Summer dog grooming: how to explain the length you want

“Short” isn’t a measurement: to you, it might mean a tidy-up; to the groomer, it might mean a much shorter cut—or the other way around. To avoid surprises with your dog’s summer trim, describe the length you want for each area, bring a reference photo, and ask to see the length before the groomer starts. Also ask why the groomer recommends or advises against a very short cut for your dog’s coat.

Why “short” isn’t enough: describe the cut area by area

Words like “short,” “just a trim,” or “shave” mean different things to different people, and once the work is done, it’s too late to clarify. So divide your request into five areas: body, head and muzzle, ears, legs, and tail. For each one, say whether you want the current length, just tidied up, or shorter, using a clear reference: “about a finger’s length of fur” (you can show this with your fingers on your dog), “as it is now,” or “left long.”

A complete request might sound like this (the lengths are just an example):

If you only want a tidy-up:

If you’re not sure what a term means (for example, “neatened” for the legs), ask the groomer to explain exactly what they’ll do in that area.

Reference photos and checking the length before the groomer starts

The most useful photo is one of your own dog after a haircut you liked. Photos of other dogs can help only if their coats are similar to your dog’s; otherwise, the result may look very different from what you see. Keep the photo on your phone and show it when you arrive.

Before the groomer starts, ask to see the length: “Could you show me on my dog how long the fur will be before you begin?” Fur takes time to grow back, so if you’re unsure, it’s safer to ask for a little more length and have it shortened later.

If you book through the PawsPet app, after booking you can send the photo in the order chat: open the order (Profile » “Completed orders”), select the “Chat” tab, tap the paperclip “Attach” » “Gallery,” and send it. The chat is created with the order; it isn’t available before you book.

Ask whether your dog’s coat is suitable for a very short cut

Whether the groomer advises against a very short cut or agrees without comment, ask why: “Is a cut this short suitable for my dog’s coat? Could you explain why, and what alternatives are there?” Then listen to the answer before insisting.

A useful answer discusses your dog’s coat, explains the reasons in clear terms, and offers at least one alternative. If the answer is still vague, ask the groomer to show you on your dog what would change between the requested cut and the alternative. For questions about your dog’s skin, the sun, or the heat, the right person to ask is your veterinarian.

If your dog’s fur is matted: agree on alternatives first

If your dog’s fur is matted, the groomer may suggest cutting it shorter than expected, especially when there are many tight mats. It’s best to decide before the groomer starts, not after the work is done: point out where the mats are and ask, “If you find a lot of mats, will you let me know before cutting shorter than we agreed? What alternatives are there, and will the estimate change?”

Don’t try to cut out mats yourself with scissors close to the skin: it’s easy to injure your dog.

Keeping the cut looking good until the next appointment

When you pick your dog up, ask which brush to use, how often to brush, and which areas of your dog to check more carefully. If you liked the cut, take a photo: it’ll be your reference for next time. Also note what you’d change, for example, “The body is just right; I’d like the ears a little longer.”

Before booking, write down your area-by-area request and choose a photo: your instructions will be ready to share. To remember to brush between appointments, you can create a recurring “Brushing” activity (category “Hygiene”) in the “Activities” tab of the PawsPet app, with “Repeat” and a reminder. The appointment you booked on PawsPet will already be listed there as “Order: …”.

FAQ