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Discussing Grooming Needs

Arriving at the groomer and explaining specific grooming requests, such as a particular haircut style, nail trim, or de-shedding treatment, and any known pet sensitivities.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hi, I have an appointment for Buster at 10 AM. He's a Golden Retriever.
2
John (Male)
Ah, Buster! Welcome. What are we doing for him today, Sarah?
3
Sarah (Female)
He desperately needs a good de-shedding treatment. His undercoat is really coming out. Also, could we just do a tidy-up trim around his paws and ears? No major haircut, just neatening him up.
4
John (Male)
Got it. De-shedding and a light tidy-up trim on the paws and ears. How are his nails today? Do they need a clip?
5
Sarah (Female)
Yes, please! They're getting a bit long. Oh, and one more thing, he's a bit sensitive about having his lower back touched. Just be gentle there, please.
6
John (Male)
Noted. Sensitive lower back, we'll be extra careful. So, de-shedding, paw and ear trim, nail clip, and gentle on the lower back. Is there anything else?
7
Sarah (Female)
No, I think that covers everything. Thanks so much!
8
John (Male)
Perfect. Buster will be ready in about two to three hours. We'll give you a call when he's done.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

appointment

A planned meeting time with a service, like a doctor's visit or pet grooming. Use it when booking something in advance.

de-shedding

A grooming treatment to remove loose fur from a pet's coat, especially for dogs that shed a lot. Common in pet care services.

undercoat

The soft, thick layer of fur under a dog's outer coat that can shed seasonally. It's important for breeds like Golden Retrievers.

trim

To cut hair or fur a little to make it neat, not a full cut. Use 'trim' for light grooming like on paws or ears.

paws

A dog's feet, including the pads and claws. Often mentioned in grooming for cleaning or trimming.

nails

The hard parts on a pet's toes, like claws. In grooming, it means trimming them to prevent overgrowth.

clip

To cut something short with scissors or clippers, like nails or fur. In this context, it's for shortening pet nails safely.

sensitive

Easily upset or reactive to touch or pain. For pets, it means they don't like certain areas touched, so handle with care.

gentle

Soft and careful in action, not rough. Use it to request careful handling, like 'be gentle with the pet.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Hi, I have an appointment for Buster at 10 AM. He's a Golden Retriever.

This is a polite way to start a service visit by confirming your booking and introducing your pet. Use it when arriving for scheduled appointments. 'He's a [breed]' describes the pet type.

He desperately needs a good de-shedding treatment. His undercoat is really coming out.

Expresses urgency for a specific service by explaining the problem. 'Desperately needs' shows importance; 'coming out' means shedding. Useful for describing pet care issues.

Also, could we just do a tidy-up trim around his paws and ears? No major haircut, just neatening him up.

A polite request for a simple service using 'could we' for suggestions. 'Tidy-up trim' means light cutting; 'just neatening up' clarifies no big changes. Good for specifying preferences.

Got it. De-shedding and a light tidy-up trim on the paws and ears.

'Got it' means 'I understand' to confirm details. This sentence summarizes requests. Use it in service talks to show you're listening and repeating for clarity.

How are his nails today? Do they need a clip?

Asks about a pet's condition to offer services. 'How are... today?' checks current state; 'Do they need...?' seeks yes/no answer. Helpful for groomers assessing needs.

Yes, please! They're getting a bit long. Oh, and one more thing, he's a bit sensitive about having his lower back touched.

Agrees politely with 'Yes, please!' and adds details. 'Oh, and one more thing' introduces extra info. 'A bit sensitive about' explains pet behavior gently. Use for additional requests.

Noted. Sensitive lower back, we'll be extra careful. Is there anything else?

'Noted' means 'I've recorded it.' Rephrases for confirmation and asks if more is needed. 'We'll be extra careful' promises attention. Ends discussions by checking completeness.

No, I think that covers everything. Thanks so much!

Confirms all topics are done with 'that covers everything.' 'Thanks so much!' shows gratitude. Use at the end of planning talks to wrap up positively.