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Originally Posted by Lolli_lah  Most of the dogs don't sit still long enough to be able to use clips and a file, I'm not sure if that's what you mean by filing. Because when they use the dremel that is all they use, and it works as a filer too.
But it's like they always at least on 1 toe every other dog one of the groomers hits a quick. One was bad but it was because the dew claw was cracked, and they used some kind of stick that looked like a long unlit match and just held it onto the nail. I'm not sure what that was. They usually just use that steptic powder.
I'm just apprehensive about that, and the anals. They do the anals on almost every dog unless the owner specifically asks not to, but I hear 50/50 on this that it's good for them, and it's bad for them. I hear lots of times about people saying that it's like once you start doing it regularly then they will always need it regularly. I haven't checked my dog because of the GROSS factor that I know I'll eventually need to get over, but I don't want to start something that I will have to keep doing because I started it. She doesn't seem to have any butt issues like itching or scooting on the floor so yeah.
But for the nails I mean majority of the time they get upset about it and start squealing, whatever that noise is called. But if you don't do it fast enough on most of these dogs, you'll never get it done. That's something I learned because most of the dogs hate it they don't want you holding their feet and clipping their nails. |
The reason I will clip before filing if is the nails are incredibly overgrown or very thick. Otherwise it will take twice as long to file them down if I don't cut them first. Filing is supposed to be a gradual take down .
The stick is a Styptic Powder stick. Makes it so you can just stick the nail in the slot that has powder in it.
As for the quicking...I think it's a little ridiculous
. Yes the dogs don't like their nails done, but I'd rather give them little breaks and take my time then try to rush through it and hurt them. Yes the squeal, but you're not killing them. They are making a big fuss so you let them go. If you let them go, they know it will work everytime. If you stand your ground and grip them firmly, MOST will give up and let you do it. There are always those special cases (lol) that must be see by a vet for their safety. You can still be fast and not quick the dogs. You just have to be paying attention and be sure not to take so much off at once. With PetSmart they are very strict about safety, if you quick dogs like that you better believe you're getting written up and possibly fired if it continues.
As for the anal glands, I usually only do it on small dogs because they seem to have the most problems with expelling them. I only try 2 squeezes and thats it. I think it should only be done by a vet. I had a dog whose anal glands were so impacted they ruptured when the poor thing made poo on my table. Blood everywhere! Now imagine if I tried to expel those! Use your judgement. Your trainer will be able to explain to you what normal sacs feel like. This is why groomers should be thorough. You can alert owners to potential problems they may not have seen.
As a groomer you will see some terrible things. But I must say if you truly want to be a groomer you must get over the gross factor you're feeling. You're going to be dealing with dogs pooping, peeing, self-expressing anal glands and vomiting both on you and things around you. You have to squeeze butts, wipe boogers, and clean poo off of rectums. You're going to be bit and snapped at, and your arms will be covered in scratches.
It's most definitely not for the weak hearted. But despite that I still love my job. A lot of dogs are sweethearts (even though their owners may not be) and it's fun to spend all day with them. Turning a dirty nasty dog into a pretty poofball is very rewarding. Seeing dramatic results and happy faces of owners is awesome
