There may be times when your Cavalier needs to be groomed and you’d rather not do it yourself. Hiring a professional groomer can solve that problem. To find a good, reliable groomer, ask your veterinarian, family, and friends for recommendations. Most groomers are kind and gentle with dogs, but it’s always best to get referrals. It also helps to know what to look for when choosing one. Here are some questions to ask:

• What training and experience do the groomers in the shop have?
• What kind of shampoos and conditioners do they use?
What other products do they use on your breed?
• Do they use a hand-held drier or cage drier? If a cage drier, how often do they check your dog? Is someone always present when the dog is exposed to the drier?
• Do they clean the ears?
• Do they check, and if necessary, express the anal glands?
• Do they use sedatives? If so, who sedates and monitors the pet? What training have they had in the safe use of sedatives and in first aid? What will they do if something goes wrong?
• How long will your dog need to be there? Where will he be kept when he’s not being groomed? Where will he be taken to potty? Is the area fenced?
• What are the normal fees for a Cavalier, and what is included in that fee?

The facilities should be tidy and clean, and dogs who aren’t being groomed should be housed in secure, reasonably comfortable cages or crates with access to drinking water. Equipment such as scissors, combs, brushes, clippers, and grooming tables should be disinfected between dogs. If you don’t feel comfortable about a groomer, don’t leave your dog with that establishment. Trust your instincts, and don’t be polite at the expense of your peace of mind or your dog’s well-being.

Bonding Time

Grooming your Cavalier can be fun. With proper preparation and training beginning in puppyhood, your dog will learn to look forward to bath time as bonding time with you. And by maintaining a regular schedule of grooming, you will also make sure your dog is healthy by being alerted to problems early. All of these things make the grooming time spent with your Cavalier rewarding for both you and your dog.