What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath A Dog Groomer
Jan 13, 2026
Join Aaron Williams, a skilled dog groomer from Alabama, as he shares his insights on the unique world of pet grooming. Discover the psychological artistry behind the grooming table and how it influences dog behavior. From battling dreaded anal gland expressions to decoding the sounds of nail clipping, Aaron reveals the intricacies of his craft. He also shares hilarious anecdotes about bites and his encounters with 'fernados'—wild grooming storms that can occur with dirty double-coated dogs. Tune in for an enlightening glimpse into this rewarding profession!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Appearance Shapes Client Requests
- Aaron gets requests based on his appearance, like giving small Havanese mullets and bell-bottom boots for fun styling.
- He once styled a standard poodle into a buffalo look and felt proud of the creative result.
Tackle Nails First
- Start a grooming session by checking notes and trimming nails first to surface behavior issues early.
- Address nails up front so you know if muzzling or extra precautions are needed for the rest of the groom.
Ear Hair Causes Infections
- Some breeds grow hair inside the ear canal that traps moisture and causes infection if not removed.
- Pulling that ear hair before cleaning reduces bacterial and fungal ear infections.