If you're new to The Dirty Dog - or new to pet grooming in general - we've got you covered!
If you can't find the answers to your questions below, please do give us a call, send us an email, or stop in to the shop. We'd be happy to answer any and all additional inquiries!
GROOMING
Describe your desired groom in objective terms, not in subjective terms. Words like "fluffy," "short," or "cute" can mean different things to different people, and may not communicate the exact results you're looking for. Do use exact coat lengths (ex. 1 inch, 1 centimeter) when describing your dog's ideal haircut. Even just showing us a length with your fingers helps!
The truth is, we don't know! Just like a "kennel clip" or a "summer cut," these terms can mean many different things to a groomer, depending on their different educational and experiential backgrounds. Every groomer may have a different understanding of what such a standard might be, so please do your best to describe to us what a term means to you so we can best meet your expectations!
Yes, if the pictures feature dogs that are of the same breed and coat type as your own dog. We can do our best to better replicate a desired style if your dog has the same coat length and texture as the dog pictured.
No, if the pictures feature dogs that are not the same breed or coat type as your own dog. We cannot change the length or texture of the coat your dog naturally grows, so it is very difficult - if not impossible - to replicate.
Yes, please do! If you particularly liked a past groom that your dog received and would like to replicate the same kind of style, we can do our best to match it.
Giving us suggestions and constructive criticism is always welcome, especially if something isn't quite what you'd expected for your dog's groom! We want to give you the best service possible, and unfortunately, human mistakes and misunderstandings do sometimes happen. All feedback and interaction is logged in your dog's profile, and we will take the most detailed notes we can and adjust our process accordingly. Please do communicate openly and have patience with us, and we will be happy to touch up any fixes we can at check-out!
Some accommodations can be made in circumstances where a client would prefer their dog not to be kenneled at any point during their appointment. To work straight through your dog's appointment without kenneling, an express fee will be added on to account for the extra time we must take away from other appointments to hand dry or supervise a dog. Feel free to discuss your dog's specific needs with us!
Matting is the tangling or knotting of hair or fur into a thick mass, and happens most often when a dog is not brushed often or thorough enough on a regular basis, or after a dog goes for a swim. A dog's susceptibility to becoming matted greatly depends on their breed and coat type, as well as their at-home grooming routines. Dogs with coats that are continuously growing (like Shih Tzus or Yorkshire terriers) and combination coated dogs (like poodle mixes) are especially at risk of becoming matted because of their coat's growth and texture.
Any severity of matting can be very uncomfortable, and even painful. In the worst cases, matting can trap dirt and oils against the skin, causing irritation, infection, bruising, and sometimes even open wounds, all of which cannot be treated if the skin is not accessible. At our shop, we will not force a dog to withstand hours of meticulous combing in obvious pain and distress. Shaving out matted fur is better for a dog's overall safety and well being, as the process is quick, efficient, and noticeably liberating. We encourage all dog owners to see a "shave down" as a fresh, healthy do-over. It will always grow back, after all!
APPOINTMENTS & SCHEDULING
We tend to be very busy the month before a major holiday, and even more so before Thanksgiving and Christmas. We strongly advise scheduling your appointment at least three weeks in advance, if not even sooner for larger dogs, multiple dogs, and those that require special appointment accommodations. Depending on what kind of dog you have and what services you're looking for, booking can be pushed out anywhere from a week to sometimes even a month out due to the influx of appointments.
Yes, but please no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you do need to drop your dog off earlier than 10 minutes before, please do let us know when scheduling your appointment, or simply give us a call from your car and ask. Patience and communication always goes both ways, and we greatly appreciate this consideration!
Yes, only if we have been notified in advance to expect a client at a later time. Please read our Shop Policies for more details.
Unfortunately, no. We do not have adequate standing space in our lobby, and our work space is an "employees only" zone for our groomers' and clients' safety. A dog's behavior can be drastically different in front of their owners, as well, so it is usually easier to work with dogs away from familiar influences. Feel free to discuss with your groomer about any concerns you may have!
Yes, absolutely! This way, you can for sure get the day and time you like, and we can know to expect you back on a consistent basis.
Ask to be added to our cancellation list, and we will definitely keep you in mind if a sooner spot opens up.
PRICING
All quotes made before an appointment are rough estimates. We cannot definitively verify a pet's weight, build, coat type, coat condition, or breed without seeing them, just as we cannot determine what your dog's overall behavior will be like until we work with them. We try to inform you as soon as possible of any additional charges or adjustments to a base price.
On our Dog Service Pricing and Cat Service Pricing pages, we include rough estimates for what a service may cost, starting on the low end for smaller pets. The "+" indicates that this estimate can be higher. For example, a service listed as "$50+" can be read as "$50 and up" or "at least $50." This is prefaced in greater detail at the top of each page, for further clarification. As always, we'd rather our customers ask questions than be disappointed by an assumption, so do let us know if we can assist!
At this time, we do not offer special discounts beyond our general print promotions.
Yes! We have no problem processing advance payments either in person at check-in or over the phone. Please note, of course, that advance payments will only cover initially requested services, and any additional services performed that were not included in the original paid total must be taken care of at pick-up.
COMMON MISC.
No, we do not offer grooming services outside of our shop premises.
As of March 2021, we no longer have "self-wash" facilities available, or any other self-serve accommodations. A groomer or bather would be more than happy to do the work for you by appointment!
Absolutely! Especially for puppies, introducing a pet to a new space before a potentially stressful event can help ease anxiety and create safe, friendly associations. Doggie guests are more than welcome to sniff around in our lobby, listen to the sounds of clippers buzzing, or respectfully socialize with other people and dogs that may pass through.
No. While a dog is under our supervision, we can only be sure of their general safety inside the shop. As we are also not a boarding center or pet daycare, we do not have the resources or legal permissions to facilitate long term care. We strongly encourage clients to make sure all of their dogs' needs are met before entering the shop.
Yes, as long as they are discretely kept in a sealed pouch or bag, and are not shared with other dogs. Other dogs may have very reactive food and contact allergies, or may show signs of food or toy aggression. If you'd like us to take them for use during your dog's appointment, we will keep them with the dog and label them with their name.
It's all about creating a familiar routine! Usually, pairing consistent at-home care with regular professional grooming visits is the best way to keep up with a healthy, happy coat. At home, it is important to make sure you're meeting your dog's specific brushing, combing, or bathing needs, and that you're using the right tools to do so. If you're having trouble working with your dog at home, our staff would be happy to brainstorm some strategies with you!
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