WHY CHOOSE ME TO GROOM YOUR DOGS?
I'm proud to say I have 9 years experience and have been fully qualified for those years. However, I fully believe that learning never stops and so I regularly attend grooming trade shows and seminars so that I am always learning new techniques or improving my knowledge. Over the years I have developed my skills to specialise in asian styles but can also do all breed standard styles.
Where I differ from the busy salons and large pet chain grooming sections is that their groomers only have 90 minutes to get your dog groomed before the next one is booked in. I don't have that problem and can devote more of my time and attention to your dogs! I book in my grooming around my dog walking so when I'm done for the day (say around 2pm) I have the rest of the afternoon to groom your dog and give it the time and attention it really needs! Theres even time to have a play or relax before they go home.
Additionally, as an independent groomer, I don't have the large over heads of a shop. That means I only charge what I believe to be a fair price for the skills I have to achieve to groom you want! Having worked in these really busy salons over the years I know it takes the enjoyment out of grooming, so wouldn't you rather go to a groomer who enjoys what they do and isn't under time stresses or corporate targets?
PUPPIES
It's so important to get your puppy acclimatised to being groomed so that they continue to enjoy the experience throughout their life, build trust with their groomer and maintain a healthy coat.
On your first appointment I like to have you there and take the time to discuss your dogs coat type and give my advice on how best to look after it. I will give demonstrations on what brushes to use at home and how to use them and advise how often you should be visiting the salon. Unfortunately you see so many dogs that have been left too long before they come for their first groom and really don't like the experience. This is due to the fact that they aren't used to being bathed, the noise of the dryer or maybe they're just really matted! Whatever the reason, starting your puppies early (once they've had their inoculations) with grooming saves them and me a lot of stress further down the line!
ELDERLY
When a dog is elderly they may not be able to stand for as long, so we may want to discuss reducing their groom time by having a style that makes them feel clean and comfortable, rather than a really fancy and time consuming trim! I will give them more breaks during their groom and I also have a belly strap to help support them while I'm grooming them. All together, this makes it a much more pleasant experience for our dogs that are getting on a bit!
DIFFICULT DOGS
Some dogs just don't like being groomed, that is an unfortunate fact of life. However, if your dog is, for whatever reason, not keen on it then we can work around the issue for them. We can arrange short visits to the salon (prior to actually getting groomed) where they build up trust and feel safe. From there we can work out a plan to do small bits of grooming at a time to avoid stressing them out! I will work with you to help work out the reason for particular behaviour and although it will take a lot of patience and time, I always want what is best for the dogs and am always willing to try my hardest to make it a nice experience for them!
HEALTH CHECK
Every dog I groom I perform a basic health check during the groom, please let me know of any known issues prior. I'll inform the owner of any concerns i have. I will check the following during the health check;
-Eyes
-Ears
-Teeth
-Anal glands
-Skin
-Lumps
-Check for grass seeds
-Signs of infestations, such as fleas or mites. Anything that can be passed on to other dogs, I will have to pause the groom and resume at a later date once the infestation has been medically treated.
COAT TYPES
There are 6 types of coats and each requires different types of care;
- Smooth/Hairless (minimal upkeep, very gentle brushes)
- Curly/Wool (high maintenance, clips and trims, regular salon visits and slicker brushes and combs used)
- Long (high maintenance, clips and trims, regular salon visits and slicker brushes and combs used)
- Wire (can be hand stripped or clipped/trimmed. visits the salon fairly regularly combs and rakes used)
- Double Coat (regular brushes, visits the salon seasonally for a de-shed when the coat blows)
- Combination (visits the salon fairly regularly, moults their coat and also needs trimming. slicker brushes combs and furminator used)
I use professional salon grade dog shampoo and blueberry facial which helps reduce tear stains and is gentle around their eyes and skin folds. It is important not to use your own shampoo on your dog as their skin is a different ph to ours.