Choosing how you want your dog groomed

One of the key questions we'll ask you when you come in is how you'd like your dog's coat groomed. Many breeds have specific "standard" breed styles, but there are also other options.

The easiest way is to look online and see if you find something you like. Find a photo of what you'd like, bring it in for your appointment, and show us. That way we can get a good visual idea, and talk to you about it to make sure it will be a good fit for your pet. 

Common Cuts and Groom Styles

During the hot summer months, clients often ask us to simply shave their dog down, particularly for dogs with long or heavy coats. We call this a summer cut. It's basic, clean, and is easy to care for as your dog is active outside. Some dogs have what's called a double coat, which helps the animal in regards to heating and cooling. We don't recommend shaving into this.

We also get a lot of requests for teddy bear cuts (or "puppy cuts"). More hair is left on, and it is basically even and fluffed for a more full look all around the body. This is common for poodles, and small dogs with fluffy hair.

Special Purpose Cuts and Trims

Some of our cuts are less about the style and more about ease of care for the dog.

A sanitary cut (or "sanitrim") is a close clip on the belly and around the rear of the dog. This is for, as its name suggests, sanitary purposes. We also do some trimming around the face, ears, feet, and rear in between full grooms.

If a dog has mats, we'll remove matted fur through dematting. Much of this depends on the condition of the coat, so while we'll take all things into consideration, we have a saying: humanity before vanity. Our first priority is always the care and comfort of the dog.

Along with these considerations, you also have options such as how you want the feet groomed. Dog breeds have different feet (cat, hare, webbed, etc.), and that means there are different ways to trim the feet based on breed standards or your preference.

• Clean feet: The feet are completely shaved, exposing the nails and the entire foot up to the ankle.
• Cat feet: This is when the hair between the toes is scissored short to the same length as the hair on top of the feet. The nails can be visible.
• Round feet: The feet are scissored to look round and fluffy without showing the nails.
• Retriever feet: We have a standard way of trimming the foot, taking the webbed foot into account.

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Some dogs get a once-a-year groom. Some dogs only have baths. Some have a bath and a de-shedding treatment. Some clients set up regular recurring appointments to make sure their dog's cut never gets too far off track.

We have more information on our grooming services page. Please note that different cuts and options have price variations depending on the selection, and the condition of the dog's coat. We're always happy to talk to you about how you'd like your dog groomed.