People can speak up if a haircut goes south, but pets can’t, which means it’s up to their owners to find a groomer they can rely on.

To understand what a proper grooming experience should look like (and spot the red flags), Bored Panda got in touch with Lia Jayne Godding, a seasoned dog groomer and captain of Groom Team England, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry.

According to Godding, every appointment should start with a chat. “A typical grooming session includes a consultation with the owner to discuss any issues with the dog, the haircut they’re after, and any specific preferences they have,” she explains.

“After the consultation and a little cuddle with the dog, the next step is to bring them to the grooming area, remove their collar, and start by clipping their nails and removing any mats before the bath,” Godding continues.

“Then, they get washed twice, towel-dried, and blasted (a process that uses a high-speed dryer to remove excess water), followed by fluff drying, which is like a blow-dry for humans. Afterwards, we prep them by clipping out pads, cleaning sanitary areas, and combing their coat to get them ready for styling,” she adds.

Once styled, the final touches are applied. “After clipping or scissoring, they’re usually spritzed with a dog cologne, and a bow is added to their collar. More cuddles, a quick photo session, and a call to the owners let them know their dog is ready to be picked up,” Godding says.

Some owners may feel anxious about leaving their pets in a groomer’s hands, but a lot of people aren’t fully informed on proper dog grooming. In fact, according to a survey by the British Dog Groomers’ Association, 73% of groomers see pets arrive with matted coats or other signs of poor grooming.

Godding notes that there are many misconceptions about grooming. “A lot of people think only long-haired dogs need regular grooming, but short-coated and double-coated dogs need it too,” she says.

And the myth that shaving a dog in summer keeps them cool? “Not true!” she points out. “Dogs need some coat to regulate their body temperature. Shaving it too short can actually do more harm than good.”

Another common mistake is over-bathing. “If you’re using a high-quality dog shampoo, it’s fine to wash your dog weekly if needed, especially if they have allergies, skin conditions, or if they just require regular maintenance,” Godding says.

“Then there’s the belief that puppies don’t need grooming until they’re a year old because ‘my breeder said so.’ This one really grinds my gears,” she adds. “It’s so important to introduce puppies to grooming early on. They need to build a bond with their groomer, get used to grooming tools, and learn how to stand, be bathed, be clipped—it’s a lot to take in.”

“That’s why I start with puppies at 12 weeks, giving them gentle introductions to grooming and establishing a regular schedule,” Godding shares.

If you’re not sure where to take your pet for grooming, Godding suggests visiting the salon in person to get a feel for the place and the people. “Check their social media, too, to see if you like their style,” she recommends. And when you pick up your pet, pay attention to their mood. “If your dog seems happy when they leave, that’s a great sign,” she says.

Just as with hairdressers, a groomer may be talented and experienced but not the best match for every dog. “In the UK, dog grooming isn’t regulated, so some groomers may be qualified, and others not,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean an unqualified groomer isn’t amazing at their job.”

There are some clear red flags to watch for after a grooming session. If your pet’s coat is still matted, dirty, or smells bad, or if you notice clipper marks and uneven cuts, it may indicate poor grooming.

“If your dog is particularly difficult to groom, some professionals may prefer shorter sessions for safety. But this should be discussed with you,” Godding says.

For Godding, one of the most important things owners can do is stick to a consistent grooming routine tailored to their dog’s specific needs. “Your groomer should advise on the best schedule based on your dog’s coat type,” she explains. “I usually see long-coated dogs every six weeks, but some can go up to eight, while others may need visits every four.”

And don’t ignore your groomer’s advice on timing. “Most groomers will charge extra if your dog is overdue. Plus, letting your dog’s coat get matted isn’t just unkind—it’s painful. Knots and mats pull on their skin, which can lead to sores, skin issues, and eventually make them fearful of grooming because they associate it with pain,” Godding says.

“So when buying a dog, speak to a local groomer to get an idea of the costs and how often they’ll need grooming,” she concludes. “It’s a major commitment and an essential part of your dog’s life.”