Dog grooming FAQs
how often should my dog be groomed?
It really does depend on the individual dog itself, however most dogs benefit from grooming every 6-12 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type and lifestyle. Double-coated breeds may need more frequent de-shedding, while curly/ wooly coats (Poodles, Cockapoos, etc.) need regular grooming to prevent matting.
When can my puppy start grooming?
As soon as they’ve had all their vaccinations, puppies can come in for a meet-and-greet and a gentle puppy session groom. Starting young helps them build confidence, reduces anxiety, and makes grooming easier throughout their life.
Failing to bring them in for introductions to grooming can cause severe trauma when you do eventually bring them in, which in turn can cause fear aggression towards grooming.
Do not leave it till they are a year old to start getting them groomed, it will cause severe trauma to them.
My dog is nervous. can they still be groomed?
Yes - we specialise in gentle, one-to-one grooming to help nervous dogs feel safe. We go at your dog’s pace and never push them beyond what they can handle. However, if a dog becomes too stressed or aggressive, we may need to stop the session for their wellbeing.
Why doesn’t my dog look perfect after their first groom?
For nervous, inexperienced, or reactive dogs, the first groom is mainly about building trust. We work with what the dog safely allows - especially on their first few visits. As they relax over time, the grooms naturally improve.
Can i stay with my dog during the groom?
Generally no, as dogs tend to behave differently when owners are present, often becoming more anxious or excitable. Often looking to their owner for ‘rescue’ and will continue to try to get close to their owner causing severe difficulty grooming the dog. We find dogs relax much more quickly in a calm, quiet, one-to-one environment.
What if my dog is matted?- Our last groomer shaved our dog down to the skin.
If a coat is heavily matted, the only humane and pain-free option may be a short clip. We do not de-mat severe matting as it is painful and causes unnecessary stress.
If you request that the matting is kept in, I am unable to do so. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is not legally or ethically acceptable to leave severe matting in place. I’ve seen heavily matted dogs become distressed, fearful, and even reactive during grooming because the matting pulls on the skin and makes handling painful. Removing the mats is the kindest and safest option for your dog.
After a reset clip which is the kindest thing to do, regular grooming will help prevent it happening again, also regular brushing at home! Just remember hair grows back!
