A full groom is more than just a haircut. It's a head-to-tail pamper session that leaves your dog looking, smelling, and feeling their absolute best. But if you've never seen the process, you might wonder what actually happens behind closed doors.

Here's a step-by-step guide to what your dog experiences during a full grooming appointment.

Step 1: The Consultation

Every groom starts with a quick chat. We'll discuss what style you're after, check for any skin issues, lumps, or sensitive areas, and assess the coat condition. If there's matting, we'll explain your options honestly — your dog's comfort always comes first.

For regular clients, we'll have your dog's preferences on file, so we know exactly what works for them.

Step 2: The Pre-Groom Brush Out

Before the bath, we do a thorough brush-through to remove any loose hair, tangles, and debris. This makes the bathing process more effective and prevents tangles from tightening in the water.

For some coat types, we may also do a rough clip at this stage to remove excess bulk before the bath.

Step 3: The Bath

Your dog gets a warm, thorough bath using professional-grade shampoo chosen specifically for their coat type and skin. We use gentle, pH-balanced products that clean deeply without stripping natural oils.

Dogs with sensitive skin or allergies get a hypoallergenic formula. If your dog has any skin conditions, let us know and we'll adapt our product choice accordingly.

Step 4: Conditioning

After the shampoo, a conditioning treatment helps detangle the coat, add moisture, and leave the hair soft and manageable. This step makes a huge difference to the finish of the final style.

Step 5: Drying

This is where patience matters. We use a combination of high-velocity dryers and hand drying to get the coat fully dry. Drying is actually one of the longest parts of the groom — a thick coat can take 30 to 45 minutes.

We never use cage dryers unless you've specifically requested it and your dog is comfortable with them. Most dogs are hand-dried on the table.

Step 6: The Clip or Scissor Work

Now for the styling. Depending on the breed and your preference, this might be a clipper cut, hand-scissored finish, or a combination of both. We work systematically — body, legs, head, and finishing touches — to create a clean, balanced look.

Breed-standard cuts, teddy bear styles, practical maintenance clips — we can do it all. If you're not sure what suits your dog, we're happy to suggest options.

Step 7: Face and Ear Tidying

The face gets careful attention — trimming around the eyes for clear vision, tidying the muzzle, and shaping the ears. We also clean inside the ears and remove any excess hair that might trap moisture and cause infections.

Step 8: Nail Trimming

All four paws get a nail trim. Long nails can affect your dog's posture and are uncomfortable, so we trim them to a safe, comfortable length. We also tidy the paw pads, removing any hair that grows between the pads.

Step 9: Sanitary Trim

A quick, hygienic tidy around the rear and belly area. Not glamorous, but important for cleanliness and comfort.

Step 10: Finishing Touches

A light finishing spray or cologne (dog-safe, of course), a final check-over, and a bandana if you'd like one. We do a last once-over to make sure everything looks balanced and your dog is happy.

How Long Does It Take?

A full groom typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes depending on your dog's size, coat condition, and the style requested. We never rush — quality takes time, and your dog's comfort is our priority throughout.

Ready to book your dog in? Get in touch and we'll find a time that works for you.

What Happens During a Full Groom? A Step-by-Step Guide