Frequently asked questions
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers on our grooming service and advice on keeping your dog in great condition at home in-between appointments. If you can’t find the information you need, please contact us, we are always happy to help!
How often should I bring my dog in for grooming?
Generally, most dogs do best with a groom every 6-8 weeks. This can vary depending on the breed and coat length of your pooch – some breeds require more frequent grooms. You can also book a bath, brush, and tidy up between grooms, which will keep the coat in condition and limit issues like matting.
How long will my dogs grooming appointment take?
This can vary greatly depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, health, age, style and temperament. As a general guide, small – medium breeds will take 1.5 – 2 hours and large breeds 2.5 – 3 hours. We will text you 30 minutes before your dog is ready to be collected.
How do I keep my dog tangle free at home?
Between grooming appointments, it’s important to brush your pooch regularly to prevent the coat from becoming matted and uncomfortable. We recommend brushing at least every other day, using a slicker or pin brush and a metal comb.
Will you give my dog treats and water on their visit?
We have fresh water available for all the dogs visiting the salon. We do have fresh chicken which we can give your dog as a small treat. We will always ask your permission to give any treats to your dog, as we understand some dogs suffer allergies or are on strict diets, which means they may not be allowed treats.
My dog has become matted. Can you keep it fluffy?
If your dog has a few knots and tangles, we are happy to brush/scissor them out. However, if the knots are more substantial over the body and the hair has developed matting, the kindest and safest thing to do is give your dog a fresh start by clipping the mattes away. This may result in a shorter cut, but the great thing is hair grows back! Plus, if you do regular at-home brushing we can work towards the desired look you want for your dog.
We will always ask for your permission to shave the coat short if it is required, this will be either when you drop your dog off to us or we will call you to discuss it before we proceed with the groom.
Please note that we charge extra for grooming matted dogs due to the additional time needed to remove the mattes safely and for the wear and tear on our tools and equipment.
I have selected a pickup and drop off in my dog’s appointment. When will my dog be collected and dropped home?
For morning appointments, we offer collections between 8:30 and 9:45. We will then return your dog around midday, usually between 12:45 and 13:30.
For afternoon appointments, we offer collections between 12:45 and 13:30. We will then return your dog in the afternoon, usually between 16:15 and 17:30.
Please note: we recommend very nervous or sensitive dogs be dropped off to us at the salon and picked up by the owner.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand the unforeseen can happen sometimes, which means you may wish to cancel or re-schedule your appointment. Please call us on 07842 116 216 with as much notice as possible (preferably at least 24 hours).
Can I purchase products from you to use at home?
You can find a range of grooming products stocked on our Adventure Dog website. We recommend these products to help keep your dog’s coat in good condition between grooming appointments.
When should professional grooming start for a puppy?
All puppies must be fully vaccinated before attending their first appointment. The younger and sooner a puppy is carefully introduced to the new sights, sounds, and smells a grooming salon has to offer, the more confident they will be, which results in a far better grooming experience for them.
We offer free puppy introduction sessions for their first visit – where they can be introduced to the salon and staff, allowed a good sniff about, introduced to the grooming table, where they get a brush, nail clipping if needed, lots of cuddles and (with your permission) a treat.
After that, you can book them in for a puppy groom (£25), which will include the above as well as a bath, hygiene trim, paw pad shave and tidy up around the feet and face. Following grooms can be booked as a full groom from then on.
Can I stay and watch whilst my dog is being groomed?
For the safety of your dog, it is vital we have their full attention. Most dogs will become distracted by their owner’s presence and will wiggle about trying to get close to their owner. This can make it unsafe for both the dog and groomer.
It is best to drop off your pooch at their scheduled appointment time and then come back once your pooch is finished.
We are very happy to show our customers around the salon so they can see where their pooch will have their groom, please contact us and we can give you a suitable time to come up.
Of course, you are also more than welcome to call us at any time during the appointment to find out how your pooch is doing.
Do you use cage dryers?
No. All pooches are dried by hand using a stand dryer which allows us to control the velocity and heat. We choose to use stand dryers as a safety and wellbeing precaution, and for a more 1 to 1 experience for your pooch.
How often does my dog need its nails trimmed?
At least once a month to keep them at an appropriate length. If they are excessively long, we recommend trimming them once a week to encourage the quick (nail vain) to recede. You do not need to make an appointment specifically for nail trimming, all that we ask is that you call us on the day, and we will agree on a time you can come up.
My dog can be aggressive when being groomed. Will you still take it on?
Absolutely! Our team is well trained in handling sensitive dogs and have lots of experience with it. We know that grooming is a requirement all dogs need, and so we welcome all different temperaments and strive to make the grooming process as stress-free as possible. If you know your dog is sensitive for grooming, please state this upon the booking so our team are aware.
Please note that we charge extra for grooming sensitive dogs due to the additional time needed to ensure the safety of both the dog and the groomer.
We will call you to let you know if there are any issues during the groom. It is very rare to find an ungroomable dog, however if we do come across any serious problems which makes it not possible to proceed, we will call you to discuss the problems with you so we can agree on a solution together.
Does a groom include emptying anal glands and ear plucking?
Sorry, we do not offer these services.
Emptying anal glands is classed as a veterinary procedure. Many dogs’ anal glands empty naturally, but if your dog does require this to be done manually, we advise going to a vet to have this done.
Ear plucking is an invasive procedure which can be unnecessary and painful for dogs. We can trim the outer hair, but we will never pluck it.
If you think your dog requires its ears plucked, we advise going to a vet to have this done.
How do I pay for my appointment?
Ways you can pay for your appointment are:
• Online when you make the booking
• Cash
• Card
• Invoice
• Bank transfer