Why Groomers Can't Always Give You the Style You Want--Especially on Matted or Anxious Pets

Safety First, Style Second—and Here’s Why.

We totally get it: you bring your pup in with a vision. A teddy bear trim. A sleek poodle face. A floofy tail with feathered legs and that perfect round head. You've seen it online or maybe your dog used to get that look. And then the groomer says… "That’s not possible today."

It can feel disappointing, confusing, and even frustrating—but this isn’t about refusing a request. It’s about making the safest, most ethical choice for your dog in that moment.

We know how much you care about your pet's appearance. You're not just asking for a haircut--you're asking to feel proud, to see your pet looking their best, and maybe even recapture how they looked before things got out of hand. But professional grooming isn't like human hairstyling--it's rooted in safety, trust, and cooperation first.

Let’s talk about what gets in the way of style cuts.

1. Matting:

Matted coats can’t be styled because underneath all that fluff are tangles that pull painfully at the skin. Brushing them out is inhumane—it can cause bruising, brush burn, skin tearing, and break the bond between a pet and their groomer. Shaving under the mats is the kindest, quickest way to give relief. But it leaves us with one option: a “reset cut.”

What’s a Reset Cut?
A very short haircut that removes matting safely and gets your pet back to a healthy, manageable coat. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary—and temporary. Like hitting the restart button.

How Can I Identify Matting?

You may think of a neglected street dog when you think of matting, however, it can be--and often is--much more subtle. If the coat is brushed incorrectly, or only the top layer is brushed, it can and will get matted at the skin.

If you can't see the skin or get a comb through it, it's matted. Period.

The only way to remedy this is by using a blade that can get under the matting. If the matting is to the skin, a short blade that removes virtually all of the fur or hair will be necessary.

For more on this, read: Why Shaving Matting Isn’t Optional and discover how matting damages the hair. Learn why taking scissors to matting is exceptionally dangerous.

2. Behavior and Tolerance:

Even a dog with a perfect coat may not be ready to tolerate the long process of a detailed cut. Anxiety, fidgeting, or reactivity means we must limit time and tools for everyone’s safety.

Grooming isn’t just about appearance. It’s a physical and emotional experience for your dog. If they’re overwhelmed, scared, or overstimulated, it’s our job to listen—and adjust. View our cooperative care approach for more.

For a deeper look at this, see: The Risks of Grooming an Aggressive or Uncooperative Pet

3. Coat Condition or Health Issues:

Sometimes, a dog’s coat isn’t in optimal shape due to health conditions, age, poor diet, allergies, or seasonal changes. These can affect the texture and density, which means certain trims just won’t look the way they “should.”

The Groomer’s Side of Things:

We’ve had clients come in hoping for a teddy bear trim, only to find out their pup's matting or fear made that impossible—and we completely understand how disappointing that can feel.

Trust me, we want to give your dog a stylish cut—it feels great to deliver that—but not at their expense. We’re just as disappointed when we can’t safely make that happen.



A cute haircut should never come at the cost of a pet’s comfort or safety.

Our job isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about prioritizing your pet’s mental and physical well-being. That’s the foundation we work from every single time.

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Comfort Now, Style Later.

You’ll often hear groomers say “humanity over vanity” which means we focus on establishing tolerance, comfort, and a safe grooming foundation. Once your pet is more cooperative, desensitized, and on a regular schedule while being maintained at home, that’s when the fun cuts become more achievable!

“Grooming isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a relationship. We’re here for the long haul to help your pet grow more tolerant, confident, and comfortable with every visit.”

Learn the dangers behind using shears or scissors to cut out matting.

So, What Can You Do?

• Stay on a regular schedule. 4–6 weeks is the gold standard for most breeds, and it prevents matting and stress buildup.
• Practice at home. Touch your dog’s feet, ears, and tail. Use a blow dryer. Reinforce calm behavior around grooming tools. This pays off!
• Be transparent. Let your groomer know how long it’s been since the last bath or if your dog has sensitivities.
• Accept the reset cut when needed. It’s a fresh start—not a failure.



A reset cut may look very short and expose skin in previously matted areas—but it’s temporary, and it gives us a healthy, manageable foundation to build your dream style over time.

The Roman’s Empire Standard: “Groomer Approved.”

We don’t promise fashion-forward cuts on dogs that are matted, fearful, or uncomfortable. We promise safety, compassion, transparency, and progress. Our services are always ethical, one-on-one, and tailored to your dog’s real-time needs.

We have had several clients over the years blame us, berate us, meltdown, and even bribe us with extra pay to brush it out. Our response? We lovingly but firmly stand by our professional recommendations. If a client insists on practices we know are unsafe or unethical, we may not be the right fit--and that's okay.

If you find yourself blaming your groomer or seek one out that will brush out matting, you need to ask yourself why your dog's appearance matter more than their comfort and wellbeing. And if you find a groomer willing to accept that request, you need to seriously question their ethics--because that is not a professional, let alone someone that cares about your dog.

If you truly value your dog having longer hair or fur, then you will need to uphold your end of the responsibility and brush frequently and correctly at home while maintaining a professional schedule. We can't "do our magic" on a neglected coat; we can only work with what we are given.

Because in the end, a cute dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog is one that’s treated with respect, not rushed for results.

Ready to build a realistic grooming routine that supports both your pet's comfort and your style goals?

Book and appointment with Roman's Empire today or reach out for a personalized coat care plan.

Want a consistent style cut? Let’s build the path together.

At Roman's Empire, we proudly serve the Folsom region and nearby communities including El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, Granite Bay, Roseville, Cameron Park, and more.

 If your pet needs a compassionate, safety-first grooming experience, we're here to support you both through every stage--whether that's a reset cut, a regular maintenance routine, or working toward those adorable styles together.

Check out:

• What Professional Grooming Actually Involves
• Why Staying on Schedule is Crucial
• Why Professional Grooming Isn’t Comparable to At-Home Grooming
• How To Maintain Your Pet In-Between Appointments