Quick answer: Bring a photo of a groom you loved, say the length in inches (not "short"), name the haircut style, and list what to avoid. Even easier: fill in our free Grooming Guide once and show it at every appointment, with any groomer.
You asked for "just a trim." Your dog came home looking like a different dog. Sound familiar?
Most haircut surprises are not about skill. They are about words. "Short" means half an inch to one person and a shave to another. "Teddy bear" looks different on a doodle than on a Shih Tzu. The fix is simple: give your groomer the same picture you have in your head.
1. Bring a photo of a groom you loved
A photo is worth a hundred words at the grooming table. The best one is your own dog right after a groom you were happy with. A photo of another dog of the same breed works too.
Save it in a "grooming" album on your phone so it is always there at drop off.
2. Say the length in inches
Swap "short" and "not too short" for real numbers:
About 1/4 inch: very short, easy care, great for Florida summers
About 1/2 inch: short and neat
3/4 to 1 inch: the classic soft, fluffy look
1 1/2 inches or more: full and fluffy, needs brushing at home
If your dog mats easily, longer is not always kinder. A short, even coat is often more comfortable than a long one full of knots. (More on that in what to do about a matted coat.)
3. Know your haircut style
Three styles cover most dogs:
Same length all over. Teddy bear, puppy cut, most doodle cuts.
Breed profile cut. A shorter back with a longer skirt and legs: think Schnauzer, Westie, Cocker or Yorkie.
Natural coat, tidy only. Keep the length, just neaten the face, feet and sanitary areas.
Not sure which service you need for that? Here is our guide to mini groom vs full groom vs bath and blow dry.
4. Talk about the face
The face is where most surprises happen. Tell your groomer about:
Eyes: open and clean, or a softer fringe
Beard: full, short and tidy, or clean
Ears: long with tidy edges, medium and rounded, or short
Head: rounded, classic breed look, or short and easy
5. Say what to avoid
"Please avoid" is just as helpful as "please do." Shaved face, pom-poms, a squared-off beard, a topknot: if you never want it, say it.
6. Share comfort notes
Nervous about the dryer? Sensitive ears? Itchy skin that needs a gentle shampoo? These notes help your groomer make the visit calm, not just cute.
Our free Grooming Guide puts it all on one page
We made a simple tool so you never have to explain it twice. Fill in the Grooming Guide:
Add a photo of the look you love
Pick the haircut style and lengths
Check the face details, plus "please do" and "please avoid"
Add comfort and care notes
We email you a one page PDF with your dog's name on it. Save it to your phone and show it to any groomer, at Jazz's or anywhere else. Update it any time your dog's look changes.
Grooming at Jazz's Wonderland in Gainesville
At Jazz's Wonderland, our grooming is calm and gentle, for dogs and cats. We groom Monday through Sunday, and you can see every service on our grooming page. Have a doodle? Here is how often to groom a doodle.
New grooming clients get 25% off their first full groom (one per family), just ask when you book.
Getting ready for a first boarding stay too? Our free First Stay checklist covers what to pack.
