Once a style has been decided on I will begin your pets grooming with a  check of the skin, ears and teeth, and any problems noted so I can inform you of them at pick up.

 

A nice massaging bath is given with appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your pets skin.  Teeth are brushed and anal glands checked.  If they need emptied I'll do so if they are easy.  If they are difficult to express I will let you know they need to be done at the vets office.

 

After a cuddle in a warm towel, your pet is dried by hand and the hair style is begun.  In addition to the hair cut, your pet will have his nails trimmed and filed, ears cleaned ( with hair plucked if needed) and receive a bandana or bows and a spritz of dog cologne.  If you do not want bows, bandana or cologne please let me know. 

 

The typical stay at the shop is 1 and 1/2 hours for small to medium sized dogs.  2 to 2 and 1/2 hours for larger breed heavy coated dogs.

Elderly pets are one of the hardest age groups to work with.  Because with age come aches and pains for older pets, concessions to the grooming process must sometimes be made. Fancier cuts for older pets are sometimes no longer appropriate as the process takes too long for them.  In some cases it is much more humane to just give them a short hair cut so they do not need to be stressed as often leaving home to come to the grooming shop.

 

I do have a special support system for pets who need help standing.  If they are more comfortable resting on their sides this can also be done to help them through the grooming process. I will accomplish as much as can safely be done for your pets comfort.  If however, I feel your pet is being coming stressed or is in discomfort I will stop the grooming and call you to pick up right away.

I do reserve the right to refuse to complete a groom on an elderly pet at any time I feel it is no longer in the pet's best interest. My only concern is for your pet's saftey and well-being.

Puppies require training to become comfortable with the grooming process.  The first time they come in for a grooming you as an owner cannot expect them to be perfectly groomed.  Training takes time and repeating the lessons they learn.  Because my shop is very quiet often times I can get everything done the first time, but not always.  Some puppies need more time learning one part of the process over another.  Some need more time learning to stand on the table, some adjusting to the sound and feel of the clippers, some need more time with the blowdryer.

Puppies are given breaks to digest what they have learned and to have a few minutes of play time in between their hard work of being good.  Should I feel your puppy has had enough and has learned as much as it can for the day I'll let you know it's time for pick up.  Very rarely will I keep a puppy at the shop over two hours.  I will only do as much as your puppy can handle and may ask you to reschedule to continue the appointment.

 

When you take your puppy home please know she will probably be ready for a big nap. Learning is HARD work.