Here’s How I Measure Success Now.
When I first started grooming, I was trained and taught that success was simple: by how many dogs I could finish in a day. If I did ten, I was proud. If I only managed five, I felt and was told that I was behind. Maybe you’ve measured your days the same way: more dogs equals more success.
Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones who started out differently, with better training or guidance. Either way, the message is the same, so many of us have been taught to measure success by speed and volume.
Myth: Success is about how many dogs you groom.
Reality: Success is about building a business or grooming a career that lasts; one that creates loyalty, stability, and recognition.
True success shows up in ways the dog count never will:
Client Retention – Do clients rebook before they leave? That’s loyalty you can count on.
Average Ticket Value – Are you charging with confidence and offering services that reflect your expertise?
Staff Retention – Is your team growing with you, or are you constantly training replacements?
Work-Life Balance – Are you running your business… or is it running you?
These markers paint a far more powerful picture of growth than a daily dog tally ever could.
When I stopped counting dogs and started tracking smarter, everything changed. These five numbers gave me clarity and control:
Rebooking Rate – % of clients who book their next appointment before they leave.
Client Lifetime Value – How much an average client spends with you in a year.
No-Show Rate – Missed appointments = lost revenue.
Retail & Add-On Sales – The extras that elevate the client experience.
Staff Retention Rate – A salon with a stable team earns trust with clients.
This week, don’t count the number of dogs you groom. Pick one of the five success metrics above and track it instead. Then, share in the comments which one you chose and what you learned about your business. Accountability, we have your back!
Success in grooming isn’t about squeezing in more dogs each day, it’s about building a career and a business that lasts.
When you track the right numbers, you:
Protect yourself from burnout.
Create stability for your clients.
Build trust in your community.
Make decisions with confidence.
Measuring success beyond dog counts isn’t just smarter, it’s how you step into your role as both a skilled groomer and a respected business owner.