Grooming Tips
Not only does grooming offer the chance for you to keep tabs on the health of your dog, it is also a process that can bring you closer together. The younger your dog is when they're groomed for the first time the more they will begin to enjoy the dog grooming experience.
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If you want to bath your dog inbetween visits to the groomers please do not use baby shampoo or any other human shampoo as a dogs skin has a different PH balance to ours.
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Ultimately, grooming is one of the best ways for you to bond with your pup, and if it helps keep them healthy too? Brilliant!
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Q: I have a puppy when should I start grooming it?
A. You can book a puppy grooming session from when they have had their vaccinations usually around 3-4 months. It is best to introduce your puppy to grooming as early as possible to get them used to the sounds and environment. An hour session is usually booked and will include a bath, dry and tidy in preparation for a full groom.
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Q: How often should I brush my dog?
A. At least once a week depending on the breed. In an ideal world I suggest grooming daily if possible. It only takes a few minutes if you do it regularly. If your dog sits on your lap have a brush in your hand rather than just stroking it. Regular brushing reduces moulting and matting and encourages a healthy skin and hair growth.
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Q: Are you qualified?
A. Yes I am qualified in City & Guilds Level 3 intro to dog grooming and pet first aid trained. I am also fully insured and continually attend training at various salons to keep improving my skills and developing new styles. I have also completed my level 3 higher diploma in dog grooming which means I have shown a higher standard of grooming under the OCN qualification.
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Q: What should I do if my dog is severely matted and I am too embarrassed to bring my dog?
A. A matted coat can cause severe discomfort to a dog and it is the law to keep your dog healthy and comfortable. You should get booked in ASAP as there is very little that can be done except to remove the matting, which will make your pet more comfortable and enable the skin to breathe. In some cases if the matting is too bad you may have to visit the vet. Either way get in touch immediately.
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Q: How often should my dog have a haircut?
A. This will vary depending on what breed and coat your dog has and whether you maintain it at home or not. Unless you are willing to spend time every day brushing and combing your pet, your dog needs a haircut much more often.
Most breeds need a haircut every 6-8 weeks.
Hand stripping will vary depending on the growth of the coat and breed.
More high maintenance curly coats, like Poodles, Bichons and cross breeds like cockerpoos and cavachons need attention every 4 - 6 weeks.
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Q: If my dog is aggressive can he or she still be groomed?
A. In most cases yes, I aim to work as calmly and kindly as possible. This can be assessed when the dog comes in for grooming to decide the best course of action for each individual dog. In some cases it may not be possible for the dogs safety and mine and a referral to your vets may be the best course of action.
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