My Golden Retriever/double coated dog is hot. I want him/her shaved off.

We do not recommend shaving your Golden Retriever or other double coated breed. Instead we recommend the Teddy trim, which will retain the integrity of the double coat. A good deshed treatment that removes excess undercoat will also help keep your dog comfortable in the heat and shows off the natural beauty of a coat - the coat on a Golden Retriever/Double Coated breed is after all, one of things that makes them beautiful.

What is the Teddy Trim?

Although it’s not a good idea to shave your golden retriever’s fur, some owners prefer to keep their dog’s hair shorter in summer. The Teddy trim is a good option to keep the fur shorter without sacrificing the double coat. It is also a good choice for owners who prefer a low maintenance coat. For this style, the whole body is trimmed to a shorter length. 

Can the De-Shed treatment reduce shedding in my home?

Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers need to be thoroughly brushed out regularly, particularly when they are blowing their coats. They generally lose their undercoats twice a year. If the loose undercoat (dead coat)is not removed it will release on its own all over your house. Our de-shed treatment removes all the loose undercoat and helps to drastically reduce the shedding around the house. It will reduce the shedding, it will not eliminate it. Did you know that dogs shed 15% of their coats all year round?

How often should I have my dog groomed?

We recommend scheduling grooming every 4-6 weeks for Oodles and every 6-8 weeks for breeds that require deshedding. Regular grooming is an essential part of your dog’s overall healthcare, not just about keeping them looking their best. Consistent grooming helps your dog stay comfortable by keeping their skin and coat clean, preventing matting, and ensuring they can see clearly without hair over their eyes.

Think about how refreshed you feel after a shower, especially after a day at the beach—your dog feels the same after a good grooming session! Skipping grooming for long periods can lead to discomfort, similar to how you might feel if you only showered a few times a year. Regular appointments make a big difference in your dog’s well-being.

What grooming products do you use? 

We only use the best, high quality and gentle grooming products, the same products we use on our own champion show dogs. The brands we use are Fraser Essentials, Melanie Newman, igroom and Secret Weapon. Cheap, low quality products can be harsh and will dry out your dog’s coat and skin. We carry a range and will choose one suited to your dog after a coat and skin evaluation.

My dog has matting. Can it still keep a long style?

A: We understand that maintaining a dog's coat can be time-consuming and challenging. However, when matting occurs, it becomes difficult to achieve a balanced, styled groom, and some areas may need to be shaved short.

Our priority is to provide a stress-free grooming experience for your dog. While I always aim to brush out and de-mat a coat when possible, I will not attempt to de-mat coats that are severely matted, as doing so can cause unnecessary stress, pain, or injury. If your dog's coat is in poor condition and the only solution is to shave it short—knowing that you prefer a longer style—I will not proceed with the groom.

Please note that there is an additional de-matting fee of $1 per minute, as the process requires extra time and causes wear on my tools.

If your dog has not been groomed in more than 8 weeks or/and has matting, please read our de-matting terms and policies before booking your dog in.

How much time should I allow for the groom?

Please allow 2-3 hours for your dog’s groom. A better time estimate can be given once we assess your dog on arrival. We do one on one grooms which means dogs will have to be dropped off at the allocated time. We will ring you when your dog is close to completion. This allows us to offer a premium service where dogs do not have to be crated; and anxious dogs can be groomed without the stress and presence of many other dogs. As such, we would appreciate it if dogs are picked up when they are ready.

Why was I charged a different price this time?

A: Grooming prices can vary based on several factors, as each dog is unique and their needs may change from visit to visit. Here are a few reasons why the cost might differ:

• Coat Condition: If your dog’s coat was matted during a previous visit but is in better condition this time, it can affect the grooming process and time required.

• Size: Was your dog a puppy during the last visit and has since grown?

• Temperament: Perhaps last time your dog was having a rough day, while today they were calm and cooperative. Senior dogs may also need extra time, care, and attention.

Additionally, we may periodically adjust prices, usually every financial year, to reflect increases in costs such as supplies and utilities.

Will you check my dog for muscle soreness during a groom?

Yes, while your dog is receiving the wonderful results of a professional groom they will also have their general condition checked. Apart from muscular issues, Jackie will also be on the lookout for changes in skin conditions. This will be evident when she is giving them a pre-bath massage and blow-dry. Most groomers are not trained to recognise muscular issues in a dogs’ body. When Jackie is grooming a dog , she will give your dog a check-up and if there is an issue that can be treated quickly, it will be done gently and will be free of charge (please let her know if you don’t want this service). Due to time limitations, separate appointments will be required for more serious muscular issues. She will also be able to refer onto other specialists if required.

What forms of payment do you take?

Cash and credit card (Amex, Visa and Mastercard). 1.6% surcharge for credit card transactions. Direct debit payments available only for regular clients.