How many dogs do you take in at any one time?
Stress-Less Grooming is a strictly one to one service and when you book an appointment you are assured your dog will be the only dog in. Depending on your booking time you may meet people or another dog entering or leaving the premises, so if your dog is reactive to other dogs or people, please let me know in advance so we can cater for this. We can accommodate multiple dogs from one household if they are happier visiting together. Cages are not used at Stress-Less Grooming.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Stress-Less Grooming is an appointment only service.
Can I stay with my dog during the groom?
Yes. A unique aspect of Stress-Less Grooming is that you are allowed to stay with your dog. In fact, for puppies and nervous dogs you are encouraged to stay to support your dog. My Supported Grooming service has been specifically developed for dogs who benefit from their owner's involvement in the groom. The experience can look different for each dog depending on their needs; with some dogs who require active involvment and support from their owners, and some who are more relaxed simply by their owners presence during the visit. It’s very much a decision we make together, for the wellbeing of your dog and to give them the best possible experience while meeting their coat care needs. I also welcome owners to stay if they want to learn more about grooming their dog at home.
How long does a groom take?
A full groom depends on your dog’s size, coat type and behaviour during a groom. It is not possible to tell how long a groom will take until I have met your dog and got to know them. If you are leaving your dog with me I ask that you wait outside until I have called, as knocking on the door during the groom can upset the dog. Once I know your dog I will give a rough time when your drop your dog off and send a text when finished. Please be available to collect your dog when I call as late pick charges need to be applied. For Supported Grooming sessions (where owners stay) we work on 30 minute,1 hour or 1.5 hour time scales, depending on your dogs needs.
Why does my dog need to do an introduction appointment?
For all new customers I require an initial introduction appointment, regardless of the dog's age and experience of grooming. This is because I believe that even the most confident dog can find grooming hard at times. Adult dogs can find it hard to change groomers in later life; meeting new people, a new environment, a new routine, and having an initial appointment to look around, meet me, and for you to meet me and chat about what the best approach will be for your dog. If your dog has been struggling with grooming in other settings, then we may need to have a very gradual reintroduction to grooming. So we may gradually introduce aspects of the groom over a few appointments so that we can properly assess your dog and ensure we are building trust, before any specific grooming appointments take place. This is especially important for dogs who are highly anxious or have a bite history.
Is there anywhere nearby to let my dog out for the toilet before their groom?
Yes. There is a car park surrounding our location and lots of grassy areas. Please allow your dog to sniff and toilet on the way in but respect other car park users by cleaning up after your dog. Please keep your dog on lead in the car park. If you’re travelling quite far and would like to know of nice walks nearby, the Colzium Estate and Forth and Clyde canal provide lovely routes and I can send you map links to parking.
Do you take a deposit for bookings?
Yes. This is because I operate a one to one service and am not able to fill appointments at short notice. Deposits are retained for appointments cancelled within the 48 hour notice period.
What happens if my dog bites during the groom?
I will stop the groom and assess the situation and what may have led to the bite. If a dog is biting, they are already over their threshold. If you have dropped your dog off you will be called to come and collect your dog and we will discuss further options. Dog’s biting is rare at Stress-Less Grooming, due to a thorough understanding of dog behaviour and communication, I do my best to understand the more subtle signs that a dog is uncomfortable so that they don’t feel the need to growl or bite. However it's important to note that for anxious dogs this may mean I am not able to complete a groom in one session.
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