FAQs

I have a new puppy. What do I need to know ?

The first visit is of utmost importance. We recommend this be at about 4 months, after the third round of shots. At this visit puppy will get a bath, introduced to the dryer, brushed out, and nails trimmed. Trimming around the eyes, feet, and rear end will be done as long as puppy is comfortable. Keeping this experience positive is the ultimate goal. A grooming shop is a new, and sometimes overwhelming environment for a young dog. Early exposure is important to the dog’s future comfort with the grooming process.

Is teeth brushing important?

Teeth brushing can be very helpful in maintaining good oral hygiene for your best friend, however The Dog Shop does NOT offer this service. We believe this, in order to be any help to you and your dog, needs to be done much more regularly than only every two to four months. we recommend consulting your vet for a teeth cleaning schedule to fit your pet’s individual needs. K9 Dental

How long does grooming take?

The grooming procedure can take anywhere from 2 – 6 hours. This depends on many variables such as, size, coat type, the condition of the coat, age, exposure, and spirit . We strive to take as much time as necessary to make a positive, enriched experience for both human and dog alike. This is a free roaming grooming shop and your dog does not have to sit in a kennel for hours. We do have kennels available for those dogs that feel more comfortable having their own space.

Can I stay and watch?

No. The reason for this is we need your dog to know that he/she can trust us. A nervous unsure guardian can make for nervous unsure dog. Nobody wants that. your dog needs to be looking to his/her groomer for guidance and reassurance and this is very difficult to achieve with their beloved person standing there.

My dog is scooting or licking their rear after grooming.

It is standard procedure to check and externally express every dog’s anal glands. Anal gland expression can sometimes make a dog feel sensitive, or in some cases, irritate that area. Another reason a dog may do this is on some breeds trimming the hair around the rear is ideal for hygienic purposes, this can leave a dog feeling a bit exposed if they are not used to it. If this is your dog, don’t hesitate to let your groomer know. We can certainly work around it.

What kind of maintenance should I be doing at home?

Some dogs need very little, some need a lot; it all depends on what you are willing to maintain. You must be real with yourself and ask, how much time do I want to spend? The basics are brushing, keeping those ears clean and even nail trimming (if that is in your comfort level) but remember to always have a blood clotting agent such as Kwik Stop on hand when trimming nails. Grooming can get a little more tedious and time consuming on those shedless breeds if you’re looking to maintain some length on their coat. You will need to have the proper tools to keep matting from getting out of control, a metal comb is a must and a slicker brush may be used as a mat breaker as well, but be mindful that these can both damage the coat and/or injure your dog if used improperly. Always feel free to ask us for advice, for example “what kind of tools did you use on my dog? How did you use them?” It is a win-win when you can minimize any amount of stress on your dog by doing a little more at home.

What is a mat/matting?

For those who don’t know what a mat is, it is thick tangled mass of hair, however, matting can be deceiving even to your groomer. We always try to estimate what exactly we are dealing with before we start on your dog but sometimes even the professionals get thrown off by certain coat types. Keeping your dog’s hair a length that is in your comfort level to maintain at home till their next grooming is ideal.

My dog is itching after grooming.

This is usually an easy fix. Switching to a shampoo that is more suitable for you dog’s skin type. Sometimes this can be a guessing game though. Consider the season of the year, diet, are there fleas, as these can also play a key roll in why a dog might be itchy.

How much will it cost?

As with any service, the cost is based on difficulty level and time spent. We are happy to give a price estimate upon meeting with you and your dog and learning what achievable goals you are looking for with his/her grooming.

Can you groom my dog without giving them a bath?

There is very little grooming that can be done without a properly cleaned and dry coat. In order to maintain the quality we promise, It is imperative that we bathe every dog we perform a haircut on.

Do you require proof of shots to groom my dog?

We do not require proof of vaccinations to groom your dog. We strongly recommend keeping your dog up to date with it’s shots, but we realize extenuating circumstances prevent some dogs from getting certain vaccinations.

Do you have a do it yourself dog wash area?

We are not a self-service dog wash and do not have a DIY dog wash area. We strive to provide exceptional, full-service dog grooming in a relaxed and free-roaming environment; a DIY area is not conducive to the atmosphere we strive to create for your dog.