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Addressing Pet Behavior

Informing the groomer about your pet's temperament, any anxieties, or specific behavioral quirks that might affect the grooming process (e.g., fear of dryers, biting during nail trims).

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Hi, I have an appointment for my dog, Buster, at 2 PM. I just wanted to mention a few things about him.
2
John (Male)
Of course, Emily. We appreciate you letting us know. What should we be aware of with Buster?
3
Emily (Female)
Well, he's generally very sweet, but he gets really anxious with the high-velocity dryer. He usually tries to hide or even snap a little if it's too close.
4
John (Male)
Understood. We can definitely use a lower setting or a towel dry for most of it. Anything else?
5
Emily (Female)
Yes, actually. He's also not a fan of nail trims. He tends to pull his paws away quite forcefully, and we've had issues with him trying to bite in the past, so he might need a muzzle for that part.
6
John (Male)
Thanks for the heads-up. We have muzzles here, and our groomers are experienced with anxious dogs. We'll take our time with him and make sure he's as comfortable as possible.
7
Emily (Female)
That's a relief to hear. He also has a sensitive spot on his left ear, so please be gentle when cleaning or drying around there.
8
John (Male)
Got it. Sensitive left ear. We'll make a note of all this in his file. Is there anything he particularly likes, like treats or toys, that might help calm him?
9
Emily (Female)
He loves squeaky toys and cheese treats. I can leave a few with you if that helps.
10
John (Male)
That would be great! We'll do our best to make his grooming experience a positive one. We'll call you when he's ready.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

appointment

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

anxious

Feeling worried or nervous. In this dialogue, it describes a pet that gets scared during grooming. Common for animals or people under stress.

high-velocity dryer

A powerful blow dryer used in pet grooming to dry fur quickly. 'High-velocity' means it blows air at high speed, which can scare sensitive pets.

snap

To bite quickly or sharply, often in defense. Here, it means the dog might bite lightly if scared. Use it for sudden, short actions.

nail trims

Cutting a pet's nails short for safety and comfort. 'Trim' means to cut neatly. Important for pet care to prevent injuries.

muzzle

A device worn over a dog's mouth to prevent biting. Used for safety during grooming or vet visits when a pet is anxious.

heads-up

An informal warning or notice about something important in advance. Like saying 'just so you know.' Useful in casual conversations.

sensitive spot

An area on the body that is easily irritated or painful to touch. Here, it's the dog's ear. Common in describing pets' or people's vulnerabilities.

squeaky toys

Toys that make a squeaking sound when squeezed, often for dogs to play with. 'Squeaky' describes the noise, helping to calm or entertain pets.

treats

Small snacks or rewards given to pets for good behavior. Like cheese treats here. Use it when talking about training or calming animals.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I just wanted to mention a few things about him.

This is a polite way to introduce information before a service. 'Just wanted to' softens the request, making it less direct. Useful for sharing details in appointments, like pet behaviors. Grammar: Past tense for politeness.

What should we be aware of with Buster?

Asks for important information to prepare. 'Be aware of' means to know and pay attention to something. Great for service providers to show care. Useful in professional settings like grooming or medical visits.

He's generally very sweet, but he gets really anxious with the high-velocity dryer.

Contrasts positive and negative traits using 'but.' 'Generally' means usually. Explains pet temperament clearly. Helpful for describing animals or people with specific fears. Grammar: Adverbs like 'really' add emphasis.

We can definitely use a lower setting or a towel dry for most of it.

Offers solutions politely. 'Definitely' shows confidence, 'or' gives options. Practical for suggesting alternatives in services. Use when adapting to customer needs.

He's also not a fan of nail trims.

Idiomatic expression 'not a fan of' means doesn't like something. Casual way to state dislikes. Common in everyday talk about preferences, especially for pets or kids.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Informal thanks for advance warning. 'Heads-up' is slang for notice. Builds rapport in conversations. Use in casual or service interactions to acknowledge helpful info.

We'll take our time with him and make sure he's as comfortable as possible.

Promises careful handling. 'Take our time' means not rushing, 'as...as possible' shows maximum effort. Reassures customers. Useful in service industries for building trust. Grammar: Comparative structure.

He loves squeaky toys and cheese treats.

Simple statement of likes using 'loves.' Lists items with 'and.' Practical for suggesting ways to calm pets. Use when sharing preferences to improve experiences.