FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should I have my dog groomed ?
I suggest dogs with slightly longer coats to be groomed every 4 – 6 weeks to ensure their hair does not get matted and is not harbouring insects or hiding skin conditions.

Why do prices vary?

Coat condition has a huge impact on how long a groom can take. Unless I see your dog, I need to make some presumptions about pricing. They are:

that the coat is in a reasonable condition
if necessary, any heavy de-matting or knot removal required will incur extra charges
your dog has a nice temperament and overall is fine being touched and handled
Mixed breed dog pricing will be based on the most dominant breed and/or coat that presents

In some cases I am asked to preserve as much of the coat as possible despite poor condition in which case it is not possible to determine exactly how long this may take. Small variances are absorbed but if there is a really big difference in time taken, I need to adjust for that.

What if I only want to groom my dog every 3-4 months but still keep him fluffy?
Unless you’re committed to brushing and combing him almost daily, and/or after walks and rough play, the only best solution to fit that grooming time frame is to clip his coat to a shorter length (typically to about 1cm or shorter).

My dog is really matted, can you brush it out?
Depending on the severity of the matting, brushing out matts can be painful especially if your dog is not accustomed to regular brushing/combing at home. I will always assess your dog’s coat on arrival and suggest the best solution.

How long does the grooming process usually take?
The grooming process usually takes 1.5 - 3 hours. Depending on your dog’s coat condition and temperament I will advise you on a rough time frame when your dog will be ready.

Why is there such a difference in cost for large breed dogs?
Unfortunately the time it takes to groom 1 large breed dog is equivalent to grooming 2-3 small breed dogs, so I have to adjust pricing to match.

Do i need to bring anything on the day of my appointment?
No, unless your dog responds well to specific treats then you can bring some for their grooming session. PLEASE make sure your dog’s collar/harness is properly secured onto your dog when coming in.

Can I stay with my dog during the groom?
Unfortunately no. Dogs are calmer and better behaved for grooming when the owner is not present. When the owner is present, the dog is so focused on the owner that it disrupts the grooming process. The dog will bark, try to lunge off the table, become very excited with the idea of you coming over to pet him. This will make the task much harder for the groomer. Working with sharp tools makes it necessary to have 100% of the dog’s attention on the groomer. We are using scissors and other sharp tools around your dog’s eyes and other tender parts of the body. Safety is the first priority.

Why does my dog shake in fear going to the groomers ?
This is a very common occurrence in grooming salons and vet clinics. There is no simple explanation as to why it happens. The best guess is your dog simply just doesn’t enjoy the grooming process and/or being away from you and out of their comfort zone. It is always good practice to condition your dog at a very young age to the loud noises and vibrations of a grooming salon. Some breeders will start this process once a week at two weeks old!

What is the procedure if we find fleas on your dog?
I will notify you straight away and will have to wash your dog in flea shampoo at an extra charge of $10 to minimise the spread to other dogs, I will also have to keep him separated for the time being until he is picked up.

Will my pet be sedated ?
I never sedate dogs. If a dog is truly uncooperative or made uncomfortable by the grooming process, I may be forced to end the grooming session but I will never sedate a dog.

Does my dog need to be fully vaccinated?
Yes, it is the best interest for your dog as well as all the other dogs that come to the salon.

When can I bring my puppy for its first groom ?
Once they’re fully vaccinated (usually around 16 weeks old). It is important to groom them as soon as possible so they’re used to the grooming process. A wash & tidy would be a good start for their first visit.