BOWIE BARKER FAQ
Pet parents have lots of questions about how dog grooming works. Which services do we offer? What is best for your pup? Does your pup need a dog grooming salon or can you self wash in a dog tub? How often should your dog have his teeth cleaned? We aim to answer all of that and more below in our “frequently asked questions”. One thing is for sure, from goldendoodle grooming to self service dog wash options we have something for every breed and size dog!
Q. When should my pup come in for its first self service dog wash or grooming service?
A. Whether you choose to use one of our self-serve dog wash stations or opt for a pro grooming service, it’s important to bring your pup in for a “puppy cut” as soon as possible so they can get comfortable with Bowie Barker. Typically a pup will be groomed at approximately 12-16 weeks of age and after their last set of vaccinations. A first visit is typically a consultation to introduce your pup to new surroundings and make them feel comfortable with the space and smell. We can also evaluate what the pup's grooming schedule will be moving forward based on their breed, type and hair length etc.
Q. How often should my pet be groomed?
A. Bathing your pup varies depending on the type of coat. Most dogs don’t need a visit to a dog spa to stay healthy, happy and groomed! Short haired dogs (Pug, Labrador, Chihuahua cut) typically need a bath every 4-6 weeks and rarely require clippers or trimmers. Double Coated Dogs (Golden Retriever, Pomeranian cut,) tend to shed a lot and can also be prone to matting. For most double-coated pups with longer, less dense coats, we recommend bathing every 4 weeks with a trim around the face, ears, sanitary regions, and paw pads. For full body trims, we suggest at least once every 3 months. Curly and wavy coat dogs (Goldendoodle cuts, Standard Poodle cut, Bichon Frise) shed less but do get matted and trap dirt. These dogs should be seen by a pro groomer at least once a month to avoid matting and having to be shaved bald. Wiry-Coated Dogs (Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, Schnauzer cut) terrier breeds tend to have wire coats that do not shed, but can get matted. We recommend bathing these dogs in a self-serve dog washing station at least every 1-2 months. Any grooming should be a light trim around the face, ears, paws, and sanitary areas every 4-6 weeks.
Q. How long does it take to groom my pet?
A. Approximate times for each service depend on the hair of the dog grooming or size of the dog. We will let you know in advance how long the dog wash or groomer will take and you will get a notification when it’s time to pick up your pup.
Q. Do you have membership packages for monthly visits?
A. Join the pack with a Bowie Barker membership starting at $20. Save on monthly grooming, get unlimited access to our DIY tubs, complimentary nail clipping and discounts on additional services.
Q. How much does it cost to get my dog groomed by a pro?
A. Pricing is based on breed, hair length, the condition of your pup’s skin, its temperament, age, and grooming history. We will give an exact cost at your pre-treatment consultation. However please use the prices listed on our Services page as guide pricing.
Q. How often does my dog need a nail trimming and do I need an appointment?
A. Your pup’s nails should be trimmed monthly. You do not need a pre-booked appointment, but we do recommend you call on the day before you come to reduce your wait time.
Q. Will my pup ever be put in crates or "drying cages"?
A. Yes, we do use crates when the dogs are not on the grooming table or in the tubs. This ensures all pets are secure and in a stress–free environment when we are not actively working on them. We do have heat-free drying cages for dogs that are uncomfortable with the blow dryer. Drying without heat also lessens pet dehydration risk. We build in fan guards at both ends to protect curious paws. And, all our dryers are UL listed and OSHA compliant. In addition, all of our crates are in the line of sight of our groomers so dogs are never left alone.
Q. What products do you stock and use for grooming?
A. All of our products use naturally sourced ingredients that don’t harm the earth or our pups! Pure + Good Shampoo, Conditioners, and Ear Wash, custom made Paw Balm and treats from Winnie Lou and Happy Bond.
Q. Are there any options for people who can't pick their pet up or is it strict drop off pick up times?
A. We prefer all dogs to be picked up and dropped off within 30 min of their appointment start and end times. We will let customers know where there is 30 minutes left in the appointment.
Q. Can I stay and watch my dog get groomed?
A. We offer DIY tubs for those that want to participate in the grooming experience. Otherwise, it’s best for the pup if they can’t see their owner during the process as it can sometimes cause the dog to be protective. If your dog has a lot of anxiety, let us know and we can work with you on options to keep your pup at ease.
Q. My dog can be aggressive when being groomed, can I bring it to BB? What is our protocol for this?
A. Our grooming pros are trained to work with all types of dogs. Please let us know if your dog has shown aggressive behaviors in the past. We offer soft, humane muzzles as an option to keep our team safe. If we feel like it is not safe to perform a service on your dog, then we will call you for pick up.
Q. Do you sell gift cards?
A. Yes! The perfect gift for new dog owners is a Bowie Barker gift card that can be delivered digitally to their inbox and used for grooming or self-service dog wash tubs.
Q. Do you accept cash? What type of payment is accepted for grooming services and self-service wash?
A. We only accept cash for gratuities, otherwise we accept all major credit cards. We have designed our app and mobile site to allow guests to easily check out, add gratuity, and purchase retail before they’ve even picked up their dog. All services must be paid for through the app or mobile site. Retail can be purchased in store.