I cannot remember any topic being about groomers.  Maybe regulars on here groom their own dogs.   I have just started to read an article on how groomers can ruin the dogs hair or fur.  It is technical so will take me some time.  I was wondering if any one had any comments to make.

I am sure bad grooming can do damage but if a groomer is properly qualified and using correct tools and techniques there should be no problem .
Can't say I have ever had coat damage with the groomers I have used for 2 different breeds

I did a grooming course at a well respected establishment. I was trained to ICMG and city & guilds standard & was taught loads about different coats types for different breeds. I expect that groomers who are self taught maybe don’t get this level of training. Also, most show people I know or who I have come across groom their own dogs. On the flip side, a lot of people who have purely ‘pet’ dogs, want simplicity & ease of looking after their dogs coats despite how a groom affects the coat. For example, some people who own border terriers will get them clipped, despite this harming a coat that is normally hand stripped. I guess it’s down to individual choice. On the plus side, grooming is a great opportunity for socialisation and getting dogs used to being bathed & handled.

What I should have looked for was the certificates, but we have to leave the dogs at the gates.  The previous groomers at this establishment were genuine professionals.  I assumed new owners were trained.  I was wrong.  They thought anyone can do it.  I was finding it hard to groom what with age and health.  Never again.  That was why I was reading about groomers.

Better to go by word of mouth a lot of the time.  There are many relatively recently qualified groomers round here, and several do a really bad job.  I saw a young westie last week who'd just had her first groom, and she looked absolutely appalling.  Home job with clippers from Argos appalling!  I'd never have thought she'd been to a groomer.

Also, I take care with how I groom dogs and I get great feedback, and I learned the official breed styles properly, but I have no official qualification.  There's a certificate somewhere to say I completed a course, but it's not accredited or anything.  Word of mouth is the best way, really, especially if you come across someone with your breed that looks like it's been to a good groomer.