Q:
How often should I get my dog groomed?
A: I am regularly asked this question and generally I would recommend
every 6-10 weeks. If hand stripping, keeping on top of it on a regular
basis makes it much easier on both the dog and me! It also depends on
how you want your dog to look - if you like them shorter then bring them
more often, if you prefer the shaggy look then you can leave it longer,
however, please don't forget to comb them thoroughly at least twice a
week to prevent any matting between appointments.
Q:
At what age can I bring my puppy to you?
A: As long as they've had their vaccinations and are able to go out
for walks we can accept them for grooming, this is usually from 12 weeks
of age. The sooner you can bring your puppy the better.
Q:
How long will it take to groom my dog?
A: This will depend on your dogs breed, size, temperament and condition
of the coat. On average it takes around 2 hours.
Q:
My hand stripped dog is not very hairy, can I just get a tidy up?
A: I often get asked to just "tidy up" a hand stripped dog,
or if I will offer a discount because their hair is not very long. I
always try to be as fair as possible but with hand stripping the length
of coat doesn't make a difference to the work involved. I still have
to strip every hair, regardless of whether it's 1cm or 10cm long. A
shorter coated dog may not look like a big transformation when it's
finished but that does not mean the same amount of work hasn't been
put in, because, believe me, it has!
Q:
I do not show my dog, should it still be stripped?
A: Yes, if a correct coat it's always beneficial to strip over clipping,
regardless of whether they're pets, show dogs or working dogs. A wire
coat has a continuous growth cycle and the dead hair needs to be pulled
from the root to allow the adjacent new growth to come in, clipping
at one level leaves all the old hair in with the new with no room for
the new to break through hence it becomes softer, more dense and clogged
up and subsequently doesn't allow the skin to breathe properly. The
original purpose of a wire coat is to protect that dog whilst working,
any excess coat would naturally be pulled out by undergrowth or by vermin
depending on the breed and the job they do. If they are not working
on a daily basis we have to remove that hair for them.
Q:
Is stripping an older dog the right thing to do?
A: This depends on the individual dog & their coat but stripping
is often much quicker and much less stressful than the bathing and clipping
process. I can strip a dog quicker than most groomers take for a normal
grooming session. If you have a groomer who is taking significantly
longer than 2 hours then they do not possess the correct technique and
shouldn't be offering the service.
Q: My dog is in season/ just been neutered/pregnant, can they still
be groomed?
A: Bitches in season can still be groomed as long as they feel comfortable
and you have informed me prior to arriving. Neutered dogs/spayed bitches
must wait at least 2 weeks post-op to allow the wound to close and tenderness
to reduce. I will not groom any pregnant bitches as there can be a substantial
risk to the unborn puppies. I will happily groom your bitch once the
puppies have been weaned.
Q: Can I stay with my dog at the salon?
A: No sorry. Dogs tend to settle a lot easier when their owners have
left. When you leave the dog with us we will take a contact number and
call you when your dog is ready for collection.
Q:
Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes, appointments are required as all dogs get one to one attention.
Q:
I have been quoted cheaper elsewhere, will you match their price?
A: No, sorry. I am City & Guilds qualified which many cheaper groomers
are not. I am also a hand stripping specialist, many other groomers
say they will hand strip but they cut corners using tools, ruining the
coat and this then allows them to charge cheaper prices as it takes
much less time. My prices reflect the quality and pride I take in my
work. They also allow me to use the best quality equipment and products.
As the saying goes "You get what you pay for".
Q:
Do you do anal glands/dentals/ear plucking?
A: Sorry, no. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has now deemed
all these as veterinary procedures and therefore under the Veterinary
Surgeons Act 1966 we, as groomers are no longer recommended to do so.
Q:
Is there parking at the address?
A: Yes. Please pull onto the drive to drop your dog off.
Q:
Can I book my next appointment in advance?
A: Yes, by doing this we can guarantee a day and time to suit your needs.
Q:
I'm travelling a considerable distance, what can I do whilst I
wait?
A: I am lucky enough to have clients from all over the country,
from North Yorkshire to Hampshire & everywhere in between.
Below I have listed a few places of interest you may wish to visit
whilst your dog is being pampered.
FIELDS
www.fieldskitchen.co.uk
- Dog friendly farm shop & café
- half
a mile away.
THE
BRANTHAM BULL
www.thebranthambull.com
- Dog friendly gastro pub
- 1 mile away.
THE
PLACE FOR PLANTS
www.placeforplants.co.uk
- Plant centre, arboretum & café
- 1 mile away.
THE
PINK SHED BEAUTY
www.thepinkshedbeauty.co.uk
- Your dog is having their spa day,
why not have your own - 1 mile away.
CONSTABLE
PARK
www.constablepark.co.uk
- Holiday & leisure park with
onsite café overlooking Dedham Vale
and the Brantham RSPB nature reserve -
1.5
miles away.
DEDHAM
- Area of Natural Beauty
www.timeout.com/dedham/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-dedham
www.visitessex.com/explore/destinations/dedham-vale
- The beautiful village of Dedham -
2 miles away.
FLATFORD
MILL & CONSTABLE COUNTRY WALKING TRAIL
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford
& www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford/trails/flatford-and-constable-country-walk
- The Flatford & Constable walking trail is featured
on ITV's Britiain's Favourite Walks: Top 100. This is a moderate,
4 to 7 mile walk that explores the picturesque Stour Valley and
Dedham Vale, made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John
Constable, England’s foremost landscape artist of the time
- 2
miles away.
JIMMY'S
FARM & WILDLIFE PARK - AS SEEN
ON TV
www.jimmysfarm.com
- Jimmy Doherty's working farm, wildlife
park, restaurant, tea rooms, farm shop & butchery. - 5 miles
away.
ALTON
WATER
www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/alton-water
- 400 acre water park offering watersports,
walking, camping, cycling, fishing & a café - 5 miles
away.
SUFFOLK
FOOD HALL
www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk
- Rustic-style farmers market which
includes gourmet food, a restaurant, farm shop, wine stalls, a
chocolate shop & many more - 7 miles away.
MANNINGTREE/COLCHESTER/IPSWICH
Manningtree town centre is just 2 miles
away with the bigger towns of Colchester & Ipswich both 10
miles away if you fancy a wander around.
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