More Than Just a Haircut: Pet Stylist Shares Wisdom

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

If you live in Carlsbad and own a dog, this might not come as a surprise to you, but after winter passes, you can expect to have to make your pet’s grooming appointments a month or two out.

For one local groomer, Theresa Chism, that busy season is a familiar rhythm. While the wait might not be so long in the cooler months, she confirms, “as the weather warms up...a lot of people get booked out farther. We have a pretty high demand for dog groomers right now.”

The Carlsbad native has built a career out of a lifelong passion and a specific personal quirk. “I’ve always wanted to do hair, but I couldn’t do people’s hair because I don’t like to touch the scalp,” she laughed. “So, I started just working on dogs, and I love dogs.”

Nineteen years ago, in 2007, she began her journey, teaching herself the trade through videos and online communities. She eventually moved her business, Biscuits and Bath Dog Grooming, to a dedicated shop built in her own backyard. Her focus is just one-on-one care for her canine clients, all under 30 pounds.

She mentioned that, unlike the beauticians who work on human hair, dog groomers in Carlsbad are not required to hold a state certification. “Sadly, it really does need to be pushed towards more regulation, because you are dealing with people’s animals who are family now,” she explained.

A business license and optional insurance are the only barriers to entry, leading to a revolving door of groomers who “come and go.”

Her years of hands-on experience make her advice for current and future dog owners pointed. She wants prospective pet parents to do their research.

“Before you get a dog, you need to research the breed and make sure you’re going to be able to keep up with that breed,” she said emphatically. “A lot of people get doodles, but they don’t realize how hard they are to keep groomed.”

Doodles, with their specific coats, are a particular challenge, matting up quickly and requiring significant physical effort from the groomer. In fact, she stopped accepting them years ago.

For owners of high-maintenance breeds, she recommends a professional grooming schedule every two to four weeks, supplemented by at-home brushing at least twice a week.

The consequences of neglect are more than just cosmetic. Matting can become so tight that it cuts off circulation, leading to sores or even hematomas. Overgrown nails can alter a dog’s gait, causing long-term joint issues. “There’s so much more to it than just the grooming,” she said. “If we see something wrong with the dog, like a lump, we let the owner know to call their vet.”

Theresa finds that her job is deeply psychological. Grooming is inherently stressful for dogs. “You learn how to work with a dog and learn their language and just get them comfortable,” she said. While she has muzzles on hand for genuinely aggressive dogs, she rarely needs them. The key is patience and reading the animal’s cues.

To make the experience less traumatic, she has a crucial tip for owners: kennel train your dog.

“Get them comfortable being in a kennel,” she advised. “That’s basically their safe place. Dogs feel safe in a place like that.” A dog accustomed to a kennel will find the grooming shop’s holding area far less stressful than one that has never been confined.

Another simple, at-home exercise can make a world of difference, especially for nail trims. “If you get a puppy, just mess with their toes, rub their feet,” she suggested. “Get an electric toothbrush and put it all over their body. Just get them used to the noise and the vibration.”

It’s this brand of deep empathy that defines her approach. And while she admits she’s “the worst” at brushing her own dogs—evoking the old adage that the cobbler’s children have no shoes—her commitment to her clients is unwavering.

As she looks ahead, her goals are simple: to keep up with the job’s physical demands and continue serving the families of Carlsbad. For anyone considering adding a furry friend to their home, her parting message is clear: be prepared for the financial and time commitment. But for those who are, the reward is a happy, healthy life partner—and maybe a spot on her busy calendar.