The Waggington, one of Canberra's most recommended dog groomers. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
We all love our dogs, right? And we want them to look their best. But with a busy schedule, sometimes the member of our family that always puts us first doesn’t get the attention they deserve. That’s where a good dog groomer comes in.
A trip to a great dog groomer can actually be enjoyable for your pooch and you. We all know it feels great to get some pampering, a good clean, and a haircut. For your dog, it’s no different. When they look good, they feel good too.
In this article, we’ll give you a few things to look for in a great dog groomer, as well as a list of the best groomers in Canberra.
What makes a great dog groomer?
Unfortunately, not all groomers are equal. Here are some tips to help when seeking a top-quality groomer for your furry friend’s needs, and how you can contribute to making it a positive experience.
- Early introduction. As soon as your dog is fully vaccinated, they can visit a dog groomer. Introducing them to grooming early helps them get used to it and enjoy a lifetime of positive dog grooming.
- Experience and knowledge. Do some research and decide what kind of groom you want. For example, you may want a breed-specific groom for a Poodle or Schnauzer, or a cute ‘teddy bear’ style for a Cavoodle. The best dog groomers are experienced in different breed cuts and are willing to work with you to achieve the groom you’re after. Check out the groomer’s website or call and ask questions to make sure you’re a good fit.
- Welcoming. When you take your dog to a new groomer, it can be a little nerve racking for you and your dog. It’s not uncommon for them to shake in their boots! The best dog groomers will make you both feel welcome and help ease your dog into their groom.
- Relationship building. It takes time to build a relationship between a dog and a groomer. The best dog groomers will take the time to make the experience a lot less stressful for you and your dog, and in turn, make it easier for you to come back again.
- Value for money. As with any service, it’s important to have financial peace of mind. The best dog groomers will be able to explain and justify their costs fairly. Note that they will likely need to see your dog first to assess their coat condition, before providing a firm price on the service that is required.
- Mobility. Some dogs aren’t suited to a busy grooming salon with lots of activity, so a mobile option that comes to your house might be more appropriate. Not only can this be a great time saver for dog owners, but your dog may feel less stressed if the grooming is done in a familiar environment.
The best dog groomers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
The Waggington
The Grooming Salon, at The Waggington, treats every dog as an individual for a full, positive experience. The extensive range of grooming services includes puppies first wash, nail clipping, all-over groom, wash, dry, brush and tidy, and full breed-specific grooming.
Professional, experienced and dog-loving groomers use the most proficient and safe equipment available for total comfort, including electric tables, electric baths, cordless clippers and trimmers, and hand dryers. They handle, with care and attention, dogs of all personalities, shapes and sizes (small/toy, medium, large and extra-large).
All shampoo products used at The Waggington’s Grooming Salon are made from natural oils. They are soap-free, perfect for sensitive doggie skin and 100 per cent safe for both pets and humans.
Grooming prices depend on the breed, coat-condition and temperament. Book online.
On Google, Jenny Wells wrote, “They did an amazing job with my puppy cocker. He gets complimented a lot in his haircut! Easy to book and great with the pooch.”
WOOOF Dog Grooming
WOOOF is Canberra's first premium dog grooming salon using only natural products that are good for your dog, you and the planet.
A pristine salon and healthier experience with a focus on quality grooming for optimum coat, skin and muscular health.
Services include hydro spa treatments to encourage de-shedding and de-matting the coat, a quick tidy up or full grooming services. There’s even a puppy program using the gentlest products made with 100% natural therapy-grade essential oils.
Head to the website to book an appointment and check out the shop for a unique range of products exclusive to WOOOF in Canberra.
Justin Cornock wrote on Google, “What a refreshing change this place is! Its clean, the team are all lovely and they genuinely care about their clients ... the dogs!”
Southside Dog Grooming
Southside Dog Grooming is a family owned and run dog grooming services with more than 10 years’ experience in the industry. All dog grooming needs are catered for. Southside Dog Grooming handles all types and sizes of dogs. They also cater for special personalities, including dogs anxious about visiting a groomer.
On Riotact Rebecca Neish wrote, “South Side Dog Grooming always does a fantastic job on my puppy, that isn’t a fan of getting groomed”
Isabel's Dog Grooming
Established in 2010, Isabel’s Dog Grooming is the happiness of your dog. Whether you’re after a bath, trim or style for your furry friend, expect a clean and secure environment with air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, ensuring the comfort of your dog throughout their appointment.
As Jennifer Carter writes on Riotact, “We have been sending our Samoyed for years and he always comes home looking great and very happy after his day out.”
Scooby & Friends Dog Grooming
Based at the Canberra Vet Hospital and run by a small team of passionate and talented individuals, Scooby & Friends Dog Grooming is a salon that specialises in small to medium dogs, with a wide range of services promising to make even the dirtiest of pooches look and feel beautiful. Scooby & Friends Dog Grooming are big advocates for many rescue groups and sanctuaries in Canberra, such as Greyhound Rescue and Little Oak Sanctuary. If you’re interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating to a great animal charity, check out Scooby & Friends next time your dog needs a trim.
Christine Mackinnon writes on Riotact, "I don’t know what I would do without Scooby and Friends. My dog gets so excited when he knows he is going there. What’s more, they do a wonderful job with grooming! So professional, friendly and accommodating."
The Dog Barber
The Dog Barber is a family-owned pet grooming service providing high-quality bathing, grooming and haircutting for dogs of all breeds and sizes in Canberra. Owners Josh and Dee share a passion for dogs. The Dog Barber specialises in transforming the appearance of dogs. Grooming services include full grooms, style full grooms, de-shedding, wash and dries. A puppy program is available.
As Danielle Jacobs writes on Riotact, "Josh and Dee of The Dog Barber take good care of my Cavoodle even though he’s super anxious. He always comes home looking and smelling great."
Are you looking for more information on dog and pet care in Canberra? Check out our articles on the best vets, the best emergency and after-hours vets, the best pet shops and pet supplies, the best pet desexing, the best pet insurance, the best dog door installers and the best dog trainers in town for some handy guides on how to best take care of your furry friend.
Or, if you’re interested in finding somewhere for your pet to stay whilst you’re away, our articles on the best dog walkers & pet sitters, the best dog boarding kennels and the best doggy daycares in Canberra may be of use.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in adopting another furry friend, check out our article on the best place for rescue dogs in Canberra.
Your experience with dog groomers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the dog groomers listed in this article? Share your experience in the comments area below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog anxious at the groomer?
Some of the smells and sensations associated with grooming can be a bit scary for some dogs, which is perfectly normal. It might be the feeling of the clippers, being handled too much in sensitive areas like paws, ears and groin, or getting wet that is stressing them out. Luckily, there are many ways to combat this. Ask your groomer for a training visit to acclimate your dog to the salon, keep plenty of treats on hand, and be sure to sing lots of praise to your pet when they’re done.
What are breed-specific styles?
There are some styles of trims that are unique to different breeds, other than just the standard kennel cut. Schnauzers, for example, are traditionally groomed with long beards around the muzzle, short all over, and long fur around the legs. On the other hand, poodles are styled with long fur around the legs, ears, top of the head, and then short everywhere else. If your interested in getting a breed-specific trim for your dog, talk to your groomer about what they’re able to do for you.
Can I trim my dog’s nails myself?
Yes! If you get your hands on an appropriately sized pair of clippers (relative to the size of your dog) then you can try trimming your dog’s nails. Just be careful that you don’t trim too short, as the quick of the nail – the pink area within the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are – is very sensitive and will cause a lot of pain if trimmed.
How often should I take my dog to the groomer?
This depends on the breed of your dog and the time of year. If your dog typically grows thick, fluffy fur, then you'll probably want to get them groomed every 4-6 weeks depending on how warm it is. Naturally short-haired breeds should only need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks, but potentially more often the hotter it gets. While dogs are generally pretty good at regulating their own temperature, Canberra gets very hot summers and very cold winters, so keep that in mind when scheduling with your groomer!
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