Q: When talking about dogs and dog handling, where is the bite zone?
✔ The bite zone is the area the dog can reach with their teeth. Always stay aware of this zone and position
yourself safely outside of it when handling dogs.
Q: How do dogs communicate?
✔ Through their ears, mouth, eyes, body posture, and tail. Always read the whole dog — not just one body
part — to assess their emotional state.
Q: Why is it important to stay in contact with a restrained dog?
✔ So the dog cannot fall off the table or jump out of the tub. Always keep at least one hand on the pet during
grooming.
Q: What should you do with your free hand when scissoring, clipping, or combing a pet?
✔ Always keep your free hand on the pet at all times during the grooming process.
Q: Why is it important to perform a thorough Hands-On Pet Assessment (HOPA) for every dog? (Select
all that apply.)
✔ So you can recommend appropriate services that meet the dog's needs
So you can identify possible medical or behavioral issues before starting the service
To establish rapport with the pet before grooming begins
Section 3: Hands-On Pet Assessment (HOPA) & Check-In
Q: What is HOPA?
✔ Hands-On Pet Assessment — a thorough physical check of the pet performed at check-in AND again before
bathing. Checks S.C.E.N.T: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth.
Q: When is a second HOPA performed?
✔ Before starting pre-bath steps — after checking in the dog, a second HOPA is completed to confirm the
pet's condition and catch any issues that may have been missed at check-in.
Q: During the HOPA, a pet parent tells you his dog has a heart condition but the dog is not showing signs
of stress. How will you respond?
✔ Note it on the Client Service Card and in the reservation system.
Ask the pet parent to pick up the dog as soon as the service is finished.
Complete the service because the dog doesn't show any symptoms.
(If a dog has heart disease: ONLY accept if no signs of illness are showing. Always document the condition.)
Q: What should you ask the pet parent before beginning a service?
✔ Ask what behaviors the dog has shown in the past — then decide whether the service can be safely
completed. Document all behavior history in the system.
Section 4: Hydrosurge Bathing System — Steps & Procedures
Q: What is the Hydrosurge system used for?
✔ To bathe pets — it is PetSmart's professional bathing system that dispenses shampoo and water
simultaneously at a controlled flow rate.
Step Action
Step 1 Turn on water and adjust temperature to desired (comfortable) setting.
Step 2 Select desired product using the 'Select Product' dial — the number on the dial must match the product.
