Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to get my dog groomed?
.Grooming your dog is important for both their health and comfort. It helps maintain a clean and healthy coat, prevents matting and skin problems, and allows for early detection of potential health issues.
What can I do at home to prepare my puppy for grooming?
Handle your pups paws frequently: Gently rubbing and touching their feet helps dogs become tolerant of getting their nails trimmed. Use positive reinforcement, whether it is with treats, verbal reassurance, or petting and loving on your dog when you get the correct behavior from them.
Regularly brushing and combing your pet at home will not only keep their coat in good condition; it will also make their grooming and de-shedding experience more pleasant.
When should I start getting my dog groomed?
Start young: Once your puppy is at least 8–12 weeks old, or after they have had a few rounds of their vaccinations, schedule their first grooming appointment for a bath and nail trim to get acclimated to the process tools.
Do dogs require special shampoo?
You may be tempted to use your own shampoo on your pet, but this isn’t a good idea. Human shampoos are often too harsh for dogs and can strip away the natural oils in their coat, leaving the skin dry and vulnerable to irritation. Dog shampoo is gentler and is specifically designed to be used on dogs’ skin and coat. We also use different types of medicated dog shampoos pending on the condition of the skin that can help various ailments, such as itchy and irritated skin.
How long does it take to groom my dog?
The grooming process can be quite lengthy. Professional grooming sessions often range from two and a half hours to four hours on average, with larger dogs or dogs with long hair requiring more time than short-haired breeds. It’s important for us to not rush the grooming process to avoid risking injury to your pet.
Do we use cage dryers?
Yes. These are not your typical cage dryers though. They are not heated and circulate the air in the shop. Basically, high-end stronger fans.
We use these cage dryers because often times we have dogs that do not do well with high velocity dryers. This is a much safer way to dry dogs and makes your pet feel safer and more comfortable.
Can my senior dog be groomed?
All dogs regardless of age benefit from being groomed. However aged, disabled, and ill pets require special treatment during the grooming process. Our staff is trained on the individual considerations for special handling of these dogs, but will not continue the grooming process if it’s causing too much stress or discomfort. We will then refer you to a vet that does grooming.
What should I tell my groomer at the time of the appointment?
Besides discussing the over-all aesthetic you wish for your pet’s groom, the more we know, the better. Please tell your groomer if he/she has had any health related concerns, skin irritations, and triggers. We want to set your dog up for grooming success!
How often should I get my dog groomed?
The frequency of professional dog grooming depends on your dog's coat type and breed. Long-haired breeds often need grooming every 4-6 weeks, while short-haired breeds can typically go 6-8 weeks between appointments. Double-coated breeds may need grooming more frequently, especially during shedding seasons
Can mats in dog fur be removed?
Extremely matted or tangled fur can be difficult to resolve and can cause your dog stress and possible injury. Depending on the severity of the matting, they may need to be removed with clippers which involves trimming the coat very close to the skin. Smaller mats or tangles can often be remedied with the right dematting tools and patience.
We charge $2/minute to de-matt. It is at the groomer’s discretion if they are able to brush out the coat. They will provide an estimate of the additional cost at check-in.
Will my dog be crated?
Yes. We pride ourselves in taking dogs of all temperaments and our referred by vet behavioralists and trainers all the time. Uncrated dogs are not only a distraction but can become dangerous. We’ve found in most cases a crate provides a place in which a dog feels safe and relaxed between breaks in their grooming process.
Do we groom and have experience grooming Doodles?
This surprisingly is our number one question. Yes, we groom doodles of all kinds: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles, Bernadoodles…just to name a few. Visit our Instagram to see all our wonderfully groomed Doodles.
What can I do for my dog before his/her grooming appointment?
Take your dog for a long walk. It is difficult for a groomer to work with a dog with pent up energy. Keep in mind groomers are using very sharp tools on your dog for the entire grooming process. It is much harder to keep the dog safe and to provide the best haircut if they are extremely wiggly. Giving your dog regular exercise will help them come out of the salon looking and feeling their best.
What grooming tools should I use at home?
For a short-haired dog, we recommend using a slicker bush with coated pins at the end and a rubber curry.
For a long-haired dog, we recommend using a slicker brush with long pins, a metal comb and conditioning spray. We offer these packaged products in shop and/or can provide product recommendations at the time of your appointment.
How can I prevent matting?
Brushing thoroughly before and after bath time and between grooming is extremely important. The last thing you want to create is bath matts, which are serious knots that start deep inside the coat, closest to the dog’s skin. These painful tangles and matts can also attach in any areas of friction, such as where their collar or harness may rub.
How much does it cost to have my dog groomed?
Pricing is based on breed, size, hair length, the condition of your dog’s skin, its temperament, age, and grooming history. However please use our Services page for a more thorough price break-down for our grooming packages
Can I stay with my dog while being groomed?
No. We know your pooch loves you very much, but they will wiggle and move around trying to get close to you which is not safe while we are grooming. It is best to drop off your pooch at their scheduled appointment time, and then come back when the treatment is finished.
Can my aggressive dog be groomed?
Keeping a dog calm during the grooming process is just one of the requirements of a groomer. We understand some dogs may have had a bad grooming experience and/or do not tolerate the grooming process well. We will work your dog and you as to how we can set your dog up for grooming success. However, there are dogs we might not be able to complete their grooms. We will still charge appropriately for the appointment.