmed/shaved. It's not a quick process, especially if the dog is wiggly.

6. That feeling when a dog is actually an angel.

It's really a treat.

7. After bathing your aggressive/wiggly dog, there's no tip.

This may seem like we're being money grabbers, but groomers and bathers do not earn a lot of money. Just like you would tip your hairdresser, manicurist, or tattoo artist, it is greatly appreciated if you tip your bather/groomer. The tips don't need to be fifty dollars, but five dollars for a bath and ten for a groom would be nice.

It also let's us know we're doing a good job and that you like how we bathed/groomed your beloved animal. It's aggravating when we've slaved over one dog for three hours and then only being paid minimum wage for it.

8. But don't worry, your dog is always an angel.

I usually come home with a few bruises and scratches (not all of them the dogs' fault). I slipped in the bathing area before and clocked my collarbone on the sharp edge of the bath tub. My dog was luckily hooked to the floor because he was big, but he never looked at me the same after.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

Bathing & grooming dogs is "a walk in the park" compared to bathing & grooming cats.

[ChocolateCheesecake]

Hahaha awesome

[Secretgardenblood]

Good take