My Philosophy

Many dogs find a visit to the groomers to be a stressful an unpleasant experience; in some cases it can affect them for life.  My ethos is not to generate a conveyor belt service, but one that provides a positive and enjoyable experience, using Fear Free protocols for the dogs in my care, with no compromise. It generally takes around two hours for a full groom, allowing time for rest if required (good for elderly dogs), or several short drying sessions if needed to avoid increasing anxiety.  I will not force dogs or over-restrain them to carry out grooming procedures

but work with them to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Canine Behaviour & Training in 2012. The knowledge and experience gained on the course is coupled with kind handling and equipment that will provide the most comfort for my canine customers. 
 

Puppies

​Paw's offers a four-session puppy package to get your new arrivals off to a great start.

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When to start? 

Puppies should be introduced to grooming at a young age. Many breeders of dogs with high-maintenance grooming requirements (such as poodles) may start with some basic work before they leave their mothers and move to their new homes.

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Lessons learnt by dogs in their first weeks will stay with them throughout their lives.  A crucial period of learning is between 3 and 16 weeks, when positive experiences can set them up for life and negative experiences can turn into lifelong fears and anxieties.  With this information in mind, a first visit to the groomers as soon as possible after the vaccination period can start to build a dog who becomes comfortable and confident whilst being groomed.

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The first visit

Paw’s Mucky Pups offers short puppy introduction sessions.  These will last around 15 - 20 minutes.  The session will include play, exposure to noises/smells/equipment/handling linked to positive reinforcement.  The visit will create a good association for the puppy between a visit to the salon, meeting the groomer (Karen) and lots of new experiences.

 

Follow-up sessions​

These are built up slowly, with a follow-up visit, perhaps being just for a bath, or maybe a paw and face trim.  Ideally the puppy will only stay for the maximum of an hour, which will include some play time.

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Other factors

If you have an older dog who comes to be groomed regularly and is quite happy with grooming, then arranging to bring the puppy to the salon at the same time is a great idea.  They can lie on the bed with toys and stuffed Kongs whilst the other dog is being groomed and this sets them up well for their first groom. 

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Please bear in mind that some puppies may need to build up to a full groom more slowly than others.  Causing too much anxiety at this vital stage of their lives can be very detrimental.  I am happy to advise you at all stages.

 

Paw's Workforce

I am a sole trader so mostly work alone with the dogs.

A Word About Hygiene 

I disinfect all equipment and tables between customers with Safe 4 Pets products. You can find out more here. I have a secure area where the dogs can spend a penny or two, which is disinfected daily.

Insurance 

I am insured with Pet Business for £2 million public liability and £5,000 for care, custody & control of animals. In addition I have £100,000 professional Indemnity cover.

Professional Membership

I am a certified Fear Free Professional and Animal Trainer and a full member Pet Professional Guild and adhere to their codes of conduct

First Aid

I have undertaken both human first aid at work and canine first aid.