Dazzling Dogs: Something to Celebrate

Aldridge Dog GroomingIf the thought of wrestling Barker into the bath one more time makes your arms ache and your head hurt, it might be time to find a good dog groomer.

But finding the right groomer can be as hard as finding the right hairdresser. The latest research from price comparison website Money Expert revealed that British dog owners spend an average of over £236 each month on essentials for their pets, such as food, insurance, flea and worm treatments, and pet sitters. The canine care market is rapidly expanding with dog grooming businesses appearing everywhere so which one to choose?  We want our pets to look their best, but we also want to know that they are safe and happy whilst this is achieved.

Local salon Dazzling Dogs can certainly say that this is the case; they threw open their doors 10 years ago with their Aldridge salon and have customers who have remained with them ever since. Dog-loving owner Lynn Rudd decided to become a groomer 21 years ago, following her experience with her own German Shepherd and the lack of professional grooming facilities locally. She trained with the UK’s leading Training Academy ‘Groomers of Market Drayton’ and set up her first salon at home, continuing to grow her experience and customer base. It wasn’t long before she realised more space was needed and opened Dazzling Dogs in Great Wyrley, followed by the Aldridge salon in 2009 and Great Barr in 2015.

“To instil customer confidence, I wanted them to see what we do, not hide the dogs in the back,” explained Lynn. “I want each salon to be the best locally: friendly, open-plan, hygienic and professionally equipped to cater for all breeds and temperament. With the increase in many new popular breeds such as labradoodles, cocker-poos, shi-poos, cavi-poos, cavi-shons etc, we have had to move with the times!”

Lynn now oversees Great Wyrley and is fortunate to have a fantastic highly-experienced Salon Manager in Laura at Aldridge, who has been caring for customers’ dogs for 10 years, grooming for 14 and has not yet been defeated by any dog – regardless of temperament! Laura is supported by Assistant Salon Manager Hollie, who has nearly 5 years’ service at the salon having completed her City & Guilds in-house under Laura’s careful guidance. They personally oversee the team of groomers, ensuring that standards are maintained and customers are completely happy with the result.

It is very much a family business; Lynn’s daughter Rachel opened the Great Barr Salon with a team of three fully experienced groomers. Rachel now works as Head Groomer alongside Lynn at Great Wyrley whilst Shauna has taken the position of Head Groomer at the Great Barr salon.

“I need my staff to love dogs as much as I do so they all need to be dog owners,” Lynn explains. “Some of the dogs who come to us initially have had a bad dog grooming experience and are very nervous. It can take time to gain an animal’s trust and a lot of patience is needed.

“It’s very rewarding when they’ve visited a few times and are clearly happy and comfortable with the experience,” she added. “My staff have the same respect for customers’ dogs as they do their own.”

Each dog has its own record card which includes details of any health problems they may have had. This is updated each visit and therefore if any problems are detected during treatment the owners are informed straight away. A dog will usually be in the salon between 1 ½ – 2 hours and owners can either stay or collect their pets after treatment.

There are four grooming tables in the salon, with an extra on separated from the others should a nervous dog feel more comfortable with this. The dog will be checked for general health issues including ears, eyes, skin and nails. Knots will be removed with a brush or comb and clippers used if necessary. A large dog bath accommodates all breeds and, following its wash with tried and tested quality products, the dog will be dried and styled. The salon practises hand stripping on breeds such as terriers.

Let’s Celebrate

In preparation for their 10-year anniversary, the Aldridge salon had a makeover last year and was freshly decorated throughout with new air conditioning and lighting installed. A new staff uniform completed the look. And to reward existing customers across all three salons they have introduced Loyalty Cards alongside a ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme. They have also introduced a new upgrade package of Nose & Paw Balm which is a fantastic way to keep nose and paws naturally supple.

The care for their animals is obvious and the dogs who were being groomed were very contented in their surroundings. Further testament to this is their Facebook page containing hundreds of reviews and pictures of the freshly groomed dogs back at home. So give yourself and your pet a treat –  head to your nearest salon and join Dazzling Dogs in their very well-deserved celebrations.