What does a typical grooming appointment involve? 

After a 10-15 minute consultation together, most appointments involve two shampoos (specific to your dog's coat), a skin conditioner, eyes and ears cleaned, anal glands emptied (if required), nails trimmed, de-matting, de-shedding, clip/cut to style and dry.  If you require any alterations, just let Ali know.

 

I don't know what style my dog should have, can you help?

Yes, at each appointment you are offered a free consultation where you can see different pictures of styles and we can discuss your own lifestyle and requirements.  I always groom to the style YOU prefer!

 

Can you offer advice on how to maintain my dog's groom?

Yes, practical advice is always offered at the end of your appointment.  Keeping this up at home will prolong your dog's style and extend the time period between grooms.

 

How old should my dog be before I take them to be groomed?

It is great to start training your puppy in the grooming environment as early as possible to ensure it is a positive experience.  This can be done from any age after vaccinations are complete.  See "puppy's first groom" offered on the Grooming page.

 

My dog is very matted, will you still groom them?

Yes, I will always try to save your dog's coat and remove mats.  I will discuss in consultation the best procedure for this.  It may be best over a couple of appointments to prevent distress to your dog.  Where dogs are very young or mats are too thick, we will discuss clipping to a shorter more practical style, where we can "start again".  We will also discuss a maintenance strategy to ensure it is easier for you to maintain your dog's style.  Decisions are always yours, not mine.  

 

My dog has sensitive and itchy skin, do you have a special shampoo?

Yes, I use a shampoo selected specifically for your dog's skin and coat.  Medicated tea tree shampoo can be used at no extra charge.  Used regularly this can dramatically improve sensitive and itchy skin.

 

 Do I wait with my dog whilst he is groomed? 

Most dogs settle down much quicker if their owners leave them for their appointment, but it is not a problem if you would prefer to stay. If you would like to stay with your dog please discuss this with Ali so that a longer slot can be booked for the appointment.  

What should I do before the appointment?

Where possible, please try to walk your dog before the appointment so that they are exercised and have had the opportunity to go to the toilet.  If you are unable to do this, please feel free to ask your dog to go outside the salon.  This will ensure they are comfortable during their appointment.  

 

My dog is scared of grooming appointments, is this ok?

The salon is a very calm and peaceful environment as only one dog is groomed individually at one time.  I am very patient and gentle and can work at training your dog to relax in the grooming environment again.  I NEVER use force, only positive rewarding techniques.  

 

How long will my groom take?

This depends on your breed and requirements but is usually 1-2 hours.  Please discuss with Ali.

 

How many dogs will you have in the salon at one time?

I only ever groom one dog or dogs from one family at a time.  This ensures the salon remains a calm and peaceful environment and your dog is as relaxed as possible.

 

I want a style which is practical to me, not the breed standard, is this ok?

Yes, I will always discuss your lifestyle needs and ensure the cut suits you and your dog.

 

How often will my dog need to be groomed?  

This depends on your breed, lifestyle, the style of cut you choose, and your maintenance of the cut.  I will always recommend a time scale for you.  The average is about 4-6 weekly.

 

Where is your salon?

 It is based in a hygienic, professionally equipped studio at 10 Woodlinken Drive, Verwood, BH31 6BN

 

What payment types do you take?    

You can pay with cash or cheque when you collect your dog.I

 

  Are you insured?

Yes I am fully insured for all aspects of my business.

 

I cannot make my appointment, what shall I do?

Please notify me as soon as you know you won't be able to attend your appointment.  A voicemail or text is fine.  Please allow 24 hours notice.  If you notify me less than 24 hours before your appointment or simply don't turn up, a £10 fee will apply, unless I can fill your appointment, in which case there is no charge.