Q.	How often should my dog be groomed?
A.	Most dogs should be groomed on a regular schedule which is determined by their and your life style or the type of coat, how fast it grows or how quickly it mats.
Q.	Is frequent bathing bad for my dog’s skin or coat?
A.	According to David Duclos, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology in Skin & Coat Care for Your Dog, “Bathing should be done when an odor is detected. This indicates that there is a (sic) overgrowth of the normal skin microbes which produce the odor or that the skin and hair are dirty and need to be cleaned. You can’t bathe your dog too often. …dogs have more oily and waxy secretions from their skin onto their hair than humans so it is impossible to over bathe your dog.”
Q.	How long does grooming take?
A.	There are so many variables from one dog to another, that I require a minimum of 2 hours for each appointment. When your dog is done I will phone you regarding pick up or the time for pick up can be arranged when the dog is dropped off.
Q.	When can I drop off and pick up my dog?
A.	Most of my customers prefer to bring their dogs in at their appointment time, however, some do bring them in before work and pick them up at noon or drop them off at noon and pick them up after work. Occasionally, I can keep a dog all day as a convenience for the owner but this has to be arranged at the time the appointment is made.
Q.	Can I stay while my dog is being groomed?
A.	I don’t mind if you stay as long as it doesn’t adversely affect your dog’s behavior. Some dogs are too distracted and difficult to groom if the owner is present. In some instances, especially with special needs dogs, I require that the owner stay. Old, blind and/or deaf dogs are often more comfortable if their owners are present.
Q.	If my dog is matted, why do you have to shave the coat so short?
A.	If a dog is severely matted, the humane thing to do is shave the coat off and start over. Dematting is hard on your dog, your groomer, and your wallet. When shaving a dog down my goal is to leave as much coat as possible by wet shaving and using special blades.
Q.	How do I keep my dog from becoming matted?
A.	Keeping the dog clean and combing and brushing are the only preventives. I will be happy to recommend the type of comb and brush you need for your dog and will show you how to use them most effectively to avoid matting.
Q.	Will my dog be kept in a crate?
A.	I have an exercise pen as well as crates, however, because I work by appointment and the number of dogs in the shop at one time is usually only one or two, crating isn’t always necessary. Some dogs are actually more comfortable in a crate, so I do whatever makes them happy or keeps them safe.
Q.	Will you groom a sedated dog?
A.	I prefer not to but will do so, however, the sedation must be provided by your vet and administered by you.