Your Shih Tzu Grooming Shop's name should be carefully planned. The name will become your trademark. Try to think of a name that is short, appealing and describes you as a Shih Tzu Groomer Specialist. Some names could include: Shih Tzu Grooming Palace; Shih Tzu Glamour Manor; Shih Tzu Grooming Boutique; Shih Tzu Beauty Parlor; The Pampered Shih Tzu.

Hair Style Charts

You will want to frame and prominently display photographs of Shih Tzu hair styles and clips in your reception area. A Shih Tzu owner can easily indicate a choice of style, and eliminate confusion as to what is wanted. A beautiful collection of very large Shih Tzu photographs would be quite impressive in your reception area. You can even supplement the display with photographs of your own of Shih Tzu and their owners you have groomed.

Accessories

A Shih Tzu owner will be more motivated to purchase accessories if she or he is satisfied with your services. You might want to carry a specific line of well made brushes, combs, collars, leashes, shampoos, rinses and perfumes, eye and ear preparations. You will probably want to start out with a limited inventory and see how well accessories sell in your shop. Beautiful custom made bows and barrettes for topknots might be a good seller for you. Anything that would be unique to the Shih Tzu would help to set you apart from other general pet groomers.

Bookkeeping

A simple set of books should be set up so you will know what kind of business you are doing from week to week and month to month. A basic accounts receivable and accounts payable is all that is needed. You might want to open a business checking account at your local bank so you will be able to make deposits and withdrawals by check. This will automatically provide you with a record of your income and expenses.

Constantly strive to improve your work with Shih Tzu grooming. Never allow yourself to fall into sloppy work habits. There must be no clipper burns, no nicks, cuts or injuries and no mistakes in grooming the Shih Tzu. Not everyone can be a superb Shih Tzu groomer, but almost anyone with a liking for Shih Tzu can be a good Shih Tzu groomer, and that is sufficient. If your desire is strong and you wish to make a career of Shih Tzu grooming, than it will take extra time, patience and perseverance. Everyone develops and progresses at a different pace. Attend Shih Tzu dog shows and find out who is the best in Shih Tzu grooming. Try to learn from the best of Shih Tzu groomers. Some people are just naturally talented and artistic for one breed or another. For those very fortunate few, everything comes easier. For the average Shih Tzu groomer, however, you should start to become pretty good after about six months. You should reach a peak at about one year. Learn the fundamentals of dog grooming first, then start your specialty with Shih Tzu grooming.