Each home is different and the bathing may be done in the kitchen sink, the bath tub or even a shower stall. What I like best is bathing in the kitchen sink and trimming on the counter next to the sink with a rear wall and side wall. In this situation, the dog is between 2 walls and the sink and has nowhere to roam. Also, the hair trimmings can be swept into the sink while grooming, to keep things neat.
Bathing:
A spray nozzle is optimal and many kitchen sinks have them. Sometimes I bring one that can be attached to the sink's faucet or the shower head and offer that the client buy the item. When advising a client on spray attachments remind them that if they replace the shower head the new spray head should reach the floor so the underside of the dog can be sprayed. When a dog doesn't want to stay in the bath, I use a suction cup and grooming loop to restrain the dog. Trimming nails and cleaning ears is best done during or immediately following the bath. Putting the front paws on the edge of the tub is a great way to see the nails and trim them. If the dog doesn't easily let you trim the rear paws using the restraint can help. I ask the client to supply a towel for the dog and, if I'm kneeling, my knees. Drying the dog can be done in the sink or tub too, it's up to you. Be careful in someone's home with the high velocity dryer as it can easily blow decorative items around.
Grooming:
Since carrying a table is out of the question when you are not traveling by car, the brushing and trimming is done on a counter top or table top. Counter tops are optimal because the dog can't go too far. It's best if the counter has a rear wall and side wall. An island or table top is less than ideal because the dog has too far to roam. When necessary I use the suction cup and grooming loop to restrain a dog so he/she won't stray, jump, or fall from the counter or table. The suction cup works on clean, smooth services such as tile, stone, glass, some wood.
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