All 4 Paws Dog Grooming
Professional, City & Guilds Qualified,
experienced Dog Groomer.
Telephone: 0121 249 5140
9 Westwood Road
Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham, B73 6UW
We offer a full range of dog
grooming services for all dogs including:
Bathing, drying, clipping, trimming, nail clipping and ears cleaned.
Your pets well being is our top priority and is cared for in a comfortable,
modern, open view salon.
Dog groomers where called Poodle Clippers and worked in a
Poodle Parlour but because of the wide rage of breeds that are now groomed
and to reflect the most recent professional practices they are normally now
called Dog Groomers and have a grooming salon.
Dog Breads
Aberdeen Terrier
Abyssinian Sand Terrier
Affenpinscher
Afgan Hound
Ainu Dog
Airedale Terrier
Akbash
Akita
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Malamute
American Bulldog
American Cocker Spaniel
American Eskimo
American Foxhound
American Hairless Terrier
American Indian Dog
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Amercian Water Spaniel
Anotolian Shepherd Dog
Appenzell Cattle Dog
Argentino Dogo
Aryan Molossus
Australian Dingo
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Terrier
Austrian Short-haired Pinscher
Barbet
Basenji
BassetArtesien Normand
Basset Bleu De Gascogne
Basset d'Artois
Basset Hound
Beagle
Beagle harrier
Bearded collie
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian griffon
Belgian mastiff
Belgian Sheepdog Tervuren
Berger de picard
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bichon Bolognese
Bichon Frise
Black Russian Terrier
Bloodhound
Bluetick Coonhound
Boerboel
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Borzoi
Boston Terrier
Bouvier De Ardennes
Bouvier Des Flandres
Boxer
Boykin Spaniel
Bracco Italiano
Braque Francais
Braque Saint-Germain
Brazilian Terrier
Briard
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Canaan Dog
Cane Corso
Cao Da Serra De Aires
Cao De Castro Laboreiro
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Carolina Dog
Catahoula Leopard Stock Dog
Catalan Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Central Asian Ovcharka
Cesky fousek
Chart Polski
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Chinese Foo Dog
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chortaj
Chow Chow
Clumber Spaniel
Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel
Collie, smooth
Collie, rough
Coton de Tulear
Curly-coated Retriever
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Danish Broholmer
Deutsche Bracke
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Doberman Pinscher
Dogue De Bordeaux
Drentse Patrijshond
Drever
Dunker
Dutch Sheperd long haired
Dutch Sheperd short haired
East Siberian Laika
English Cocker Spaniel
English Fox Hound
English Mastiff
English Pointer
English Setter
English Shepherd
English Springer Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Terrier
Entlebuch Cattle Dog
Epagneul Bleu De Picardie
Epagneul Picard
Epagneul Pont-Audemer
Eskimo Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog
Eurasier
Fila Brasileiro
Finnish Hound
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Spitz
Flat Coated Retriever
Fox Terrier, Smooth
Fox Terrier, Wire
French Bulldog
French Spaniel
Breeds beginning with the letter G
Gascon-Saintongeois
German Hunting Terrier
German Pinscher
German Shepherd Dog
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Spitz
German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wolfspitz
Giant Schnauzer
Glen Of Imaal Terrier
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Grand Anglo-Francais
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Grand Bleu De Gascogne
Grand Gascon Saintongeois
Grand Griffon Vend�en
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greenland Dog
Greyhound
Griffon Fauve De Bretagne
Griffon Nivernais
Guatemalan Bull Terrier
Haldenstovare
Hamiltonstovare
Hanoverian Hound
Harrier
Havanese
Hovawart
Hungarian Greyhound
Hungarian Puli
Hungarian Vizsla
Hygenhund
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Ibizan Hound
Iceland Dog
Inca Hairless Dog
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Islandsk Firehond
Istrian Sheepdog
Italian Greyhound
Ibizan Hound
Iceland Dog
Inca Hairless Dog
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Islandsk Firehond
Istrian Sheepdog
Italian Greyhound
Kai Dog
Kangal Dog
Karelian Bear Dog
Karelo-Finnish Laika
Keeshond
Kerry Beagle
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kishu
Komondor
Kooikerhondje
Korean Jindo
Kromfohrlander
Kugsha Dog
Kuvasz
Kyi Leo
Labradoodle
Labrador Retriever
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heeler
Lapponian Herder
Large Munsterlander
Leonberger
Levesque Lhasa Apso
Llewellin Setter
L�wchen
Lurcher
Lundehund
Luzerner Laufhund
Majestic Tree Hound
Mallorquin Bulldog
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Maremma Sheepdog
Mastiff
Mexican Hairless Dog
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier
Mudi
Neopolitan Mastiff
Nenets Herding Laika
New Guinea Singing Dog
Newfoundland
Norbottenspets
Norfolk Terrier
North American Miniature Australian Shepherds
North American Sheperd
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Ocherese
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
Olde English Bulldogge
Ori Pei
Otterhound
Papillon
Parson Jack Russell Terrier
Patterdale Terrier
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Perdigueiro De Burgos
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Pharoah Hound
Polish Hound
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Pomeranian
Poodle
Porcelaine
Portuguese Pointer
Portugese Water Dog
Posavac Hound
Presa Canario
Pudelpointer
Pug
Pumi
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rafeiro Do Alentejo
Rat Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saarloos Wolfhond
Sabueso Espanol
Saint Bernard
Saluki
Samoyed
Schapendoes
Schillerstovare
Schipperke
Schweizer Laufhund
Scottish Deerhound
Sealyham Terrier
Segugio Italiano
Shar-pei
Sheltie
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Shikoku
Shiloh Shepherd
Siberian Husky
Sicilian Greyhound
Silken Windhound
Skye Terrier
Sloughi
Smalandsstovare
Small Munsterlander
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
South Russian Owtcharka
Spanish Greyhound
Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Water Dog
Spinone Italiano
Stabyhoun
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Stumpy-Tail Cattle Dog
Sussex Spaniel
Swedish Vallhund
Taigan
Tasy
Tenterfield Terrier
Thai Ridgeback Dog
Tibetan KyiApso
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Tosa Inu
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Transylvanian Hound
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Vizsla, Wirehaired
Volpino Italiano
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Whippet
White German Shepherd Dog
Wireharied Pointing Griffon
Wolf
Yorkshire Terrier
Yugoslavian Tricolor Hound
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Dog Grooming
Dog grooming refers to both the hygienic care and cleaning
of a dog, as well as a process by which a dog's physical appearance is
enhanced for showing or other types of competition. A "dog groomer" (or
simply "groomer") is a person who earns their living grooming dogs.
Reasons for grooming
Grooming is an important part of dog care. Depending on the breed, age, and
health of the dog, grooming may be a daily activity. Many breeds require
significantly less grooming than this, but regular grooming helps to ensure
the dog is healthy and comfortable. It is important to note that while many
dogs shed, others (such as the Poodle), do not shed (see Moult). Instead,
their coat grows much like human hair and therefore requires trimming.
The main reasons for daily grooming include:
* improved health of the skin and coat
* decreased chance of various health problems, such as thrush, scratches,
and other skin problems
* general cleanliness of the dog
* monitoring of the dog's health by checking for cuts, heat, swelling,
lameness, or changes in temperament (such as depression) , all of which
could be indicative of illness
* forging of a closer relationship between dog and owner
Tools of grooming
Curry or Currycomb: A tool made of rubber or plastic with short "teeth." The
tool is rubbed (or "curried") in a circular motion to loosen dirt, hair, and
other detritus, and stimulate the skin into producing natural oils. Metal
currycombs should not be used, as they are designed for use on show cattle.
A shedding blade
Shedding blade: A metal shedding blade with short, dull teeth is used to
remove dead hair from certain types of harsh coats. The shedding blade is
not used to cut the hair.
Scissors and Clippers: Cutting tools used to remove hair on certain types of
coats or in sensitive areas.
Stripping Combs/Knives: Tools used to help grab the longer hairs on a harsh
coat and pull them out by the root. Helps maintain a proper coat in many
terriers and schnauzers. Most often used on show dogs.
Bathing
Dogs can be bathed by being sprayed with a garden hose or a hand-held shower
head, or doused with water from a bucket. Often, one bath will not make a
dog truly clean. A second bath is excellent to ensure the entire body has
been cleaned. Dogs should be bathed with warm, not hot water, in order to
make it a more enjoyable experience. Dogs with a heavy or matted coat should
never be bathed without first being completely brushed out or clipped of any
mats.
Many types of shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs are available;
however, using a shampoo without mixing it with water may be a bit strong
for a dog that's just getting a touch-up bath. If the dog isn't filthy,
water is mixed with shampoo in a 1:1 ratio to make it easier on the dog and
to make sure it rinses entirely. If any shampoo remains on the dog after the
bath, it may become irritating to the skin. Most dogs do not require
frequent bathing; shampooing a coat too often can strip the fur of its
natural oils, causing it to dry out.
Hair removal
The coats of many breeds require trimming, cutting, or other attention.
Styles vary by breed and discipline. While some hair removal has its origins
in practical purposes, much is based on the taste of the owner, whether or
not the dog will be shown, and what work the dog does.
Stripping
Stripping or hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of
the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the
fingers. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then
sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding
and makes room for a new coat to grow. Stripping is the proper method
grooming for most terriers, and is required for show dogs of many
hard-coated breeds. There are two ways to strip a dog for show: the first
way only removes the longest hair at one time ("rotating" the coat), while
another totally strips the dog to skin, giving them a naked appearance
(stripping "to the skin"). Many dogs are reported to enjoy having their hair
stripped, especially when they are introduced to it as puppies.
Nail trimming
Nail trimming is essential for maintaining good health. If a dog's nails are
allowed to grow, they will curl over into a spiral shape; walking will
become increasingly painful to the dog as they grow out. Uncut nails may
curl so far that they pierce the paw pad, leading to infection and
debilitating pain. If one does not trim a dog's nails on a monthly basis the
quick will grow along with the nail, making it nearly impossible to cut
properly. Owners may choose to trim nails themselves or may opt to take
their pet to a groomer or veterinarian.
Other services
Additional options that some groomers provide include services such as
colouring dogs' fur and painting dogs' nails. They may also sell products
for dogs' fur and other products such as dog clothing.
The health of the animal upon arrival is
vital for the safety and well-being of the dog concerned. Please read the
following which outlines our policy.
Fleas
All dogs should be on a regular fleaing program. Any dog that we find has
got fleas will be treated with a suitable flea shampoo. We reserve the right
to refuse grooming where this may cause a problem to other dogs or staff.
Vaccinations
It is advisable that all dogs are vaccinated and given a booster each year.
If a dog is brought to the salon that has not been vaccinated then the owner
must accept bringing the dog to the salon at his or her own risk and the
company cannot be held responsible.
Matted Dogs
Upon consultation it may be advised that a coat needs to be clipped as it
may be too matted to groom. I am a fully trained and humane dog groomer and
will not discomfort a dog with hours of de-matting. If the particular dog
suffers from bad matting then it would be advisable to book regular
appointments to avoid further clipping of the coat in the future.
Particularly during the Winter months a warm coat may be needed by the dog!
Sickness
We reserve the right to not groom a dog if it is clearly unwell upon
arrival.
Veterinary Attention
On registration with us, all owners will be asked for an emergency contact
number, in the event that the dog requires veterinary attention at any point
whilst in our care.
If a dog is in need of veterinary care the owner will be contacted
immediately to inform them if this fact. If the owner is unreachable on the
number provided then the dog will be taken to its local vet for medical
attention.
However, in the case of an emergency, the salon's registered veterinary
practise will be used.
Customers may request their dog to be
groomed and styled in a fashion that suits the lifestyle of them and the dog
as long as this promotes health and comfort to the dog.
However, sometimes we will advise you that the style that you have requested
would be unsuitable for your dog's breed standard.
If you still request your chosen style we would ask you to sign our
disclaimer to that effect. We would then not accept responsibility if on
collecting your dog you did not like how he/she had been styled.
Despite all efforts and care to ensure that
your dog is looked after well and is perfectly happy during the grooming
session, grooming can be a stressful procedure to some dogs, particularly
elderly or frail dogs.
Healthy elderly dogs are welcome and will be carefully groomed and assisted
but this will be at the risk of the owner. If the dog is clearly too weak,
the owner may be asked to seek veterinary advice or stay to comfort the dog
whilst it is groomed.
As dogs grow older they may lose their sight and/or hearing and great care
will be taken to ensure the dog does not become distressed in any way.
They will be able to move around in their own time and given plenty of space
and friendly encouragement.
They will have constant access to water and be given frequent toilet breaks.
Whilst being groomed they will not be required to stand for long periods at
a time and may even be allowed to sit and lie down whilst being groomed.
They will be assisted and given friendly
encouragement at all times.
Puppies should not be brought for grooming
until they are a minimum of 4 months old. At this point it would be a good
age to introduce them to the groomer and build up their confidence in the
salon to get them used to being groomed and get familiar with all of the
different brushes and tools such as the dryer.
By prior arrangement, we encourage the owner to stay with the puppy
on the first visit to the salon to help in making this, perhaps the most
important visit, an enjoyable experience for the puppy.
Young dogs can be very excitable and fidget a lot on the table. These dogs
will be handled in a calm and patient way.
The puppy should have had all its vaccinations and puppies that have not
been vaccinated will NOT be groomed for their own safety.
Puppies tend to keep their puppy coats for quite a while and a very
sensitive puppy shampoo will be used to wash the puppy rather than the
conventionally stronger, more concentrated shampoos.
Grooming is essential for young dogs as it allows bonding with the dog and
gets the dog used to being brushed and handled. It also makes life easier
for the vet as the dog is used to being handled and touched.
Puppies will be housed in a suitably sized cage if necessary and given
plenty of fresh water and clean bedding. They will also have frequent toilet
breaks and if the owner requests a small feed can be given if the food is
left at the time of bringing the dog to us.
Owners are asked to brush the dog between visits to keep the dog used to
being handled and brushed.
Owners are asked to toilet the
pup immediately before visits. |
We know how hard it can be to leave your
dogs with a stranger, which is why we can guarantee that your dog will get
the highest levels of personal care and attention.
The information here outlines our policies for ensuring that your loved pet
is safe, well and cared for.
Safety In The Salon
Safety in the salon is very important. To ensure the salon is a safe place
for your dog, we enforce the following rules:
All equipment will be clean and safe to use.
Windows and doors are secure, suitable clothing and footwear worn.
All dogs will be safety secured when grooming and bathing,
We do not use painful or harmful methods of restraints, nor do we use
sedatives.
The dog will never been left unattended whilst in the bath or on the table.
Any overhanging wires are secured.
The Health and Safety Act 1974 abided to whilst grooming.
The floor area will be clear, clean and dry.
All equipment used correctly.
Hands sanitized before and after grooming.
All tools and tables sterilized after use.
Welfare
In order to ensure the welfare of you animal, we abide by and entirely
support "the RSPCA 5 Freedoms":
1) Freedom from fear and distress
2) Freedom from pain, injury and disease
3) Freedom from hunger and thirst
4) Freedom from discomfort
5) Freedom to express most normal behaviour
Each dog with be placed in a pet-friendly cage before and after grooming.
If a dog is clearly distressed by the blaster dryer they may be cage dried
to avoid unnecessary distress.
A dog that is clearly petrified by the whole experience may be returned to
their owner un-groomed.
All dogs will be groomed humanely with no pain or discomfort. Each dog
should be vaccinated in order to avoid catching disease.
Each dog will be given fresh, clean bedding and fresh water regularly. Any
dog that is required to be fed whilst in our care will be fed on condition
that food is left at the same time as the dog.
Each dog will have it's own space and dogs will be placed in appropriately
sized cages in order that the dog may stand up and turn around with ease
whilst waiting to be groomed or to be collected by the owner. Each dog will
be taken to the toilet regularly. It is advisable for owners to exercise and
toilet their dog prior to bringing the dog to the salon.
The management and welfare of the animals
is very important, therefore this policy outlines how the animals will be
managed and looked after.
Housing
There will be pet-friendly cages at the premises in which to house the
animals before and after they have been groomed. Housing is only necessary
when the owner is not able to pick the dog up as soon as the dog is
finished. Not all dogs will need to be caged. If a dog becomes distressed
because of being housed in a cage then other, suitable arrangements will be
made. The cages will be in a dry, warm and ventilated room. Each cage with
have its own clean bedding and water. Dogs will be caged separately unless
otherwise requested by the owner.
Fresh Water / Feeding
All cages will have fresh water in them and be replenished on a regular
basis.
If we are required to house a dog for a longer period of time then
arrangements will be made to feed the dog if the owner requests it and a
nominal fee will be charged.
Toilet Breaks
If dogs are housed for more than 2 hours, they will need a toilet break or
simply an opportunity to stretch their legs. They will be allowed to toilet
in a secure area with no other animals. Elderly dogs and puppies will be
toileted more frequently. Owners are asked to toilet their dog before
bringing them to the salon.
Exposure to Other Dogs
Under no circumstances will dogs be allowed to physically interact with each
other.
Aggressive / Anti-Social Dogs
Certain breeds of dog can be aggressive or anti-social to both humans and
other dogs and will be approached with caution, especially in the presence
of their owners as they may be very protective of the person.
Owners will be asked if the dog has any aggressive tendencies and such
behaviour will be documented when the owner drops the dog off. If the animal
is known to be aggressive to humans, it will be muzzled if deemed necessary.
If the dog is posing a danger to the groomer, a member of staff or itself it
will be returned to its owner.
Minimising Distress
Every effort will be made to minimise distress to all dogs throughout their
visit to the salon. If a dog gets particularly distressed with any aspect of
the salon visit then every effort will be made to reduce the distress. Dogs
that do not respond positively will be returned promptly to their owners who
will be offered advice on how to perform routine grooming at home for the
dog's own benefit.