That’s completely okay. Some dogs need more time to feel safe and comfortable with grooming. We offer gradual exposure sessions to help them build trust and confidence at their own pace. This might mean multiple short visits before they’re ready for a full groom.

We’ll go as far as your dog is comfortable — no forcing, no rushing. You’ll receive feedback after each session and a plan for moving forward.

It depends on your dog’s size, coat type, and grooming history.

• Short-coated dogs: ~30–60 minutes
• Long or double-coated dogs: ~45–90 minutes
• Puppies or nervous dogs: allow extra time for breaks

We’ll give you an estimated time at drop-off, but we may adjust the session based on how your dog is coping.

Yes — we have an open-door policy. You’re more than welcome to stay if you prefer.

It’s a common belief that dogs behave better without their guardian present, but there’s no evidence that this applies to all dogs. In fact, for some dogs, having a familiar person nearby can reduce stress and improve confidence, especially during early grooming experiences or when working through fear.

We’ll work with you to decide what’s best for your dog. Whether you choose to stay or step out, we’ll always focus on creating a calm, positive environment.

We don’t wait until a dog becomes overwhelmed. Instead, we use careful observation to spot early signs of discomfort — like increased tension, avoidance, or changes in body language — and adjust the session as needed.

Our goal is to prevent distress, not push through it. For dogs who are nervous or new to grooming, we build trust over time using gradual exposure, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement. This approach helps dogs feel safe and develop long-term comfort with grooming.

If your dog becomes too unsettled to continue, we stop or change the plan for that session.

Because each booking reserves time and staff to deliver a specialised, low-stress service, the full fee still applies — even if we don’t complete every step of the groom. You’re still receiving expert handling, behavioural support, and a tailored plan to help your dog progress safely and gradually.

• Take your dog for a short walk and give them the chance to toilet beforehand.
• Bring your dog’s favourite treats or toys — they help support our reward-based approach.
• If your dog finds comfort in familiar scents, feel free to bring a towel or blanket from home.
• We use gentle, tear-free products. If your dog has a prescribed shampoo or allergy-safe product, bring it along.
• Let us know about any new medical concerns or sensitivities before we start.

Yes — nail trims and small tidy-ups are available as standalone services. These are often great options for dogs who aren’t yet ready for full grooming, or between full sessions to maintain comfort.

We groom a wide range of breeds and coat types. If your dog has a coat that requires specific clipping styles (e.g., breed-standard trims), or a medical or behavioural history we should know about, just let us know at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.

Please let us know in advance. We’ll adapt the session for your dog’s comfort — this may include extra time, breaks, or handling changes. If your dog has known health risks, we may suggest a pre-visit consultation and may ask for veterinary clearance if needed.

For some dogs, yes. For others — particularly if they’re anxious, matted, or unused to handling — we may need to break services into shorter, more manageable sessions. This approach helps avoid overwhelming your dog and builds long-term trust with grooming.

No. We do not use drying cabinets or tether dogs with grooming loops.

Drying is done by hand using a low-noise, dog-safe dryer — but only if your dog is comfortable with it. If they’re unsure or sensitive to airflow or sound, we’ll use towel drying instead.

We avoid unnecessary restraint and always follow a low-stress, consent-based approach. For dogs who find standing difficult — including seniors or those with joint or mobility issues — we adapt the setup and can groom them lying down on the floor.

We use a reward-based approach to help your dog feel safe and build long-term confidence with grooming — and trust in us.

This means:

• We use treats, toys, and play to create positive associations, helping your dog feel comfortable and safe during grooming.
• We introduce tools like brushes, dryers, and clippers gradually, so your dog can get used to the sounds, sensations, and handling at their own pace.
• We use lick mats or chews to give your dog something enjoyable to focus on — helping them learn that grooming means good things happen.
• We give your dog breaks when they need them, rather than pushing through signs of stress.
• We pay close attention to your dog’s body language to guide what we do, and when we pause or change the plan.
• Your dog is allowed to move away or say ‘no’ — we don’t force them to stay still if they’re uncomfortable

The goal isn’t just to get through the appointment. It’s to help your dog feel calm and in control so grooming becomes easier and more comfortable over time.