GROOMING FAQs

My dog is a short haired breed, he doesn’t require regular grooming does he?

This a very common myth and I was guilty of this myself with my own dog before I started grooming.  In fact most short haired breeds shed more than any others.  These dogs can benefit from regular grooming (every month or 6 weeks) especially as I include a de-shedding treatment for all these breeds which reduces hair drop in your home considerably.  It is a nice experience for any breed of dog to be regularly groomed plus your home will smell much sweeter!  After all you would not consider not having a shower for a year would you?  Regular grooming can also mean earlier detection of a medical condition requiring Vet treatment.

I have 2 dogs that require grooming, can you do them both at the same time?

As I have described in my grooming service page, I prefer to groom only 1 dog at a time so that I can dedicate myself to that dog.  I am happy to do 2 dogs from the same household if easier for the owner and depending on the size of the dogs (as space is limited).  However, as I have said, I dedicate 2 hours per dog so whichever dog is not being groomed may have a while to wait so owners may prefer for me to take 1 dog at a time.

My dog is a pet and not a show dog and therefore does not require the standard grooming lines.  Will you groom the dog in the way I request or as per the show books?

I will groom your dog however you prefer it done and am always guided by owners.  Most owners require low maintenance grooms for their dogs but I always have a consultation before each groom with the owner.

My dog does not require grooming every month but he does have a problem with his anal glands and requires expression regularly.  Are you happy to book him in for this service each month?

Yes, please see the services page under grooming.  I am happy to provide one off grooming services such as anal gland expression, ear cleaning and nail clipping, even if you do not want your dog bathed or groomed regularly. 

Can you come and groom my dog in my own home?

The answer to this is no.  I have a dedicated salon set-up and prefer to groom dogs within that environment.  I have found that dogs are more relaxed here than in their own home with their owner around.  If you would prefer someone to visit your home, I know other Groomers who do offer this service, so please contact me for their details.

Will you provide feedback to me after my dog has been groomed on home-grooming?

Yes.  I provide all my grooming clients with advice for home-grooming.  There may be some products that I would recommend buying to help with this.  I will also feedback to owners about the dogs behaviour during grooming and advise techniques that could help at home.

Do you sell any grooming products?

At the present time I do not sell any products that I use for grooming to my clients.  However, I am happy to recommend stores and websites where you may be able to purchase such items.  Alternatively, the next time I order some equipment, I am happy to add anything you require to my order and you may pay me directly for these items upon delivery.

Should I provide any treats for my dog when he’s being groomed and why do you need them?

If your dog is motivated by treats, then it is always a good idea if you provide me with his favourite treats or a high value treat (such as small pieces of cheese) for me to use during grooming.  The idea then is the dog associates grooming with getting a nice treat and he will then associate it as a positive experience.

What is hand-stripping and how do I know if my dog should be hand-stripped or clipped?

Definition: to pluck/strip out dead hair

Breeds suitable for Hand-stripping: West Highland Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Border Terrier, Irish Terrier for example, along with lots of other breeds including most wire coated breeds.

Hairs are found in bundles set in the skin. Each bundle may have between 7-15 hairs. One hair is usually longer and coarser than the rest and is known as the "guard" hair. This guard hair is surrounded by fine, soft secondary hairs. It is the combination of the two different hair types that accounts for the characteristic coat types of the different dog breeds. The guard hairs are the ones removed when hand stripping.

If dogs are show-dogs their coat is normally hand-stripped.  This is because it encourages the natural growth of the dog’s fur and maintains the correct texture whereas clipping a coat makes the fur go fluffy and can lighten the colour of the fur over time.

Advantages of Hand-stripping

1) It makes the coat weather-proof

2) It protects the dog’s skin in the sun

3) Pet dogs need only be stripped 1 - 2 times a year

Disadvantages of Hand-stripping

1) It takes a Groomers much longer to hand-strip a coat rather than clip it off which is why there is often an extra charge for this service

2) It does not look quite as neat as a clipped dog would at first, but comes into its own 2 - 3 weeks later as the new coat has settled down

3) It can sometimes be uncomfortable for the dog

When does my dog require a Hand-strip?

The best time to hand-strip a coat is when the coat is shedding, usually early Autumn (September) and early Spring (March/April).

What is clipping and which breeds are suitable for clipping?

Most breeds are suitable for clipping and this is the more common option that pet owners opt for as it is easier to keep maintained and normally Groomers will clip off a dog’s fur as opposed to hand-stripping as it does not take as long.

Advantages of Clipping

1) It looks smart after the groom
2) It is much quicker than hand-stripping the coat

3) It is often easier for most pet owners to maintain a clipped coat

Disadvantages of Clipping

1) Regular clipping of a coat over time can lighten the fur’s colour

2) The texture of the coat will become fluffy as it grows back

3) The natural weather-proofing of the dog’s fur can be diminished

4) Once a dog has been clipped it will never be able to be hand-stripped

5) You cannot show a dog that has been clipped as opposed to hand-stripped

Would there be an occasion were it was not possible for you to groom my dog?

There are sometimes rare occasions where I will be unable to groom a dog.  This is normally if the dog is too aggressive or I feel the dog is too stressed or anxious and it is not in the dog’s well-being for the groom to continue.  If this happens, I will telephone the owner and advise immediately.  There may also be occasions where dogs or cats are not compliant when having their nails trimmed.  Again, I will contact the owner and may well advise the animal is taken to a vet to be sedated while the nails are clipped.