

Grooming
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What we do
We are fully trained in breed standard grooms, also offering pet trims for those looking for a more manageable style. We work on an individual basis, and offer a consultation at the beginning of each appointment to find out exactly what your preferences are regarding your dogs cut, any new health or behavioural issues that we should be aware of, and to arrange a mutually suitable pick up time.
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Full groom package - Our full groom package includes a warm bath in top of the range natural shampoo, a facial cleanse to remove dirt and stains, a warm professional fluff dry or 6 step de-shedding treatment, full clip or trim, ears cleaned, nails clipped, finished with a spritz of conditioning fragrance spray to last long after the groom.
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Bath and blow dry - To keep on top of things between full grooms!
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Puppy cuts/introductions to grooming - It is extremely important, especially in breeds that require frequent grooming, that they are introduced to the process as early as possible (we recommend bringing them for their first appointment as soon as they have had all of their immunisations). If a puppy is left to grow up before experiencing grooming, it can make the process very daunting for them. We like to build a bond with all of our dogs as early as possible, meaning that every visit to us throughout their life is an enjoyable one. Along with the importance of your dogs happiness and well being, achieving the style that you have in mind for your pup when they grow up is dependant on your dogs comfort in the salon environment.
For a first appointment, we offer a short and sweet introductory visit, showing the puppy around the salon, introducing them to the equipment, giving them a mild bath and quick fluff dry followed by a tidy up around their face, feet and hygiene area.
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Nail clips -Included in a full groom or available for regular customers between full groom appointments. Please note we do not offer walk in nail clips.
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Our job and your job
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We work best when our clients are working alongside us with the care of their dogs coat. We can only offer the highest standard of work when our furry clients coat is brushed regularly, and free of matting.
“Matting” refers to densely tangled clumps of fur in a pet’s coat. If a coat is not properly and/or frequently brushed, loose and live hair become embedded in large masses. Sometimes “mats” can be combed out, but if left too long, it is impossible without seriously harming the animal.
The truth about matting
Matts can form in both the outer coat as well as the deeper undercoat. Sometimes severe matts form in the undercoat and are unnoticeable because of a heavy outer coat. If left completely unattended, a pet’s fur can become entirely matted to such an extent that the only recourse is to shave the entire coat.
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Causes
Matting is especially prevalent in long-hair dogs during seasonal shedding if the excessive hairs are not removed. Regular and frequent grooming—especially brushing—is absolutely necessary to not only prevent mats, but to keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy.
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Dangers
Severe matting can be extremely painful to your dog during brushing. Brushing only causes live hairs to be pulled out of the skin with excruciating pain. Even mild matting can cause your pet a great deal of pain.
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Matting can cut off blood supply to extremities, and deny regular air circulation. Skin denied fresh air and stimulation from regular brushing becomes quite unhealthy. It can turn dark pink to red, and open sores are apt to form emitting foul odours. Even organic matter, like weeds and stickers, can become embedded in the skin. Matts have been known to contain stool of the pet and even fly larvae that further irritate the skin. Remember, sometimes these mats and their consequences can be completely hidden from view.
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Some severely matted pets may require the attention of a veterinarian.
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Care in the salon
We promote a humanity before vanity approach. Meaning that if your dog has matting that is going to cause him any pain or discomfort to brush out, we will only offer to clip these mats out. Anytime that this is necessary, we will always consult you first, and discuss the situation with you before clipping your dogs coat.
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Work at home can prevent all of the above, and we are happy to give you advice on the correct coat care for your dog. We also offer bath and tidy appointments which can be taken in between full grooms, helping to keep on top of your dogs coat if you are struggling with it at home. These appointments are also especially useful for nervous dogs who need an extra bit of TLC and training in the grooming salon, without the pressure of a full groom.
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Nervous dogs, or dogs with behavioural issues
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Some dogs that come to us require a little more TLC and attention than others. We do not treat all dogs with the same approach as, like us, they are all different. It is very important that each and every dog that comes through our doors builds up a trust, and a relationship with us. Sometimes this means spending more time with a dog, building up that trust and introducing them to all aspects of the grooming process with patience and correct training, BEFORE any grooming takes place. We understand that as an owner, the extra cost and time spent may cause some inconvenience, however we will never put a dog through a process that will cause any unnecessary stress or harm to him/her. Grooming is a delicate and difficult process and can be very quickly made dangerous when a dog does not want to be part of it (for the dog, and also for us as groomers). We ask that you give your dog, and us the time that is needed to ensure a safe, and peaceful experience. We can discuss all the options with you if you pop in, or give us a call.
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