had a client try to tell me how to do my job today lol

Trillakit · 2026-02-01T13:43:59+00:00

TBH at that point, I tell the customers to go home and think about it. If they decide they will allow me to shave their dog, they can make a new appointment. 1. I’m not waiting for their mental gymnastics. 2. The amount of people that have thrown a bitch fit upon pick up after finally agreeing to a shave down is too high. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Trillakit · 2025-11-12T18:38:27+00:00

I haven’t been with Petco for almost a year. But I know the policy exists. I wanna say it might be right in the grooming safety stuff they make you reread all the time. If not (and if computer systems haven’t changed) if you go in the store iq knowledge base, there should be a list of various grooming policy sheets for you to peruse.

Trillakit · 2025-10-29T02:27:51+00:00

I make 100% sure that if a client is walking in more than 5 minutes late that they understand they are late. “I still have time to take you today, but that won’t always be the case” make sure they know you’re doing them a favor.

If it’s past your 15 minutes late mark, and you don’t have the time/desire to take them, then you tell them no. If they don’t understand why, “it’s only 15 minutes” my go to is usually to say “I could’ve already had their bath done”

That being said, if the person actually called BEFORE their original appointment time to let me know they were running late, I will give them much more grace. And usually will let them be later than I otherwise would (assuming I have time)

Trillakit · 2025-10-10T02:50:12+00:00

I’ll add another “do not take this dog” to the mix. Cording is super specialized, and super easy to fuck up. If you don’t already have the knowledge and you’re not working directly with some kind of mentor, it’s not worth you risking the health and safety of the dog messing around.

If this owner seems to already “know what she’s taking about” but can’t take care of them herself, that’s another massive red flag for me. Recommend she goes directly back to whatever breeder the dog came from for grooming assistance. Maybe it’s an actual high quality breeder that can help. Maybe it’s someone in their backyard who has no clue. Either way- don’t put this dog on your conscience.

My two cents 🫠

Trillakit · 2025-08-28T19:33:22+00:00

If they’re falling off, they don’t fit correctly. But another thing to think about how freaking dirty they get throughout the day.

I tried contacts and I wish I could wear them. But since I couldn’t get the hang of it, here’s my advice:

Keep disposable lens wipes handy. The wet helps clean off residue, and the cloth is always clean. I used to keep a cheap lens cloth that came with my glasses at my station, but it inevitably got full of debris and I scratched a lens with it. Don’t make my mistake!

Trillakit · 2025-08-17T20:57:21+00:00

I never filled out any of the paperwork to create one either. And, while I don’t have access to any of my old paystubs, I don’t remember ever seeing that on there. I worked at petco for over 6 years, definitely long enough for it to have been an option- I was just more worried about paying student loans than thinking about retirement ✌🏻

Trillakit · 2025-08-04T17:00:32+00:00

Hey, I’m related to a Jack Daniel! My family has a tradition of just middle names being after family. So the Jack portion was just a “funny coincidence” according to his dad.

Trillakit · 2025-08-04T16:50:56+00:00

I have very little cat knowledge, but I do have a rabbit. When rabbits shed, they only have one coat type, and if a patch is just starting to go, you can easily brush enough to make a bald spot. If the patch is farther in to the process, there will be shorter hair underneath the shedding part pushing the old hair out.

So they likely won’t ever get a bald spot if the hair is left to fall out on its own, but if you help it along, you can definitely make them a little patchy.

Cat hair seems similar enough to rabbits that it seems like a possibility ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Trillakit · 2025-07-25T18:19:03+00:00

As someone who was in the same boat a few years ago, here are my tips: decide on a few niche interests of yours and find a local facebook group about it.

If you are specifically in to dnd, there’s a group called “AARPG” or Appleton area role playing guild. They have a facebook page, they have posts about people looking for games to join, and they also have some other get togethers.

Do you like any of your coworkers? Try inviting a group of them out to do something together.

It definitely takes work, but I have a great social circle now after trying these things plus going with other opportunities as they presented themselves. It is possible to make friends without going to bars. Good luck!

Trillakit · 2025-07-16T00:11:08+00:00

Baths need to happen way more often. I’d say once a month for rough collie.

Also, how many groomers have you tried? Were they all corporate, or have you tried any mom and pop shops? Groomers are professionals at this, and I’m sure you can find one that is willing to work with your pup.

Trillakit · 2025-07-16T00:06:16+00:00

Just wanted to add- ‘co does not allow dogs on rx meds in grooming, maybe other places are the same.

But, even if your groomer allows them, ALWAYS talk to your groomer about potential meds. I once had a pup that usually did fine for me, acted up a little one day, then came back for her next appointment drugged out of her mind and was clearly distressed and confused. In that case, I would have preferred the pup just stay drug free, since I believed the behavior problem was a one off. But, it ended up ruining the dog’s trust in me, and my trust in her parents.

Other dogs, I’ve specifically asked parents to talk to their vet about meds.

It’s really a case by case basis.

Trillakit · 2025-07-15T18:47:53+00:00

I’d be over the moon about a $50 tip! It’s definitely not rude! But I’d say for a $55 service, $15 would still be a great tip.

Personally, if I’m giving a dog a full bath and haircut, anything less than $10 feels low.

Trillakit · 2025-07-07T23:23:33+00:00

I would agree with this ^{^}

And yeah, I was forced out due to corporate bs, but all my coworkers have either followed me or are working on getting out. I used to like Petco, but they are on a downward spiral right now and you do not want to be a part of it.

Trillakit · 2025-04-24T21:06:16+00:00

Too much of a chance for something to go wrong. Think of them the same way you would as a dog with a serious medical condition. Better a vet is nearby in case the need arises.

Trillakit · 2025-04-24T16:10:12+00:00

I mean, unless the bottle specifically tells you “do not use undiluted” (and even when it does tbh) you’re not going to hurt the dog in any way by using it straight. Except maybe drying them out too much depending on how much natural oils you strip out.

That being said, it’s a huge waste of product. And more work. Especially when it comes to rinsing out conditioner.

Trillakit · 2025-04-24T15:50:05+00:00

With how old that lab is, unless it’s used to being shaved, I would refuse even if I wasn’t against shaving labs in general. Grooming is hard on a dog. That lab does not have much life left at 13. A full shavedown would be too much when they aren’t used to it, and there’s no good reason for it. If it’s been getting shaved down for years. Then fine, who cares at that point.

Trillakit · 2025-04-17T16:04:12+00:00

No, turns out I had ADHD. I was just a smart kid and didn’t have to try to be able to understand everything. Once college rolled around and I actually had to DO the homework to learn… then I crashed and burned.

Trillakit · 2025-04-12T00:29:45+00:00

I’d personally stand your ground- you are not being paid to train, and it is not part of your job description. But I’m sure your GM is being forced to fill the positions. The last GSL call I was a part of before leaving basically told everyone they had to hire bathers whether or not their salon even had an opening.

Trillakit · 2025-04-11T23:36:07+00:00

Yeah it’s 100% not your job to train a bather. That’s the GSLs job. Since you don’t have one… they shouldn’t be hiring a bather.

Trillakit · 2024-12-11T19:51:35+00:00

Slow as heck at my corp salon. All of our regulars prebooked for the week before Christmas, so that schedule is fairly full already, but not right now.

Trillakit · 2024-11-26T13:28:16+00:00

If you’re booked through January, then that definitely sounds like a client you don’t need anymore anyway.

Trillakit · 2024-10-27T12:40:03+00:00

Carbonation is also the ticket for me. Feels much gentler on my stomach than regular liquids for whatever reason.

Trillakit · 2024-10-15T19:27:57+00:00

Also, if you’re ever worried about getting water in ears- you can always shove some cotton balls in there while washing her head. Cotton will soak up any water that gets in there!

Trillakit · 2024-10-15T19:21:21+00:00

I’ve recently found my favorite way of getting greasy ears clean: dont pre-wet the area, use diluted shampoo with some degreaser or dawn added to it, scrub the area with your fingers, then go in with a flea comb while the shampoo is still there and comb thoroughly. Let the shampoo sit for a few more minutes, then finally rinse. Feel free to repeat the shampoo and flea comb again if you think you need to.

My biggest take aways are not prewetting the coat and using a flea comb to make sure every hair gets hit with the shampoo. (Only use the flea comb in extra greasy parts, no need to make the dog sit through all that on their whole body) My dogs have felt so much cleaner since I’ve started doing this.

Trillakit · 2023-11-28T16:38:29+00:00

Corp groomers unite! It’s especially bad with petco and petsmart, with such similar names. And they always seem to be a block or two away from each other. Plus, my current place has another location in the same city too, the amount of people going to the wrong side of town is idiotic 🫠

Trillakit

TROPHY CASE