The phrase “Trim or not to trim” — like something out of a fairy tale about punctuation marks — only in the real world of groomers, it determines not people’s fates, but the length of a Yorkshire Terrier’s coat. It may seem like a minor issue, but it’s often the source of tension between clients and groomers.

It all comes down to this: the dog owner wants the result to be beautiful, convenient, “just as they imagine.” The groomer wants it to be safe, comfortable for the pet, and realistically achievable. The conflict arises when these expectations don’t align. For example, a client may ask to leave the coat long so it’s not “shaved,” yet brings in a dog covered in mats, unbrushed for months, with sensitive skin — and wants a result “like on Instagram.” Or vice versa — they ask to shave everything off “to make it easy,” without realizing that the breed’s coat regulates temperature, and shaving to the skin could cause skin issues, allergies, or even overheating in the sun.

In such situations, the client thinks simply: “I’ve seen it done like that before,” “it’s more convenient,” “I don’t want to brush,” or “I don’t want it too short.” They judge by the final look — good or bad — often not considering what lies beneath the result. The groomer, however, thinks entirely differently. Their priorities are skin safety, assessing the coat’s condition, whether the pet can handle the procedure, the presence of mats, the dog’s temperament, breed, undercoat, oiliness, sensitivity… and dozens of other factors not visible from the outside. A groomer is not a magician. They can’t produce a flawless outcome if the “material” — the coat — is in bad condition or if the requested style would harm the animal.

So, who’s right? The surprising answer is — both. The client and groomer are simply speaking different languages. One wants beauty and convenience; the other wants health and a realistic result. And between them, there shouldn’t be conflict — but proper communication. That’s why it’s so important to discuss everything in advance, show examples, explain the consequences, and say things like “we can’t do that — it will hurt” or “this is the only safe option if we want to prevent inflammation.”

A groomer has the right to refuse or offer alternatives if the client’s request could harm the pet. Likewise, the client has the right to request a specific outcome — but with the understanding that the final result depends on the dog’s current condition and what’s realistically possible.

So, “Trim or not to trim” is about balancing desire with responsibility. The ideal scenario is when the owner and the groomer don’t oppose each other but become allies for the true star of this story — the Pup. Because grooming is about health, comfort, and trust.

And who should you trust with that length? Naturally, those who prove their expertise and genuine care for animals every single day — the groomers at V.O.G DOG SALON.