If I still have space by this time November, I would let my best an preferred customers know I'm booking for the holidays and if they want to reserve their spot. Then it's filled with my best first. Last day or two before Christmas is just for bath and tidy dogs that come regular so I get more dogs in and it's predictable. I have a waitlist in case someone have to cancel or move an appointment so I don't have unexpected gaps. If I have a last minute cancelation I can't fill, I replace it with nail trim appointments or I clean something. The whole year I set limits on what I considered "full" and when a day is full, that's it. If I have someone who wants to come in, I may work a little later, but not often. Leaving the phone alone, and just straight up ignoring it while a dog is on the table limits a ton of stress. That's what text and voicemail is for. Another tactic I use to keep focus and limit distractions is I do not book appointments in person anymore. Not even at pick up, I do however have their next appointment made already based on their already known frequently and availability and hand them the card. They can call or text to change it. I only do it through text and phone call on my own set time, end if day or first thing. Eats up too much time in person and the dog just wants to go home. Also, chatting to co-groomers while grooming can make work enjoyable, but the job goes quicker when people put thier phones away, and just stay focus on the dog on the table. Music and hearing protection makes it more relaxing to work. Drink water, sleep well, eat lunch and have a break. Take a few minutes to reset your mind every hour or two. And be OK with saying NO sometimes. At the end of the day look back and think "good job"

What I do not like: -There is only one door and no back door or window to open for cross air circulation. - only street parking, no designated parking for customers. What I do like: - Open concept, the customers can see into the back, but not the tub or the kennels. Hiding nothing, just a clean salon. - Space to move, and seperate closed area to have break in peace.

I'm in Pitt Meadows BC

My favorite is medium size doodles, or poodle mixes that get round styles. Tied with cute shih tzus

@Tera Teng thank you! It is an art form being able to shape a dog