My Policies
Grooming Policy
Cancellations
Payment
Shampoo
Lead/Collars
Polite notice
New Clients
Photography
Thank you
Muzzling
Preparing Puppies
Grooming Policy
If a dog arrives in a severely matted condition (please see full groom) it is my policy to clip off the entire coat, using a very short blade. To try and groom out a matted coat is extremely stressful and painful for dogs and is considered cruel. Owners need to be aware that this will dramatically change the appearance of their pets. Your dog's hair will be very short and this may also expose pre-existing skin conditions.
I appreciate this may be a shock to some customers but you have to remember it is done with your dogs welfare in mind. Their coat will soon grow back and with regular grooming afterwards your dogs coat can be kept long in the future. Your dog will feel much more comfortable and happy once the matted coats has been removed. You may also find they seem much more full of life and energy once their coat has been removed.
I will always discuss this with you prior to clipping off your dogs coat. You will also be asked to sign a form of consent, agreeing to everything we discuss prior to clipping off your dog's coat, if required.
Cancellations
I do understand that clients will sometimes need to change/cancel appointments, however I do ask that you please give me 24 hours notice. That will allow me to offer your slot to another client.
Same day cancellations or missed appointments will incur a £25 charge, payable before the next appointment. This charge will be cancelled if enough notice is given that I can fill your appointment from my waiting list
Payments
Is due on collection of your dog. I accept cash or cheque payments or bank transfer in advance
Shampoo
I only use professional shampoo that has been specifically designed for use on dogs and cats. I have 2 different ranges of shampoos which both have different products to meet the needs of my clients. Please discuss any special needs your dog might have when you arrive.
The first range is from Groomers. Please visit their website www.groomers-online.com for full details. They have a very wide range of products to suit virtually any need, but some examples of the shampoo I use are:
Groomers blue pearl coat enhancer, which features a special whitening formula to help remove tear, saliva and urine stains from white coated breeds.
Groomers medicated shampoo with tea tree oil, which is known for its anti bacterial properties and good for dogs that get itchy/flaky skin.
Groomers detangling shampoo is formulated with a slip agent that coats the hair even after washing, allowing the coat to be brushed out more easily and untangled more quickly, as the loose hair slips against the live hair.
The second range of shampoo is Wild Wash and is 100% natural, please refer to their website www.wildwash.co.uk for full details
Lead/Collars
Please make sure your dog is wearing a collar and lead to avoid the risk of flight or accident.
Polite Notice
Please ensure your dog has been adequately walked and toileted before arrival for its groom as this helps to ensure your dog is more relaxed before grooming commences.
New Clients
Please allow a little extra time for your first appointment to discuss your dogs needs and what cut you would like.
All new clients will need to complete a client information and consent form at their first appointment.
Photography
I occasionally take before and after photos which I put up on either my Facebook page or website. These photos remain the property of Aliwags. If you would rather your dog was not included, then please let me know.
Thank you
I would like to say thank you to all my clients that have allowed me to use pictures of their dogs on this web site.
Muzzling
I never want to muzzle a dog and will try whatever I can to avoid it. Putting a muzzle on can often distress a dog futher. Having said that I will not put myself at risk. If you know your dog can be aggressive and needs to be muzzled please let me know when you arrive. I understand grooming can be a stressful experience for some dogs and I do what I can to try and prevent this.
Helping to prepare your puppy for groomers at home
1) Heights - Place your dog/puppy up on a table (supervised at all times) help them get used to being up high. Points 2-4,6 & 7 would be best carried out whilst on the table as it helps them get used to the whole process and separates it from play.
2) Run you hands all over their body from tip of nose to end of tail, all down legs both inside and out. Lift feet up, have a good feel of the whole foot, in between pads, separating toes, looking at their nails and even tap the ends of the nails. Lift up ears and look inside, touch around the outer ear where any hair is that might need to be trimmed. Lift up tails to get them used to the tail being handled.
3) Most dog will need the hair round their eyes trimming so to get them used to this in a safe way by using the handle of a spoon or something with a reflective surface and holding it near the eye. Once used to it coming near the eye allow it to touch the hair/skin near the eye. Holding your dogs beard can help prevent them turning their head while you do this but be gentle and don’t force them.
4) Brush your dog. Not just along the back but all over including muzzle, ears and all round, underneath and behind the ear, legs inside and out , including feet and armpits, tail from base to tip. You need appropriate brush for the coat type your dog has but you should be able to run a comb all through a dogs coat without it catching on any knots. Areas most prone to knot are armpits, ears especially just behind ears, bottoms especially between back legs and anywhere a collar or harness sits. It is easier to brush a clean dry coat so do any brushing before walking or once they’ve completely dried off afterwards.
5) Bathing. You can bath your dog at home to get them used to getting wet. Use warm water not a cold hose. Use a mild or puppy shampoo and avoid eye areas unless you are confident you won’t get the shampoo in their eyes. When you towel dry don’t be too rough. With long haired dogs move the towel in the direction of the coat and not rubbing it back and forth as this will create knots.
6) Get them used to a hair dry. Start by turning it on near but facing away from your dog. Once they are used to the noise direct it near their bottom on lowest setting. You can then slowly work up the body include face but not straight at the eyes or nose. Try top of head, top of ears and under chin/beard.
7) If you have any clippers in your house its is good to get your dog used to these as well. You don’t have to use them on your dog but get them used to the noise and the feel of the vibration of the body. You can use the handle and not the cutting end to get them used to the vibration.
Always take thing slowly with your puppy. Don’t over faze them. If you build it up slowly over time they will benefit more. Make sure you reward correct behaviour and always finish on a good note.
The first full groom is usually about 6 months depending on the breed and owners requirements but you don’t have to wait that long. It will not affect the coat to be trimmed before 6 months unless it’s a coat that requires hand stripping.
