Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take?

The time the groom takes will depend upon a few factors. Firstly the breed, it will take significantly longer to groom a Newfoundland then it would to groom a Yorkshire Terrier, but you also have to allow for each individual dog. Some dogs don’t take to grooming as naturally as others and require more time and understanding. As a general rule for most small to medium breeds we allow from 1.5-3 hours but very large hairy breeds will require more time. 

 How much does it cost?

It depends on the breed and coat condition. Please call and arrange for Lindsay to give a free consultation.

Do you bathe the dog first?

In order to get an even hair cut,  the hair needs to be clean so the dog is always bathed as part of the grooming process. Depending on your dog’s breed and style, Most dogs are washed using a hypo-allergenic shampoo but we can vary the shampoo depending on your needs. After the dog is washed and rinsed, I will likely use a conditioner. One the coat is completely clean I will then dry the coat by hand. This is how I produce such good quality grooms, The preparation is very important. 

Do you do “hand stripping” ?

Yes, If you have a terrier (Border Terrier, Wire Haired Fox Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Airedale, Schnauzer, etc.). This involves plucking the hair by hand or more commonly using a stripping tool rather than the clipper to reduce the length of the hair.  This results in a coarser texture. It costs more money and takes more time, and the dog will need to come back regularly for ongoing maintenance.

My dog’s hair is knotted. Will the hair need to be cut short?

If the hair is allowed to knot or develop “matts”, this is unhealthy for the dog’s skin.  Knotting gets worse if the coat gets wet.  Before washing the dog, it is necessary to brush out all the knots.  If the hair is matted, it may be possible to “dematt” the coat.  Unfortunately, this can be painful.  In some cases, dematting may cause or reveal skin irritation.  If the hair can be dematted without causing pain to the dog, it may be possible to save the coat.  If the hair can be dematted, there maybe an additional charge.  Otherwise, it may be recommended to cut the hair short, which means applying the clipper behind the matts.   

Can I stay with my dog and watch?

Generally it’s best if owners don’t stay, if your dog can see you, this usually leads to the dog trying to be with you, which means your dog will be moving about, I need your dog to be still and calm. Trying to clip and scissor a wriggly dog can be dangerous.

Do you cut the nails?

Yes, nail cutting is standard on most dogs. With some dogs, it needs to be done at the veterinarian. Long nails can lead to several issues including joint problems, broken or split nails. With nail cutting, there is always some risk of bleeding. Inside the nail is a blood vessel which grows with the nail. If the nail is allowed to grow long, then cutting the nail even slightly may result in bleeding. If the nails are black, the risk of bleeding increases. If the nail bleeds, a syptic powder can be applied to the nail. Regular nail trimming can prevent this.

How is my dog dried?

All dogs are dried using a high velocity hair dryer. The velocity rate of the air can be adjusted and turned down low. However, some dogs take longer to get used to this then others. If your dog is adamant he/she would like to stay wet…then there are other solutions and we can discuss this prior to your appointment.