Friend Us!
16 Monmouth St
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 747-8744
(732) 747-9744
(732) 747-9744
Monmouth County's Finest Dog Grooming Salon
Salon Policies | FAQs | Contact Us | Job Postings | In-Store Events | Reviews | Links | Rescue
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
1. How Long Will It Take To Groom My Dog?
The grooming process varies, depending on the service you choose, the type of breed you have, the type of condition your pet's coat is in and of course, how cooperative your pet is during the grooming process. However, on average, the grooming process usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours (approximately one hour for dogs with very short coats).
Our belief is to never "rush" your dog through the grooming process, but rather keep it positive, non stressful and personalized. This is why we choose not to utilize separate grooming assistants such as a different bather or prep person which shuffles your dog around to different staff members. Of course, this is not suitable to all dog personalities as some pets can be nervous around people. Our salon focuses on personalized, one on one attention from start to finsih by ONE highly experienced groomer; thus allowing the pet to bond & trust with that one groomer only.
However, should your pet, in fact show signs of neverousness or a high anxiety level during any stages of the grooming process, we will not hesitate to incoporate some "relax" time thus making the grooming process take a bit longer. This would entail your pet to go back into his/her private, spacious suite with a toy, bedding and some water to calm down. This process is much more soothing to dogs, especially those who are older pets or have heart conditions.
.
The grooming process varies, depending on the service you choose, the type of breed you have, the type of condition your pet's coat is in and of course, how cooperative your pet is during the grooming process. However, on average, the grooming process usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours (approximately one hour for dogs with very short coats).
Our belief is to never "rush" your dog through the grooming process, but rather keep it positive, non stressful and personalized. This is why we choose not to utilize separate grooming assistants such as a different bather or prep person which shuffles your dog around to different staff members. Of course, this is not suitable to all dog personalities as some pets can be nervous around people. Our salon focuses on personalized, one on one attention from start to finsih by ONE highly experienced groomer; thus allowing the pet to bond & trust with that one groomer only.
However, should your pet, in fact show signs of neverousness or a high anxiety level during any stages of the grooming process, we will not hesitate to incoporate some "relax" time thus making the grooming process take a bit longer. This would entail your pet to go back into his/her private, spacious suite with a toy, bedding and some water to calm down. This process is much more soothing to dogs, especially those who are older pets or have heart conditions.
.
2. My Dog Is So Scared of Going To The Groomer. Do You Use Any Sedatives or Tranquilzers To Calm Dogs Down While
Grooming?
Absolutely NOT! Not only is it against the law for us to administer any kind of prescription drugs to pets, we do not personally believe in it. Although new situations/environments can initially make certain dogs have some sort of anxiety, many times it can be from what the dog is associating grooming with (ie: bad experience(s) from the past).
Because we go to great lengths to ensure your pet's visit with us is as comfortable as possible, our salon provides the following amentities to ensure a more relaxing environment for your pet: we do not utilize cages whatsoever - only private spacious suites with comfortable bedding, treats & toys, the use of gentle & friendly techniqies with both the bathing and grooming process, have minimum dogs in the salon during your pet's visit, and provide warm-heated towels for a relaxing-calming effect after baths. To see all our amenities and pictures of our salon, visit the About Us page
However, if you do have a pet that is known to be people or fear aggressive, it may be suggested to speak with your local vet for you to obtain a slight calming presciption medication or you may try one of our holistic and all natural pet calmers in our boutique which we sell that simply takes the "edge off" naturally. Even in the most extreme circumstances that we have seen (which is not too often), a simple humane, fabric muzzle usually does the trick without the pet taking anything internally. In addition, after a dog has been groomed by us a few times, it will then develop a some sort of sense that it will not be harmed thus having a tendency to be less stressed or as aggressive.
Absolutely NOT! Not only is it against the law for us to administer any kind of prescription drugs to pets, we do not personally believe in it. Although new situations/environments can initially make certain dogs have some sort of anxiety, many times it can be from what the dog is associating grooming with (ie: bad experience(s) from the past).
Because we go to great lengths to ensure your pet's visit with us is as comfortable as possible, our salon provides the following amentities to ensure a more relaxing environment for your pet: we do not utilize cages whatsoever - only private spacious suites with comfortable bedding, treats & toys, the use of gentle & friendly techniqies with both the bathing and grooming process, have minimum dogs in the salon during your pet's visit, and provide warm-heated towels for a relaxing-calming effect after baths. To see all our amenities and pictures of our salon, visit the About Us page
However, if you do have a pet that is known to be people or fear aggressive, it may be suggested to speak with your local vet for you to obtain a slight calming presciption medication or you may try one of our holistic and all natural pet calmers in our boutique which we sell that simply takes the "edge off" naturally. Even in the most extreme circumstances that we have seen (which is not too often), a simple humane, fabric muzzle usually does the trick without the pet taking anything internally. In addition, after a dog has been groomed by us a few times, it will then develop a some sort of sense that it will not be harmed thus having a tendency to be less stressed or as aggressive.
3. Do You Groom Any Breed of Dog As I Am Looking For a Specific Haircut For My Pet?
Yes we do! With a knowledgable & certified staff of professional dog groomers who have a minimum of 15+ years, we know how each breed standard is suppose to look. However, if you have a pet that is a "designer mix" and has no specific breed look, it will be up to you to determine the look you are trying to achieve. This can be discussed with your groomer at your first initial visit with us.
If your pet has a standard look with a long coat but is severely matted, we will highly suggest to have the pet's hair cut very short. This will eliminate a lot of discomfort your pet would endure should it be dematted. As little as a few weeks, a new coat can grow in healthy and the proper look and style can then be easily achieved.
Moreover, should you have a terrier breed that requires professional hand stripping to keep the integrity of the coat that breed is accustomed to having, our certified, full time groomer, Renee, is well trained in providing this service. Our fee is $70 per hour for hand striping exclusively.
Yes we do! With a knowledgable & certified staff of professional dog groomers who have a minimum of 15+ years, we know how each breed standard is suppose to look. However, if you have a pet that is a "designer mix" and has no specific breed look, it will be up to you to determine the look you are trying to achieve. This can be discussed with your groomer at your first initial visit with us.
If your pet has a standard look with a long coat but is severely matted, we will highly suggest to have the pet's hair cut very short. This will eliminate a lot of discomfort your pet would endure should it be dematted. As little as a few weeks, a new coat can grow in healthy and the proper look and style can then be easily achieved.
Moreover, should you have a terrier breed that requires professional hand stripping to keep the integrity of the coat that breed is accustomed to having, our certified, full time groomer, Renee, is well trained in providing this service. Our fee is $70 per hour for hand striping exclusively.
4. I Have A 12 Week Old Puppy. Is It Safe And/Or Suggested To Start Grooming At This Early Of An Age?
Yes as long as the puppy is not sick nor suffering from any kind of puppy respiratory infections such as kennel cough, pneumonia, etc.. For healthy puppies, not only is it safe to groom at this age, but it is suggested to do so that the puppy can learn that grooming is a safe and positive experience. However, it is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that it is only done by an experienced, friendly and PATIENT groomer!. Since dogs are creatures of "association", it is imperative to make sure that your dog is being handled properly. Dogs that have not been treated in a unfriendly manner will become scared or even show signs of aggression. Therefore, it is essential to have a puppy groomed in a positive and soothing environment so it will develop a level of trust with that groomer and will overcome any stress related fears during future visits.
Unfortunately, young dogs that have had frequent visits to a groomer already and become or remain aggressive, may be a sure sign that the dog is not being handled properly. Therefore, it is advised that you trust your groomer that he/she is handling your precious pet with the patience and love like you would do yourself.
Yes as long as the puppy is not sick nor suffering from any kind of puppy respiratory infections such as kennel cough, pneumonia, etc.. For healthy puppies, not only is it safe to groom at this age, but it is suggested to do so that the puppy can learn that grooming is a safe and positive experience. However, it is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that it is only done by an experienced, friendly and PATIENT groomer!. Since dogs are creatures of "association", it is imperative to make sure that your dog is being handled properly. Dogs that have not been treated in a unfriendly manner will become scared or even show signs of aggression. Therefore, it is essential to have a puppy groomed in a positive and soothing environment so it will develop a level of trust with that groomer and will overcome any stress related fears during future visits.
Unfortunately, young dogs that have had frequent visits to a groomer already and become or remain aggressive, may be a sure sign that the dog is not being handled properly. Therefore, it is advised that you trust your groomer that he/she is handling your precious pet with the patience and love like you would do yourself.
5. My Dog Gets Stinky After a Few Days To a Week After Grooming. How Can I Prolong That "Clean" Scent?
Because we only use the finest dog products on the market and the techniques and tools we use while grooming, most of our clients will never have an issue with this. However, there may be at times when you feel like you have a "stinky" dog living with you again. Although it is suggested to bath & groom a dog every 4-8 weeks (depending on the coat and activity level of your pet), there may be at times when your pet will start to have a "doggy" smell sooner than later. This all depends on the natural oils in your pet's skin and coat, what type of food you are feeding your pet, how much your pet is exposed to the outside elements, or in some instances, whether your pet has a high level of yeast in it's body.
Because there are many circumstances that may be a contributing factor to this question, we will be more than happy to help you determine the exact cause. Morevover, we do suggest to wash your dog's linens (beds, blankets, etc..) often to avoid transmitting bacteria causing odors to your dog, especially after a grooming session.
Because we only use the finest dog products on the market and the techniques and tools we use while grooming, most of our clients will never have an issue with this. However, there may be at times when you feel like you have a "stinky" dog living with you again. Although it is suggested to bath & groom a dog every 4-8 weeks (depending on the coat and activity level of your pet), there may be at times when your pet will start to have a "doggy" smell sooner than later. This all depends on the natural oils in your pet's skin and coat, what type of food you are feeding your pet, how much your pet is exposed to the outside elements, or in some instances, whether your pet has a high level of yeast in it's body.
Because there are many circumstances that may be a contributing factor to this question, we will be more than happy to help you determine the exact cause. Morevover, we do suggest to wash your dog's linens (beds, blankets, etc..) often to avoid transmitting bacteria causing odors to your dog, especially after a grooming session.
6. My Dog Has Reoccurring Tear Stains. Although I Clean My Dog's Face Frequently, Nothing Seems To Get Rid Of Them.
How Can I Treat and Eliminate Them?
Tear Stains are caused by a few contributing factors. First, a red yeast build up my be the culprit. Although all dogs do have some internal yeast, some produce more than others and what type of diet the dog eats daily. It's just more noticable on dogs that have light hair around their face as yeast can be found in saliva and tears. Two products that have proven results are Angels Eyes or Eye Envy.
Another factor that contributes to tear staining is pets who have inherited very small tear ducts or overly watery eyes, particularly as a response to various products you may be giving to the dog (food related allergies) or a reaction to air fresheners, perfumes or even household chemicals you may be using around your house. Not often thought of, but pets do walk closer to the ground than we do. Therefore, if you particularly use harsh floor cleaners with bleach or ammonia, the lingering smell can certainly be irritating to a dogs eyes, especially very small dogs thus causing excessive tearing. In addition, dogs with large eyes and short muzzles (inherited traits), tend to have more eye irritation and less drainage. There
can be inherited or developmental structural defects that result in eye stains as well. Hygiene is another obvious factor. Matter in the eye tends to collect at the inner corner. If the pet's eyes are exposed to dust, wind, excessive use of grooming products, stray or ingrown hairs and other irritants, there will be more matter at the corners. This matter becomes an irritant and causes more tearing and therefore more staining. Therefore, it is essential to keep on top of a proper hygienic routine with your pet as well.
Lastly, it is highly suggested when battling tear stains is to keep your pet on a "all white meat" diet and stay away from any foods and treats that contain corn, wheat, artificial colorings and added sugars. Choose wholesome diets that contains chicken, turkey, duck, or fish with low carbs
Tear Stains are caused by a few contributing factors. First, a red yeast build up my be the culprit. Although all dogs do have some internal yeast, some produce more than others and what type of diet the dog eats daily. It's just more noticable on dogs that have light hair around their face as yeast can be found in saliva and tears. Two products that have proven results are Angels Eyes or Eye Envy.
Another factor that contributes to tear staining is pets who have inherited very small tear ducts or overly watery eyes, particularly as a response to various products you may be giving to the dog (food related allergies) or a reaction to air fresheners, perfumes or even household chemicals you may be using around your house. Not often thought of, but pets do walk closer to the ground than we do. Therefore, if you particularly use harsh floor cleaners with bleach or ammonia, the lingering smell can certainly be irritating to a dogs eyes, especially very small dogs thus causing excessive tearing. In addition, dogs with large eyes and short muzzles (inherited traits), tend to have more eye irritation and less drainage. There
can be inherited or developmental structural defects that result in eye stains as well. Hygiene is another obvious factor. Matter in the eye tends to collect at the inner corner. If the pet's eyes are exposed to dust, wind, excessive use of grooming products, stray or ingrown hairs and other irritants, there will be more matter at the corners. This matter becomes an irritant and causes more tearing and therefore more staining. Therefore, it is essential to keep on top of a proper hygienic routine with your pet as well.
Lastly, it is highly suggested when battling tear stains is to keep your pet on a "all white meat" diet and stay away from any foods and treats that contain corn, wheat, artificial colorings and added sugars. Choose wholesome diets that contains chicken, turkey, duck, or fish with low carbs
7. Does My Dog's Food Really Play That Big of a Part On How The Skin & Coat Look?
Absolutely! As they say... you are what you eat and this certainly holds true to what your dog eats everyday too!
Lower quality pet foods contain many "cheap" fillers, by-products, and chemicals that are in fact, are not healthy for them or even condusive to a dog's natural diet. This includes excessive use of corn, wheat and soy products as primary fillers found in poor quality dog foods. In addition, these ingredients are found to cause many types of skin allergies in dogs.
Poor quality and not well balanced foods also lack many vital, natural minerals and vitamins necessary to support a healthy skin and coat. This of course (over time) will play a huge role in your pet's overall wellness, including the appearance of your dog's skin and coat. Although genetics play a factor, giving your pet a super premium, holistic and all natural food will only further promote a healthy body; inside and out.
As always, we are happy to provide literature and offer free samples to any of the healthy dog foods we sell should you like to switch your pet to a more natural and healthy diet; especially if your pet has been battling allergies for some time. Our foods, of course, are free of: corn, wheat, soy, by-products, sugars, and the use of any artifical chemical preservatives and colorants often found in many commerical foods
Absolutely! As they say... you are what you eat and this certainly holds true to what your dog eats everyday too!
Lower quality pet foods contain many "cheap" fillers, by-products, and chemicals that are in fact, are not healthy for them or even condusive to a dog's natural diet. This includes excessive use of corn, wheat and soy products as primary fillers found in poor quality dog foods. In addition, these ingredients are found to cause many types of skin allergies in dogs.
Poor quality and not well balanced foods also lack many vital, natural minerals and vitamins necessary to support a healthy skin and coat. This of course (over time) will play a huge role in your pet's overall wellness, including the appearance of your dog's skin and coat. Although genetics play a factor, giving your pet a super premium, holistic and all natural food will only further promote a healthy body; inside and out.
As always, we are happy to provide literature and offer free samples to any of the healthy dog foods we sell should you like to switch your pet to a more natural and healthy diet; especially if your pet has been battling allergies for some time. Our foods, of course, are free of: corn, wheat, soy, by-products, sugars, and the use of any artifical chemical preservatives and colorants often found in many commerical foods
8. My Dog Keeps on Getting Fleas! How Do I Prevent Them From Coming Back?
There is no question that fleas are a huge nuisance! Often thought as being a seasonal thing, fleas can be transmitted during anytime of the year. They live and feed off our pets and can reproduce by the hundreds if left untreated. Futhermore, it will cause a infestation on your pet and in your home!
Transmitted from going outdoors normally in grassy areas, public areas where other pets are commonly present, or from another pet (such as an indoor/outdoor cat), pets are a magnet to these pests. However, if your pet(s) keep on having a re-occurance of fleas, your home may be the breeding ground as fleas can lay eggs anywhere in your home and it can lay a few hundred as little as one week.
In order to rid and avoid a flea problem, you must be proactive. This means disrupting the fleas "living conditions" and "food supply" as much as possible. Generally speaking, an adult flea only lives for 2 or 3 months. Without a host for food, a flea's life can be as short as a few days. However, with an ample food supply and a rarely interrupted living environment, the adult flea will often live up to 90 days. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate regular in-home grooming (checking with a flea comb) to all pets in the home, vacuuming and washing all bedding regularly, and should you have stray cats immediately outside the home, ensuing they are treated with some kind of flea preventative so they are not transmitted to your pets inside your home.
There is no question that fleas are a huge nuisance! Often thought as being a seasonal thing, fleas can be transmitted during anytime of the year. They live and feed off our pets and can reproduce by the hundreds if left untreated. Futhermore, it will cause a infestation on your pet and in your home!
Transmitted from going outdoors normally in grassy areas, public areas where other pets are commonly present, or from another pet (such as an indoor/outdoor cat), pets are a magnet to these pests. However, if your pet(s) keep on having a re-occurance of fleas, your home may be the breeding ground as fleas can lay eggs anywhere in your home and it can lay a few hundred as little as one week.
In order to rid and avoid a flea problem, you must be proactive. This means disrupting the fleas "living conditions" and "food supply" as much as possible. Generally speaking, an adult flea only lives for 2 or 3 months. Without a host for food, a flea's life can be as short as a few days. However, with an ample food supply and a rarely interrupted living environment, the adult flea will often live up to 90 days. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate regular in-home grooming (checking with a flea comb) to all pets in the home, vacuuming and washing all bedding regularly, and should you have stray cats immediately outside the home, ensuing they are treated with some kind of flea preventative so they are not transmitted to your pets inside your home.
9. My Dog's Hair Gets Matted All The Time, Even After A Grooming Appointment. Although I Brush Frequently, How Can I
Prevent This From Happening?
Any dog that has long hair will require a full DAILY brushing, as like a human who has long hair. What we suggest is to first use a fine-tooth comb to see how easily the comb goes through your pet's hair. Concentrate on the back, sides, under the arms, legs, ears, and chest area near the skin's surface. This is usually where matting occurs more frequently. If you are experiencing any tangles, do not bath your dog nor try using a conditioner at this time - this may cause the issue to get worse. Rather, try to the best of your ability (softly and gently) getting the tangles out with a "slicker brush" first. Remember, do not brush hard. For assistance, you may "lightly" mist the matted area with a detangling spray. Should you finally get the tangles out, you can then use a pin brush just to smooth the coat down. Just continue this grooming practice every day to avoid any future problems.
If your dog is severely matted and you have been unable to get the mattes out yourself, the best solution is to bring your pet to a dog grooming professional immediately for a coat and skin evaluation. In most cases, the best option (and humane way) is to have your dog shaved very short so that a new and healthy coat can grow in. Furthermore, it will also avoid any pain and discomfort your pet would experience trying to get the matting out manually.
Lastly, we also suggest any dog with long, silky or "cotton-like" hair to refrain from wearing tight fitting clothing, especially with sleeves, as this can cause matting issues more frequently. Loose fitting or apparel without sleeves will help, however, the key is to always brush your dog EVERYDAY, especially after taking the dog's clothes off with the appropriate grooming tools to avoid any futher issues.
Any dog that has long hair will require a full DAILY brushing, as like a human who has long hair. What we suggest is to first use a fine-tooth comb to see how easily the comb goes through your pet's hair. Concentrate on the back, sides, under the arms, legs, ears, and chest area near the skin's surface. This is usually where matting occurs more frequently. If you are experiencing any tangles, do not bath your dog nor try using a conditioner at this time - this may cause the issue to get worse. Rather, try to the best of your ability (softly and gently) getting the tangles out with a "slicker brush" first. Remember, do not brush hard. For assistance, you may "lightly" mist the matted area with a detangling spray. Should you finally get the tangles out, you can then use a pin brush just to smooth the coat down. Just continue this grooming practice every day to avoid any future problems.
If your dog is severely matted and you have been unable to get the mattes out yourself, the best solution is to bring your pet to a dog grooming professional immediately for a coat and skin evaluation. In most cases, the best option (and humane way) is to have your dog shaved very short so that a new and healthy coat can grow in. Furthermore, it will also avoid any pain and discomfort your pet would experience trying to get the matting out manually.
Lastly, we also suggest any dog with long, silky or "cotton-like" hair to refrain from wearing tight fitting clothing, especially with sleeves, as this can cause matting issues more frequently. Loose fitting or apparel without sleeves will help, however, the key is to always brush your dog EVERYDAY, especially after taking the dog's clothes off with the appropriate grooming tools to avoid any futher issues.
10. My Dog Sheds All The Time. Even Though I Brush Frequently, There Is Still Alot Of Hair All Over My Furniture & House.
What Is Going On?
This all depends on your pet's coat and breed. Many long haired dogs with a thick "undercoat", will shed frequently and also, depending on the seasonal changes. Although at-home daily brushing will eliminate some of the shedding, a dog's nutritional diet will also play a role in the amount it sheds. Poor quality dog foods that are packed with more grains than proteins are not well balanced and therefore, can be lacking vital minerals and vitamins necessary to support a healthy skin and coat.
Should your pet's shedding be a chronic problem and will be seen by us, please advise our groomer so that she can properly treat your pet with our 3 step de-shedding procedure that will reduce 60-80% of the amount of hair your pet will shed
This all depends on your pet's coat and breed. Many long haired dogs with a thick "undercoat", will shed frequently and also, depending on the seasonal changes. Although at-home daily brushing will eliminate some of the shedding, a dog's nutritional diet will also play a role in the amount it sheds. Poor quality dog foods that are packed with more grains than proteins are not well balanced and therefore, can be lacking vital minerals and vitamins necessary to support a healthy skin and coat.
Should your pet's shedding be a chronic problem and will be seen by us, please advise our groomer so that she can properly treat your pet with our 3 step de-shedding procedure that will reduce 60-80% of the amount of hair your pet will shed
11. My Dog Has Very Sensitive Skin & Allergic To Most Grooming Products. Do You Use Hypoallergenic Products and/or
Can I Bring My Dog's Own Prescription Shampoo?
Absolutely! Our large variety of professional dog grooming products are all natural and we have shampoos and conditioners formulated for any skin type. In addition, we will gather any important information like this from you at your first initial visit and note it on your client sheet to ensure the correct forumulated shampoo is used, especially if someone other than you drops off your pet on other visits. However, if your vet has prescribed a prescription shampoo that must be used, you may always bring that with you on each visit.
Absolutely! Our large variety of professional dog grooming products are all natural and we have shampoos and conditioners formulated for any skin type. In addition, we will gather any important information like this from you at your first initial visit and note it on your client sheet to ensure the correct forumulated shampoo is used, especially if someone other than you drops off your pet on other visits. However, if your vet has prescribed a prescription shampoo that must be used, you may always bring that with you on each visit.
12. Is Your Salon Affiliated With Another Location?
No! We are an independent salon with one location in Red Bank New Jersey only. Unfortunately since our debut in 2008, we have had many other salons in other areas incorporate or re-design their grooming locatons to have the look, feel and amenities as ours, including the use of the names of our packages, wording, content, etc. on their websites and marketing material. Although we find it flattering, it can cause some people to think we are a franchise, however, we are not.
No! We are an independent salon with one location in Red Bank New Jersey only. Unfortunately since our debut in 2008, we have had many other salons in other areas incorporate or re-design their grooming locatons to have the look, feel and amenities as ours, including the use of the names of our packages, wording, content, etc. on their websites and marketing material. Although we find it flattering, it can cause some people to think we are a franchise, however, we are not.
If you have another questions that has not been answered within, do not hesitate to call us! We will be happy to assist you!