HOW TO FIND THE BEST DOG GROOMERS IN MIDDLESBROUGH AND DARLINGTON (PLUS OUR RECOMMENDATIONS!)
Okay – so your dog might not get excited about going to the groomer. For humans, a trip to the hair salon can be quite a treat – flicking through magazines, sipping a cappuccino, having their head massaged (bliss!) And when it’s all over, leaving the salon looking like a million dollars (hopefully!).
For dogs, it’s very different, and some might feel quite anxious about going to the groomers. You might love it when your dog comes out beautifully cut and smelling of roses (or something equally nice), but they’re probably wondering why they can’t just be left alone to roll around in muddy fields.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T PUT OFF GOING TO THE DOG GROOMER
I get it. You don’t want to put your dog through any unnecessary stress. As a responsible dog owner, though, you know that a professional groom is good for your dog’s health. Grooming will remove dead skin and damaged hair, prevent pain caused by hair matting and stop skin irritation.
A dog groomer can also have a look at your dog’s ears and cut back nails that may be causing discomfort. Plus – a visit to the dog groomer is a great opportunity to check if there are any uninvited guests like ticks and fleas hanging about.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY DOG PROFESSIONALLY GROOMED?
Well, that depends on a few things. Firstly, your dog's breed will have a bearing on how often you need to go. Based on the length and type of your dog’s hair, you may need to visit your local dog groomer in Darlington or Middlesbrough anywhere between once a month to every three months.
Another factor to consider is how much time your dog spends outdoors and their activities.
You might want to book your dog in for a full groom with a visit in between for a light trim or brush out. Of course, there may also be times when you want your dog to look and smell extra lovely for a special occasion – perhaps their birthday or if they’re joining human guests at a wedding.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR A DOG GROOMER?
Every dog groomer in Middlesbrough and Darlington will charge differently.
Obviously, the cost will depend on the size and breed of your dog, the service you want and how long it takes. Pricing may also vary depending on whether the dog groomer is working from a High Street salon or their own at-home premises.
I can’t tell you to go for the cheapest – or to pick the most expensive. The most important thing is to find the right groomer for your dog.
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT DOG GROOMER IN MIDDLESBROUGH AND DARLINGTON?
It’s always a good idea to go on personal recommendations. You can ask friends and family who they use, and I’ve listed my favourite dog groomers in Darlington and Middlesbrough later in this article.
Why not chat with other dog owners when you meet them on walks as well? If you notice that their dog is modelling a fresh new haircut, it’s the perfect time to find out where they go.
Other ways to find the right dog groomer is to do a bit of research online – remember to read through a selection of reviews for individual dog groomers and dog grooming salons – and check out Facebook groups (you might want to look for dog owners who have the same breed of dog as yours).
It might also be useful to find a dog groomer who’s a member of a trade association like the British Dog Groomers Association or the British Isles Grooming Association.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A DOG GROOMER?
Unfortunately, the dog grooming industry isn’t regulated, so a groomer doesn’t have to be qualified to run a business. It’s recommended that you do choose a groomer that has a City and Guilds qualification, though – you can ask to see their certificate before you book.
You might also feel happier about using an accredited dog groomer from one of the trade associations I’ve just mentioned. Some dog owners will prefer to see a groomer who has particular experience with their breed of dog, or who works with elderly or rescue dogs.
It’s a good idea to visit the dog groomer’s premises. You can check out if the place looks clean, safe and secure, and you can see how your dog and the groomer get along.
A lot of dogs have fear of the groomers, so if you and your dog have struggled with this in the past, please know you’re not alone! It’s actually a common problem we help people with inside our training membership, Club Dogwood.
Here are some things to look for in a dog groomer that will help put your nervous dog at ease…
A 1-1 groomer who works with one dog at a time
A groomer who is willing to work slowly with nervous or anxious dogs
A groomer who understands canine body language, so they know if your dog is uncomfortable
A groomer who is prepared to let your dog take a break during the groom
Although the type of groomer you choose can make a huge difference, it’s always best to work with a dog trainer or behaviourist to help your dog feel more comfortable being handled and groomed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK A DOG GROOMER?
A dog groomer knows how important it is for your dog (and you!) to feel comfortable with them, so they should be happy to answer any questions. The sort of things you might want to ask are:-
Will my dog be crated while they’re here?
Are you experienced grooming my breed of dog?
How long will the grooming take?
Will you or one of your team be doing the grooming?
Can I stay with my dog while they’re being groomed?
What products do you use?
Will you show me how to groom my dog at home between visits?
Do you groom one dog and a time?
How do you help ease nervous dogs?
These are just a few questions you might like to ask – I’m sure you have plenty of others.
Remember, a good dog groomer will want to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. If you feel like they’re trying to rush you into making a booking without giving you the information you need, it’s probably best to walk away.
WHEN WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT GROOMER?
You probably don’t want to hear this, but sometimes you have to go through the wrong groomer to find the right one!
You might have done your research, been to visit the groomer, asked lots of questions, seen how well they interacted with your dog and been completely satisfied with your choice. But then, your dog was still incredibly nervous. In this case, it’s best to find the help of professional dog trainers, such as the Club Dogwood community.
Or there could be other reasons. Maybe your dog was fine, but you were the one who was nervous and actually, you’d prefer somewhere that was near a café so you could hang out and be on hand if there was a problem.
Or maybe the drive to the groomer is a bit longer than you’d like, or the parking is a problem. They might seem like silly little reasons, but it’s important that neither you nor your dog gets stressed about visiting the groomer – otherwise, you might be tempted to put it off.
I know it can be frustrating, but don’t feel bad if you don’t find the right groomer the first time or things change and you decide to move to another one. The good news is there are lots of lovely dog groomers in Darlington and Middlesbrough, and you WILL find the perfect match.
Why not start by checking out my recommendations for dog groomers in the area….
DOG GROOMERS I RECOMMEND IN DARLINGTON AND MIDDLESBROUGH
⭐ Top Pick! Classy Pawz ⭐
Location: Shildon
Summary: Laura and Charlotte are the best groomers I’ve personally come across. You and your dog will receive a very warm welcome from this incredible team!
Services: Offering full grooms, tidy-ups, baths, nail clipping, puppy grooms, mud baths and paw wax.
Google rating: 4.9
Fur Cutz
Location: Billingham
Summary: We came across Fur Cutz after a few of our clients recommended them! They have over ten years of experience and offer puppy introductions to the groomers to help settle them in.
Services: Offering full grooms with top of the range shampoos and equipment used.
Google rating: 5
Louisa’s Dog Grooming Salon
Location: Darlington
Summary: Louisa has over 26 years’ experience and is a member of The British Dog Groomers Association.
Services: Full groom with a wash, brush and blow-dry, clipping/scissoring, ear cleaning and nail clipping. Plus puppy groom, hand stripping and nail clipping only.
Google rating: 5
K9 House of Style
Location: Darlington
Summary: A mobile dog grooming salon covering Darlington and the surrounding areas.
Services: Individual treatments include bath only, hand stripping, anal glands, teeth brush or descale, brush out, face trim, ear plucking/cleaning and flea/tick treatment.
Google rating: 4.5
Woof and Ready
Location: Darlington
Summary: Owner Andrea, who has two terriers, runs Woof and Ready from her home-based premises.
Services: Full groom, depending on the breed of dog
Google rating: 5
Sweeney Dog
Location: Middlesbrough
Summary: A dog groomer and pet shop – handy if you fancy buying a hamster while you’re waiting!
Services: Full groom, puppy groom, nail clipping, wash and dry, paw trim, bottom trim, flea treatment, plus hand stripping on request
Google rating: 5
The Parlour Dog Grooming
Location: Stockton-on-Tees
Summary: This dog groomer also offers a day sitting service for its four-legged customers, with countryside walks included.
Services: Full groom with hair cutting, nail trim, ear clean and glands check. Individual services include hand stripping and bath and blow dry.
Google rating: 4.5
I hope this has been helpful and you now feel confident about choosing a dog groomer in Darlington and Middlesbrough. Of course, once your dog is all clean and tidy, they won’t stay that way for long. They’ll want to get outside and play – and our secure dog field is the perfect place to get down and dirty (sorry about that!) in our log piles and digging pit.
Want to know more about our exclusive-use dog field?