[SarahK]

How do I go about selecting a groomer for my puppy?

My puppy is 8.5 weeks old and still at the breeders, but I'm trying to get things set for when he comes home. The breeder uses a friend for grooming, so going with her groomer isn't an option. I asked friends for recommendations and have started visiting the suggestions (is that overprotective of me? LOL!) but I don't really know what I should be looking for and what I should be asking.

Yesterday I visited one groomer and she was very nice, but the place had an odd smell--my four year old was with me and, thankfully, waited until we left the building to tell me how stinky it was in there. Maybe it was a wet dog smell?? I have no clue--I'm very inexperienced with this stuff!

At any rate, yesterday's groomer was telling me she prefers cage drying the dogs because then she doesn't have to have a dryer right next to a puppy's head--she thinks air drying is less traumatic. She also suggested bringing him in a couple of times (after he's fully vaccinated) just for nailtrimming and brushing so that he can get used to her.

Is this reasonable? How long should I expect him to need to stay at the groomers? What questions should I ask?

Thank you!