Harnesses and collars: when to remove them for grooming

Are you a small business owner thinking about opening a pet shop , or do you already run one but aren't yet familiar with the world of pets? You're probably wondering how to advise your customers on daily dog ​​care, from choosing the right collar to grooming habits.

One of the most frequent questions that dog owners ask is: “Should I remove the harness and collar during grooming?”
A seemingly simple question, but one that hides several practical and important aspects for the dog's well-being.

In this article, I'll guide you step by step: you'll discover when and why to remove these accessories, which tools to recommend to your customers, and how to turn this information into a competitive advantage for your store.

Why it's important to remove harnesses and collars during grooming

Many owners leave the harness or collar on even while brushing or bathing their dog, thinking there are no consequences. In reality, there are excellent reasons to remove them:

• Hygiene : Water and cleaning products can accumulate under collars and harnesses, causing unpleasant odors and skin irritation.

• Uniform coat : Leaving the collar on while brushing prevents proper detangling of the coat and encourages knots to form.

• Safety : When drying with a hair dryer or clippers, a metal collar can become hot and uncomfortable, while a wet harness can cause chafing.

• Skin check : Removing the attachment allows you to check for redness, parasites or small hidden wounds.

Explaining these reasons to your customers helps you position your pet shop not just as a point of sale, but as a place of advice and trust.

What is the right time to remove them?

Here's how to advise your clients about removing collars and harnesses during grooming:

1. Before the bath
   It's essential to remove the collar and harness before bathing your dog. This prevents them from becoming soaked in water, which can cause unpleasant odors and irritation.

2. While brushing
   To detangle the fur well, especially in long-haired or curly-haired breeds, it is important to work over the dog's entire body without obstacles.

3. When drying
   Collars and harnesses can hinder the circulation of hot air from the hair dryer and encourage the formation of residual humidity.

4. Only after grooming
   Once the grooming is complete, the dog can put his accessory back on, perhaps cleaned or replaced with a spare.

Practical tips for your pet shop

As a shop owner, you can turn this advice into a business strategy.
Here are some practical ideas:

• Offer washable collars and harnesses : customers will appreciate easy-to-clean items made of nylon or technical fabrics.

• Suggest a spare set : Having two harnesses or collars allows you to alternate them when one is in the wash.

• Match accessories and grooming : For example, offer packages that include brushes, shampoo, and a new matching harness.

• Integrate pet clothing : coats, raincoats and sweaters not only protect the dog, but also keep its fur cleaner after grooming.

This approach allows you to increase the average value of each sale while offering a useful and targeted service.

Essential tools to offer to customers

If you want to make your pet shop a point of reference, here is a list of products that should not be missing:

• Brushes and carders for different types of fur.

• Specific shampoos (hypoallergenic, for short or curly hair).

• Adjustable harnesses and ergonomic collars, easy to put on and remove.

• Cleansing wipes for quick cleaning between grooming sessions.

• Pet clothing to protect their fur after washing.

Offering these products along with practical advice strengthens your image as an industry professional.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many owners make mistakes that you can help prevent with good advice:

• Always leave the collar on your dog : the skin can become irritated and the fur damaged.

• Don't wash accessories : dirty harnesses and collars accumulate bacteria and bad odors.

• Using non-specific products : shampoo for humans or unsuitable brushes risk damaging the fur.

• Don't have a spare accessory : useful if the first one breaks or gets wet.

Being able to inform customers about these aspects makes your store appear trustworthy and competent.

The added value for your business

Investing in training, even on simple topics like how to handle collars and harnesses during grooming, means creating a stronger bond with clients.
Every piece of advice you offer becomes an opportunity to build customer loyalty and show that your pet shop isn't just a store, but a hub for animal lovers.

Furthermore, integrating an assortment of pet clothing increases the appeal of your catalog: a customer coming in to purchase a brush or shampoo might be impressed by an elegant coat or practical raincoat for their dog.

Conclusion

Grooming isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but an important part of your dog's well-being. Knowing how to advise your clients on when to remove harnesses and collars makes the difference between an ordinary pet shop and a trusted one.

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