GROOM BLOG
In/Out of My Control: A Groomer’s Guide to Letting Go
Every groomer knows the feeling: the dog won’t stay still, the client shows up late, the phone keeps ringing, and your stress level creeps higher by the minute.
Here’s the truth: some things are not yours to fix.
Learning to separate what’s in your control from what’s out of it helps you stay calm, focused, and more confident, especially when the day gets tough.
In this post, we’ll cover:
✔ What’s actually in your control during a groom
✔ What’s not (and why letting go matters)
✔ How this mindset protects your energy
✔ A challenge to help you practice this skill this week
Let’s get into it.
Why It Matters
Grooming is unpredictable. A dog may come in more matted than expected. A client might ignore your aftercare notes. The schedule might change without notice.
You can’t control everything. But you can control how you respond.
Groomers who focus on what they can control tend to feel:
✔ Less overwhelmed in difficult situations
✔ More focused on quality and safety
✔ More confident communicating with clients
✔ More grounded during busy days
When your energy is limited, putting it in the right place makes all the difference.
What’s In Your Control?
✅ Your body language
✅ Your schedule management
✅ How you communicate with clients and coworkers
✅ Your grooming technique and attention to safety
✅ When and how you ask for support
What’s Out of Your Control?
⛔ A dog’s past trauma or training
⛔ A client’s attitude or behavior
⛔ Other people’s timelines or expectations
⛔ Weather, traffic, or delays
⛔ The outcome when someone ignores advice
You can’t fix everything. But you can choose to lead with professionalism and self-respect.
How It Helps Your Career
Letting go of what you can’t control makes you powerful. Groomers who master this skill:
✔ Build stronger client relationships
✔ Earn more trust from teammates and managers
✔ Protect their mental health
✔ Improve focus and work quality
You’re not responsible for fixing the unfixable. You’re responsible for bringing your best to what’s yours.
Challenge for This Week
At the end of each day, write down one moment that felt stressful. Ask yourself:
What part was in my control?
What part was not?
Let the second part go. Learn from the first. Keep moving forward with clarity. Small mindset shifts lead to big professional growth.
Stay grounded, stay growing,
Groom Curriculum