A quick guide to help owners prepare before their visit.

1. Be honest about medical history:  If you’ve not visited before, you’ll be asked a few questions about the dogs health and temprement – this is simply to ensure the groomer is aware of any conditions in advance so your pooch is kept happy and comfortable during his visit (it’s not a test so no need to tell fibs!)

2. Consider your lifestyle when deciding on hair cut:   The groomer will have a quick chat with you about what you want done with your Dog. When asked this don’t answer “groomed!” (they know that!).  There is the breed specific cut for most breeds, but owners often have their own preference or variation on that cut.  If you aren’t sure about what you want, ask for the groomers advice and be honest about your ability to care for the style in between grooms, they will suggest the best options  for your dog and lifestyle.

3.  Don’t expect Miracles!: If the dog hasn’t visited in a while and you’ve not been able to keep up the grooming at home, don’t expect the groomer to work miracles.  If the dog is severly matted then the hair may need to be clipped back, but they should always dicuss the options with you before starting a cut.  In some cases the matts can be brushed out, but it can often be uncomfortable for the dog (just think how you’d feel with someone trying to brush dreadlocks out of your hair!) so always take the age and strength of the dog into the equation before submitting him to a potentially uncomfortable process.

4.  All inclusive: Nails, ears, and anal glands are all included as standard with a grooming session. If for any reason you don’t want any of these touched then let the groomer know when you are dropping off.

5. Plaque Problems?: Teeth are cleaned during the grooming session, but as with human teeth, they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid a build up of plaque.  Products such as Dentifricio Spray used between grooms can help build up and avoid expensive trips to the doggie dentist (aka vet!).