International Assistance Dog Week
2nd-8th August is International Assistance Dog Week celebrating the incredible dogs trained to perform specific tasks to help people with disabilities. This not only includes dogs to support those who are visually impaired and those with hearing difficulties but also wheelchair users, people who experience certain types of seizures, and those with diabetes.
Assistance dogs are also more recently being trained to assist people who need mental health support with conditions such as PTSD or agoraphobia. Some of these dogs will be specially bred to provide this support, others will be shelter-sourced and have a small amount of formal training. The role of these dogs is invaluable to their handlers. They allow them to live more independently than they may do otherwise, not only offering support during a medical crisis but also companionship to the handler.
As these assistance dogs will be in public spaces such as in shops and on public transport, and may even attend school or work, the handler may wish for them to be booked in for more regular grooming so they will be clean and have a good appearance at all times.
WELCOMING AN ASSISTANCE DOG AND HANDLER INTO YOUR SALON
During COVID-19 restricted operating conditions, it is likely these customers will attend with a friend or family member as they will be unable to stay on the premises while the groom is completed.
Under normal circumstances, if they wish to wait we would suggest a member of staff greet the handler when they arrive with their guide dog. It may be useful to get an idea of what assistance the dog offers to help understand how best to help, for example, if the customer is visually impaired it is acceptable to ask how much vision they have, as this will allow you to offer appropriate support while they are in your premises.
You or a member of staff can then accompany the handler to the waiting area while the dog is groomed. Make sure you introduce yourself and offer them an arm for guidance, if appropriate and required. If the customer is visually impaired let them know where they are seated and what is surrounding them to help them orientate themselves and feel comfortable in the waiting area.
Let them know how long you expect the appointment to take and how to get your attention should they require assistance.
GENERAL RULES AND ADVICE WHEN MEETING AND WORKING WITH ASSISTANCE DOGS
- Avoid distracting the dog while he concentrates on protecting his handler. Don’t touch or talk to them without permission from the handler.
- Do not feed the dog while he is wearing his harness or vest – These dogs will be on a feeding schedule to keep them in the best health to continue their work to a high level, and this should not be disrupted.
- Don’t grab the harness of lead from the handler as this can confuse and disorientate both the dog and the handler. Voice your actions before you carry them out and direct questions to the handler and take your cues from their response.
- Some handlers allow petting but ask before you do so. If allowed, stroke the dog on the back, do not pat on the head. If the handler says no, do not be offended.
- Don't treat the dog as a pet, he should be respected as a working dog.
- You should not give the dog commands while they are with the handler; allow the handler to do so.
- Don't try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or handler but be ready to help the handler when they ask. Don’t try to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding.
- Ask the handler where they would like you to walk. They may wish you to walk ahead of them on their right side, or behind them by their right shoulder depending on the situation.
- Make sure other dogs in the salon are not to challenge or distract an assistance dog while they are working.
AT HOME GROOMING ADVICE FOR ASSISTANCE DOGS
As assistance dogs are in public spaces more than pets it is important that they are kept neat, tidy and clean at all times. As well as encouraging regularly grooming there are some great items to retail in your salon, to help your customers maintain their dog’s coats between visits and keep them smelling fresh.
Brushing
Daily brushing will not only help avoid mats and tangles between grooms but will also ensure a shiny, healthy-looking coat. Encourage your customer to invest in a slicker brush to help pull away dead and downy undercoat, Depending on the dog’s coat type using a coat rake or de-shedding tool will help remove any loose hair which will reduce the dog’s shedding in public spaces and on clothing.
Oral Care
Tropiclean has some fantastic oral care products whose application does not require brushing making them really easy for use at home.
comes in fun flavours (Berry fresh, Vanilla Mint, and Peanut butter) for those dogs that don’t enjoy mint and all the products will remove plaque, tartar and keep breath fresh.
Eye and Ear Care
It might be necessary for your customer to remove dirt and gunk from around their dog’s eyes. There are targeted solutions available to help break down the dirt but make sure they know to avoid using a soap or shampoo near the eyes.
Without regularly cleaning dog’s ears can fill with wax and oils and this risks ear infection and damage hearing.
Eye and Ear wipes are a fast and convenient way to keep ears clean and eyes fresh and bright and the handy wipe application method avoids product spillage and waste.
Dry Shampoo
It might not always be possible for your customer to bring their assistance dog into the salon when they need to be washed so having a simple and fast at home option can help with any emergency situations.
is a unique dry foam shampoo that is ideal to keep coats fresh in between baths. The foaming action leaves a soft fresh coat and will remove oil and leave no residue.
is developed with a unique blend of botanical ingredients to help nourish skin and relax tangled hair for easy brushing between baths. Nootie has formulated their waterless shampoo into easy to use wipes perfect for an on-the-go refresh.
Cologne
Colognes are the perfect finishing touch to every groom and a great retail item for your customer. They are easy to use and will refresh the coat when needed, helping to mask any not so nice doggie smells.
Bye Bye Buzz Spray
Help your customers protect their pets from ticks and fleas with
. This is a great option for use at home. This spray has a specific blend of citronella, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chrysanthemum oil which will actively repel insects. It is spritzed on a dog’s coat and effective immediately.
