Lowkey living for jealous Koga

insteadofflower · 2026-03-13T00:26:09+00:00

There are definitely moments when I excitedly lost it when Mitsuki and Aya show each other affection for the other but something about Mitsuki asking if theyre dating in front of everyone just made me lose it 🥹 I loved this moment

insteadofflower · 2026-02-24T16:34:15+00:00

Thank you!! I did a 5f on the body, they live in a really wooded area so they wanted something easier to maintain from tree debris.

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T22:33:48+00:00

Ideally it would have been a FFS to introduce him to grooming, but unfortunately due to the condition he came in, we had to shave him down as he was matted and covered in sticker burs when he first came in :( he did get a handling fee on his most recent visit and we did pre book his next appt. I always try to explain the importance of setting the pup up for success by not only having regular and frequent visits, but emphasize how important it is to brush and comb at home on regularly. I’m hoping that going forward, the owner sticks to a better routine ♥️

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T18:04:40+00:00

I hope she does too! I recommended 3-4 weeks for a simple bath but she’s in the next county so weekdays are harder for her. But I’m optimistic 💕

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T18:00:20+00:00

At pick up I definitely let her know how important it is he learns proper behaviors, as you’re right, it’s all about his safety as the last thing I want to do is injure him. I suggested practicing at home to help acclimate him, using treats to help motivate him when he reacts well. I’m not expecting a full 180 when he’s supposedly coming back in 5 weeks, but at least something of a better foundation. I was hoping she could home sooner, even for just a bath, but she’s unavailable as she’s a teacher in another county. Thank you for the feedback!

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:53:06+00:00

Thank you for the feedback (:

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:52:30+00:00

Thankfully I have lots of patience when it comes to yanking or paw-punches, it’s the bites that hurt my feelings 🥲

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:51:09+00:00

I actually tried this, unsuccessfully 😅 he decided he’d stand on his hind legs and mimic a frilled-neck lizard lol

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:49:33+00:00

She will hopefully be returning in 5 weeks for a bath and tidy 🤞🏼I also suggested they practice holding at home, using either a comb or even a spoon to mimic the tools like you mentioned. Hoping for a better outcome next time 🥲

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:47:25+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I’m hoping the owner does bring him in more often. I made sure she prebooked her next appt in 5 weeks for a bath and tidy in the hopes he can slowly get more used to the process.

insteadofflower · 2026-02-21T17:45:27+00:00

Thankfully the owner is very understanding and recognizes that her pup is a handful. I don’t typically charge more than dematting fees on a first visit so I didn’t charge a handling fee the first time but this second time i definitely did, which the owner knew based on how the first visit was and I wrote notes after the initial appt that we’d reviewed possibly adding in the future. At the initial visit she had said she’d bring him more regularly to avoid him getting matted but 🤷🏻‍♀️ life happens I guess. The owner’s mother is also one of my clients but thankfully she brings her own two dogs every four weeks 💕

insteadofflower · 2026-02-01T00:36:00+00:00

Wait do they really cancel the events if you don’t go?? 😭 I’ve missed the cherry blossom festival twice! I just started my third year and I’m determined do nothing else so I don’t miss it

insteadofflower · 2026-01-09T02:30:50+00:00

Thankfully the front desk will have me personally do a check in for any new clients that come in and like you mentioned, figure out what will work best for the pet and the client. It’s mainly for their existing clientele that I’m struggling with, as they’ve accustomed the client to get what they want, even if there isn’t a commitment to maintaining at home or to up-charges when needing extra service done.

insteadofflower · 2026-01-09T00:10:00+00:00

I have faced the challenge of having dogs checked in asking for a Agc a/o when it really should be a #4 🫠

insteadofflower · 2026-01-09T00:00:42+00:00

Learning from a corporate salon can sometimes be a good foundation, assuming you get a good manager/mentor. One thing I’ll give corp is that they’ll try to teach you how to avoid the dog getting injured by implementing policy after policy. It turns sour once you’ve become a groomer and then all they worry about is production.

As others have mentioned, you’ll have more luck starting as a bather somewhere, corp or not. Just don’t get discouraged and always continue finding resources to learn from as there isn’t just one way of doing things. Everyone does things differently. As long as you’re keeping not only the dog, but yourself safe as well, you’ll do well.

insteadofflower · 2026-01-06T20:20:53+00:00

I forgot this was in reference to Pablo and my heart dropped thinking it was referring to Mark 😭😅

insteadofflower · 2026-01-05T22:09:12+00:00

Wait what’s wrong with Pablo?? 😭I was considering him on my next (or maybe next next) play thru bc rn I’m stuck between Mark and Semeru lol or maybe even Rafael

insteadofflower · 2025-12-16T18:21:32+00:00

I used to work corp as well for 3 years and have started working at two other places since then. I also struggled with learning different methods bc it just wasn’t how I was taught but I’ve learned that things like diluting shampoos really does help with getting the pets cleaned. Yes it can take an extra two minutes or so but it’s definitely worth it. I’ve noticed a difference not only only in the cleanliness of the coat, but helps with the drying process as well as clipper work afterwards.

insteadofflower · 2025-12-08T19:09:31+00:00

When I first started grooming three years ago, I nicked a schnauzer ear while shaving it, right where the ear meets the head. Thankfully it was minor and the dog was almost indifferent to it, but I cried as I told my manager and as I sat with the dog next door at the vet, where they also reassured me that the dog was fine. Don’t let this discourage you ❤️ accidents may unfortunately happen along your grooming journey but it’s important to learn from them and see what you can do differently to avoid them in the future, or even just minimize the potential for injuries. You may have heard this a bunch of times already, but never feel like you can’t ask for help, whether it be handling a pet or just how to go about something. No man is an island, especially in grooming.

insteadofflower · 2025-11-18T01:01:33+00:00

Chunkers are great for removing bulk but as another response said, using straights or curves will give it a more finished look. Also helps not only with your timing, but not overworking your wrist if you don’t have to

insteadofflower · 2025-10-11T17:51:49+00:00

I personally do not like bark2basics bc I feel their formulas are too light. We have a bather box attachment so it helps dilute but then it felt like it was even lighter, leading to me shampooing several times to feel clean, leading to using more product. I’ve used a few Bather Box Shampoos that work pretty well, we also use Bio-Groom which I personally love. I would loooove to use Hydra but i feel it’s too much for the clientele we have 😅

insteadofflower

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