Everything you need to know before your dog's first visit to Dogs of the North.
Dogs are generally ready for their first professional groom after completing their initial vaccinations — typically from around 12–16 weeks of age, though your vet can advise on the right timing for your dog. Starting young helps dogs build a positive, calm association with grooming from the very beginning. Susie's unhurried, one-on-one approach is particularly well suited to first-timers: no other dogs present, no rush, and plenty of breaks if needed.
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, though the right frequency depends on your dog's breed, coat type and how quickly their coat grows or mats. Dogs with continuously growing coats (such as Poodles, Bichons and Doodle crosses) generally need more frequent appointments than short-coated breeds. Susie can advise on the right schedule for your dog during or after their first appointment.
Yes — the salon at 31 Green St is modern and fully climate-controlled, keeping the space warm and comfortable throughout winter. Your dog will not be bathed and then put out in the cold. The salon's climate control runs year-round, so your dog's comfort is never at the mercy of the weather outside.
Knots are tangles in the coat that can be worked through with patient brushing and the right detangling products — they are uncomfortable but generally manageable. Matts are more severe: compressed, dense clumps of fur that have fused together, often close to the skin. Matts cannot be brushed out; they require careful de-matting techniques or, where severe, clipping the affected area. Heavily matted coats require a release form before grooming can proceed — see the Grooming Policy for details.
Please don't. Bring your dog with their coat in its natural condition. Every groom at Dogs of the North includes a full bath using certified organic, soap-free, tearless products — bathing before the appointment simply adds unnecessary stress and an extra wash. Bringing your dog with their natural coat also helps Susie accurately assess their coat condition, any matting, and their skin health at the start of the appointment.
Call or email Susie directly — she's happy to answer questions about your dog's specific needs before you commit to an appointment. For booking and cancellation information, see the Grooming Policy.
Information on cancellations, late arrivals, matted coats and how appointments work — everything you need before your dog's first visit.
Read the Grooming Policy