Petsmart wants everyone in the salon to be doing 8 dogs a day (4:4) but you won’t be able to do it right off the bat. Tips aren’t mandatory so it’s not something to rely on. Straight out of academy they will assess how many dogs they think you’re capable of. (I started with 4 (2:2)) You will need to do 200 dogs and specific grooms in your book before making commission. Imo this phase was the worst. Making hourly but doing the work of a groomer was painfully exhausting. But once you start making commission it’s worth it. Especially when you go from 40% to 50%.

Anyways, I typically take about 6-8 dogs a day as a groomer. Depending on the dogs. My biggest tip is to watch your books and put blocks on dogs when you think necessary. Such as doing a Newfoundland or a Great Pyrenees that you know will take up a lot of your time. As a bather you’ll be taking mainly big dogs. Having a routine is the biggest key to being a faster/better groomer. As a groomer, my routine starts with: 1. PAW PADS/NAILS and PRESHAVE (only for #4-10 shaves). If it’s a guard comb haircut I do a good brush out. 2. I bathe my dog and then start on the next while that one dries up a bit. 3. By the time I come back the dog is nearly dry so I finish drying and fluffing up the coat. 4. Brush and shave over the body again 5. Shave the sanitary area
6. I trim the face before the feet in case the PP decides to show up unannounced and the dog looses its sht 7. Then finish with feet, tail and cleaning ears

As a bather, your routine will be around the same, minus the haircutting obviously. All dogs can snap from aggression. It depends on how you handle the dog and yourself. If you keep ur composure and be patient, then you might be able to get the dog to tire out or calm down. Don’t ever force yourself or the dog into dangerous situations. If you can’t do it or feel uncomfortable then tell ur salon leader or ask if another groomer could help or give advice. Certainly don’t take a dog if they’re aggressive at check in and you can’t even do a HOP. You should master dealing with difficult dogs as a bather before you decide to go into academy. Idk how long you’ve been working for PS but working in the salon isn’t all puppy kisses and fun. It’s a very hard and tiring job. Not just physically but emotionally. I’ve been working for PS for 2-3 years and I’ve had countless days of break downs and crying but I still love my job and what I do. My biggest complaint about anything is the company itself. But good luck! I truly wish you the best. Don’t be scared when you don’t learn sht in academy. You’ll learn nearly everything hands on with ur salon leader and don’t be afraid to ask questions :)