Country Lane Dog Grooming Information

Appointments

 

How do i book an appointment with you?

To book, simply call, text or message us via Facebook or Instagram. First-time clients will be asked to complete our Client Intake Form to register with us. This helps us get to know your dog a little and to understand your dog’s needs, health history, behaviour, and grooming preferences before we get to meet. Head on over to our contact page to get in touch.

What happens at the first groom?

When you arrive for your first visit, we begin with a relaxed 10-minute meet and greet, giving your dog time to explore the space and get used to the sights, sounds, and smells. This is also a chance for us to chat through your grooming preferences, any concerns you may have — and what your dog loves! Whether it’s tummy rubs, squeaky toys, or a gentle ear scratch, these little details help us make their experience as positive as possible.

Once you and your dog are comfortable, we’ll calmly watch you leave before I spend another few minutes bonding with your dog and doing a gentle hands-on check of their coat and body before we begin the bath.

During the groom, we carry out a 5-point wellness check, looking at your dog’s skin, coat, ears, eyes, and teeth. If we notice anything of concern, we’ll include it in your dog’s grooming report, which you’ll receive at the end of the session.
We’ll also let you know how your dog did during their groom and highlight anything we can work on together to make future visits even smoother and more enjoyable.

When do i pick up my dog after their groom?

We’ll send you a text or give you a call as soon as your dog is ready. Most grooms take around 2 hours or less. If we finish earlier, you’ll hear from us — otherwise, please plan to return at the 2-hour mark. Larger dogs or those needing extra care may take a bit longer, and we’ll let you know if that’s the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Fear Free Grooming?

Fear Free grooming focuses on your dog’s emotional well-being just as much as their physical care. As a Fear Free Certified groomer, I use gentle handling and calming techniques to support dogs through any part of the grooming process they may find challenging. We pause when needed, adjust our approach, and always work with empathy and patience. Fear Free isn’t just a buzzword — it means I’ve committed to ongoing education, low-stress handling, and creating positive emotional experiences for the dogs I work with.

What if i have more than one dog to groom?

You’re welcome to book multiple dogs from the same household — or dogs that are comfortable and socialise well together. They can stay together in the studio between turns. Just let us know at the time of booking so we can allow enough time for everyone.

Do you use muzzles or restraints?

We may use low-stress tools like the Groomer’s Helper or Doggy Dignity belly band support if needed and in my experience, dogs appear to be calmer and feel safer whilst using this. A cone may be used if your dog is trying to bite and it’s absolutely necessary. We do not use muzzles. We use fear-free techniques and work gently with your dog through any tricky parts of grooming.

Why does it cost more to groom a matted dog?

When we need to remove tangled or matted fur, an additional charge applies based on time and the severity of the mats. Matting can cause discomfort and skin irritation, so it’s best addressed promptly — and regular grooming along with brushing your dog at home helps prevent it.

Removing mats takes extra time, care, and effort to do safely. Mats can pull tightly on the skin, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of nicks or cuts. Severely matted coats often need to be clipped off before bathing, which requires careful technique to avoid injury.

Matting also causes extra wear on our tools — dirt trapped in mats can quickly blunt clipper blades, which are costly to replace or sharpen. For these reasons, a matting fee applies when a coat is significantly tangled or matted.

What are complimentary nail trims?

If your dog is on an 8-week or less schedule, they’re welcome to pop in for a free nail trim between grooms. I don’t send reminders for this, so feel free to flick me a message about halfway between appointments, and we’ll book a quick visit that suits.

Why is there a charge to do poodle feet?

While this is common on poodles, it can actually be more fiddly and time-consuming on non-poodle breeds.

What is a wellness check?

During every groom, I do a gentle nose-to-tail check to keep an eye on your dog’s overall well-being. I look over their skin, coat, ears, eyes, teeth, and nails — and let you know if I notice anything unusual, like lumps, irritation, or sore spots. It’s a simple way to help catch things early and support your dog’s ongoing health and comfort.

Can i stay with my dog?

Most dogs settle more easily once their owner has left, so we kindly ask that you drop off and return at the agreed pick-up time. We include a relaxed 10-minute meet and greet at the start of each first visit to help your dog feel comfortable before grooming begins.

What products do you use?

I use high-quality, all-natural grooming products that are gentle on your dog’s skin and coat. My main range is Smith & Burton — a premium New Zealand-made, cruelty-free canine grooming line enriched with natural ingredients. I also use a berry-based facial cleanser from another trusted natural brand for a gentle, refreshing clean around the face. All products are free from harsh chemicals and chosen with your dog’s well-being in mind.