Raleigh is a city of dog lovers! According to estimates provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association, a city the size of Raleigh is likely to have 65,000 dog-owning households. Making Raleigh the perfect place to open a Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique! There are dozens of parks and dog-friendly businesses.
Eat
Bring your fur baby with you to eat at these tasty restaurants in Raleigh:
2016 Clark Ave
The Flying Biscuit Cafe is known for their grits and biscuits! They bake almost 5,000 biscuits per week. This cute and quaint neighborhood cafe is the perfect breakfast spot to take your fur baby to. Their large outdoor patio is dog-friendly and your pup will be greeted with a bowl of water.
MoJoe’s Burger Joint
620 Glenwood Ave
MoJoe’s Burger Joint has been in business for 16 years and is known for their great service, dog friendly patio and customizable burgers. “We hand patty our Premium Sterling Silver beef every day, and you can choose from a 6 ounce, 10 ounce, or “Hall of Fame” one pound freshly grilled burger. Our topping choices are plentiful!”
Hummingbird
1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd STE 111
“Hummingbird is a unique establishment with a little something for a lot of different people, and we have an eclectic set of interests. We hope to be a melting pot where differences matter less and the shared common ground is the enjoyment of time spent together.” Stop by with your pup for some delicious New Orleans inspired cuisine!
Drink
Because what’s better than enjoying a drink with your fur baby at your feet?
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
328 W Morgan St
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium offers 200+ global beers & American pub fare in tavernlike surroundings. Known for their $4 Mondays where EVERY beer on their draft wall is just $4. They have a large outdoor seating area where you and your fur baby can kick-back and relax!
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
518 Pershing Rd
Almost every single Google review for Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie mentions the great outdoor seating and dog-friendly atmosphere! We LOVE to hear that! “ There are usually several dogs hanging outside with their owners.” This is most definitely a dog owner’s hot spot!
Brier Creek Beer Garden
8521 Brier Creek Pkwy
Brier Creek Beer Garden is a laid-back haunt with a dog and kid friendly patio! They offer a wide range of craft beers & creative bar food. “Nothing ever tasted better than a cold beer on a beautiful afternoon with nothing to look forward to than more of the same,” says novelist Hugh Hood.
Grooming & Boutique
Taking your dog to the pet store can be fun for both of you. There are toys, clothes and so much more you can explore together. There are several options for pet stores inLouisville. Dogs need a bath and grooming too!
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
5321 Tin Roof Way Suite 3
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique is the premier dog grooming service in the Raleigh area. Splash and Dash breaks away from the typical “big box” pet stores (Petco/Pet Supplies Plus). The great thing about Splash and Dash is that it’s family owned and run, they offer professional grooming services and natural dog treats and products. When you think of Raleigh Dog Grooming, you think of Splash and Dash.
All Splash and Dash products, dog food, and dog treats are 100% sourced in the USA and USDA approved. All of their dog treats are 7 Human-Grade ingredients or less. Play dirty, Live clean, Eco-Friendly dog supplies are in abundance around Splash and Dash. Splash and Dash Memberships start at $39.95 a month! This unique monthly membership offered by Splash and Dash allows your pup to get unlimited baths and brushes all month long. Splash and Dash is the top groomer in the Raleigh area.
Pet Supermarket
6325-51 Falls of Neuse Rd
Chain with pet food & supplies, such as toys, beds and apparel. Most locations offer petcare and pet adoptions.
Adopt
6003 Chapel Hill Rd #133, Raleigh, NC 27607
“Second Chance Pet Adoptions is the oldest no-kill rescue organization in Wake County. At Second Chance, our mission is to champion homeless cats and dogs who are healthy or treatable in the quest to find their forever home and engage with our community to promote responsible pet ownership-ultimately reducing future generations of homeless animals.”
200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603
Play
Dog Park at Dix Park
801 Biggs Dr
Dogs and their owners are invited to run, play and relax at this off-leash dog park. The 3+ acre dog park is open to the public seven days a week and includes separate areas for small and large dogs.
Carolina Pines Dog Park
2305 Lake Wheeler Rd
Pups will love this off-leash fenced in dog park that has lots of shaded areas and drinking water. There are two sides, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.
Oakwood Dog Park
910 Brookside Dr
This off-leash dog park is 12.7 acres, plenty of room for your fur baby to run around in and have fun! Dogs are welcome to roam free off-leash from sunrise to sunset.
Sleep
Aloft Raleigh-Durham Airport Brier Creek
10020 Sellona St
Aloft Raleigh-Durham Airport Brier Creek welcomes dogs up to 40lbs for no additional fee. This hotel is a great place to stay if you have a long layover in Raleigh or if you want to stay close to the local airport. If your dog is over 40lbs there is a $100 fee per stay. Cats are not allowed.
Hyatt Place North Raleigh Midtown
1105 Navaho Drive
Hyatt Place North Raleigh Midtown allows two pets with a combined weight up to 75lbs for an additional fee of $75. Guests traveling with pets are assigned to rooms on the first and second floors. Both cats and dogs are welcome! There is a grassy pet relief area on the property as well.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Raleigh SW NC State
3741 Thistledown Dr
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites welcomes two dogs up to 35lbs for an additional fee of $25 per night, and two dogs over 35lbs for $50 per night. All guests with dogs are assigned rooms on the ground floor, for your convenience. There is a large grassy field behind the hotel you can take your pup to run around in!
Incase of an Emergency
Care First Animal Hospital at Glenwood
5725 Glenwood Ave
With 30+ years of being in business, your pup is guaranteed to get taken care of at Care First Animal Hospital at Glenwood! “We hope to always provide the highest quality of Raleigh Veterinary services in order to offer your pet a long, fulfilling life with its family.”
1613 E Millbrook Rd
Quail Corners Animal Hospital is open 24 hours for emergency care. “ Just like you, our pets are family and we are grateful for the truth you place in us to care for them.” They also offer online food and medicine ordering services for your pet!
There is no doubt about it that Louisville is a city built for dogs, making it the perfect place to open a Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique! There are dozens of parks and dog-friendly businesses.
Eat
Bring your fur baby with you to eat at these tasty restaurants in Louisville:
Garage Bar
700 E Market St.
Garage Bar is housed in a former auto service garage in downtown Louisville’s vibrant East Market or NuLu Neighborhood. They are known for their tasty wood-fired brick oven pizzas and have a great outdoor seating area, purfect for your fur baby!
592 N English Station Rd
Blind Squirrel is a restaurant and bar with over 15,000 square feet of entertainment! Featuring an enormous patio area, outside games, large fire pit and 6 volleyball sand courts. It’s safe to say Blind Squirrel is extremely dog friendly.
934 Baxter Ave
Flanagan’s Ale House is a charming neighborhood pub that happens to be dog friendly! Have your pup tag along with you to the weekly trivia and poker games.
Drink
Because what’s better than enjoying a drink with your fur baby at your feet?
800 Baxter Ave
PG&J’s Dog Park Bar is Louisville’s first dog park bar! If you love local craft beer and dogs, then you’ve found your new favorite bar.
969 Charles St
Nachbar is a hip, laid-back neighborhood bar with a roomy and dog-friendly outdoor area. They are known for their imported beers and whiskey.
2235 Frankfort Ave
The Hub is stylish and industrial, with an expansive patio perfect for your pup! Known for their Southern eats, specifically their fried chicken and grits.
Grooming & Boutique
Taking your dog to the pet store can be fun for both of you. There are toys, clothes and so much more you can explore together. There are several options for pet stores inLouisville. Dogs need a bath and grooming too!
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
13401 Shelbyville Rd #105
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique is the premier dog grooming service in the Louisville area. Splash and Dash breaks away from the typical “big box” pet stores (Petco/Pet Supplies Plus). The great thing about Splash and Dash is that it’s family owned and run, they offer professional grooming services and natural dog treats and products. When you think of Louisville Dog Grooming, you think of Splash and Dash.
All Splash and Dash products, dog food, and dog treats are 100% sourced in the USA and USDA approved. All of their dog treats are 7 Human-Grade ingredients or less. Play dirty, Live clean, Eco-Friendly dog supplies are in abundance around Splash and Dash. Splash and Dash Memberships start at $39.95 a month! This unique monthly membership offered by Splash and Dash allows your pup to get unlimited baths and brushes all month long. Splash and Dash is the top groomer in the Louisville area.
Petco Dog Grooming
1963 S Hurstbourne Pkwy
Chain with pet food & supplies, such as toys, beds & apparel (many offer pet services & adoptions). Although dog grooming services here aren’t of the highest quality, they have many products to choose from.
Adopt
Animal House Adoption Center
3516 Newburg Rd
Where homeless shelter pets from Louisville Metro Animal Services go to be adopted! They have a large selection of pets looking for a loving home.
Animal Care Society
12207 Westport Rd
Louisville’s first no kill shelter — in business for 27 years and still going strong! They have placed 12,000 pets in devoted and loving homes.
Play
Morton Avenue Dog Park
1500 Morton Ave
They have chew toys, tennis balls, water and disposal buckets available for free. There is also a good amount of space and lots of friendly dogs.
Cochran Hill Dog Run
740 Cochran Hill Rd
This two-acre park is divided into a one-acre small dog area and a one-acre area for all dog use. The park also features baggies for cleanup and water for dogs. An official Louisville Dog Run Association Dog Park Permit is required to use this park
Iroquois Park
2120 Rundill Rd
Located south of downtown, Iroquois Park is known as “ Louisville’s Yellowstone”. The 725- acre park is the perfect spot to take your pup!
Sleep
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
500 S 4th St
This historic and classic hotel is pet- friendly! If you’re just visiting Louisville for a vacation and need a pet-friendly hotel this is the place for you.
Residence Inn by Marriott Louisville Northeast
3500 Springhurst Commons Dr
This modern all-suite hotel is pet-friendly! The perfect hotel for you and your fur baby while in Louisville.
Incase of an Emergency
Jefferson Animal Hospital
4504 Outer Loop
6902 Bardstown Rd
Jefferson Animal Hospital has been in business for 40+ years and they have two locations! It’s safe to say that they are a safe place to take your fur baby.
Springhurst Animal Hospital
9909 Brownsboro Rd
Springhurst Animal Hospital has been in business for 20+ years! They offer emergency care, allergy testing, vaccinations and pet dentistry.
With many of us several weeks into this temporary normal, we figured it’s time to break up the mundane routine and foster some happy distractions!
Here are 5 at home activities to accomplish with your dogs!
- By now, you’re probably running out of things to watch? We’ve got you covered! Check out our YouTube compilations. All dogs all day – you’re welcome! PS: Don’t forget to Subscribe.
- In a doggy-dog-world, busy is always better than bored. How are you keeping your pooch occupied indoors? Scavenger Hunts? Trips to the Mailbox? Gourmet Meals? Check out our favorite quick-make, easy-bake, at-home dog treat recipes.
- As pup-parents, we attempt to record every cute, quirky, and mischievous moment our furbabies take a part in. Send in your best dog videos to be featured in our future YouTube compilations. Videos can be texted or emailed to SocialMedia@splashanddashfordogs.com
- Get outside and WALK! That favorite “W” word is more than ever a priority now. Whether you stroll around the apartment complex or take a hike through your backyard, fresh air and a simple change of pace can make all the difference. If you’re feeling cooped up, your fur-baby is likely to be too!
- Take advantage of the extra time and teach your old dog a new trick! Patience is something we are all mastering by now. If you’re fine-tuning commands or teaching something entirely new, the time you have available now will be the consistency you thank yourself for later. As with any training, regular practice and follow through is the secret to success. With all the additional time at home – you might be surprised the things you can learn… or teach!Be well!
We are spoiling our dogs more than ever these days. We love to treat them like our own children! The options in making your dog absolutely fabulous are almost endless as doggie couture becomes more popular. Cuteness options range from plucky haircuts, bows & ribbons, and even some creative and vibrant strokes of dog nail polish. Dog nail polish is too fun! You can use it to match their personality or outfit! Most dog grooming salons now offer nail polish services so your pup can leave with toes that match their spunky personality.
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique offer 26 different colors of dog nail polish and polish pens. We use Groomer’s Choice Nail Polish Premium Formula and Warren London Pawdicure Pens. Both brands are industry standards and are completely non-toxic and safe for animals. Our grooming salons have dozens of ways to accessorize your dog. Our grooming practices not only help them to be their healthiest but also their cutest.
Keep reading to find out more about dog nail polish, what to choose, pet safety tips, and how your groomer can help!
How to Choose the Right Dog Nail Polish
If you decide to paint your dog’s nails at home, finding the right dog nail polish can be a little overwhelming. There are tons of different brands and colors to choose from. We recommend starting with safety first. Find a nail polish that does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate—which are all toxic for dogs. Many popular doggie nail polishes have ingredients that are beneficial for a dog’s health. Ingredients like seaweed, green tea extracts, aloe, or Vitamin E are always a positive when shopping around. Also, try and find a quick-drying dog nail polish. This way your dog doesn’t have to sit still for too long.
Next, you will want to choose a color that will show up well on your dog’s nails. If your dog has dark nails you will want to look for bright colors. Dark nails seem to only absorb certain colors, so look for pastels, neons, and flashy colors. Some dog nail polish brands also sell a white base coat which helps make colors ‘pop’ more.
If you are planning an outfit for an occasion, let this be your guiding force. Your favorite sports team’s colors will look great at a tailgate party. Having a doggie birthday party for your princess? Flamingo Pink dog nail polish will match her tiara and princess outfit!
Popular Colors This Season Include:
- Sapphire Shimmer
- Tourmaline Shimmer
- Raspberry Sorbet
- Fire Engine Red
Polish Pens
At Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique locations, our groomers also use polish pens. We use Warren London Pawdicure Pens to draw on even more creative designs. The line comes in 13 colors from Black to Gold and everything between. Groomers can draw more intricate designs with polish pens because there is more precision when using a nib over a brush. Seasonal favorites like stars and stripes for Fourth of July or snowflakes for the Winter Holidays are always adorable on your pooch.
The pens only take around 40 seconds to dry so dogs are not under any strain while staying still. The pens are water-based and have no odor. Usually, it only takes one smooth application of polish to fully cover the nail.
Application is simple. Shake the polish pen, then remove the cap. Press the point downward on the nail and the polish will start flowing. Run the nub across the nail for an application.
Pet Safety
Never use human nail polish on a dog’s nails! Dogs lick at their paws and nails and even when the polish has dried it can still be harmful. Human nail polish contains formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, which are extremely toxic for dogs. Ingestion of these chemicals can lead to chronic conditions like asthma, developmental issues, and other illnesses.
Also, before applying nail polish, you need to inspect the condition of your dog’s paws. Open sores, tears, or cracks can be worsened by dog nail polish and remover. Make sure your dog’s paws are pristine before painting their nails. A groomer will perform a wellness check for you, making sure your dog’s paws are in the best condition.
Many believe that applying dog nail polish is as easy as brushing the polish onto a dog’s nails. In reality, it is actually a multi-step process even after trimming a dog’s nails to a healthy length.
First, a groomer needs to trim the fur around a dog’s nail so that stray hairs do not interfere with the brushing application. Some try to push the hair back with nylon but this is not very comfortable for a dog. Nails need to be cleaned. Wipe away any dirt or debris that will muddle the polish. Leaving dirt trapped underneath polish can also lead to nail fungus growing.
How to Apply Dog Nail Polish
The first step is always trimming the hair around the nail, then clipping the nail itself. Even if you are not polishing your dog’s nails, they need to be clipped to a safe length. Overly grown nails force a dog to walk with unhealthy posture, limiting mobility and causing arthritic issues later on in life. Without trimming their nails back, paint flakes will chip off quicker as your dog walks on rough surfaces.
As with all grooming, the best time to do is when your dog is nice and calm. Make sure your dog is accustomed to having their paws handled and they are properly exercised before starting. If you do this at home, it’s a good idea to take baby steps and reinforce the process with treats and encouragement. Have a friend hold a chew toy filled with peanut butter for your dog to lick on while you polish their nails. Speak soothingly to them as you work. If your dog seems irritable, stop. You can paint one nail at a time until your dog is comfortable enough to let you paint a whole paw. Once you get all four paws done, you can apply a second coat to make the polish appear brighter or even out the lines.
Removing Nail Polish
You can let your dog’s painted nails grow out and trim them as the paint begins to flake off. This will take some time. Using dog nail polish remover is a more practical and safer solution.
Again, do not use human nail polish remover, which contains acetone, a chemical toxic to dogs. Dog nail polish removers are soy-based. These tend to be biodegradable and help provide moisture. Not only are they good for your dog, they’re good for the planet!
Removal is pretty much the same as wiping off human nail polish. Apply dog nail polish remover to a cotton ball and wipe away the polish.
Consider Letting Your Groomer Paint Your Dog’s Nails
Dogs are notorious for being sensitive when it comes to their paws. Unless your dog is accustomed to having their paws handled from puppyhood, they will more than likely make a huge fit over having their nails polished. If this is the case, as a responsible pet owner, you need to decide if it is even worth it to have their nails painted. Painting your dog’s nails should never be forced on a dog and the process might be tedious, but never uncomfortable.
A professional groomer has the expertise, training, and skill-set to use the highest quality dog nail polish combined with precise techniques for your dog’s safety.
The groomers at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique do an amazing job painting your dog’s nails for any occasion. Click here to learn more about how our groomers can better your dog’s health through pampering and luxury.
Follow Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique:
- Website: http://splashanddashfordogs.com/
- Website: https://splashanddashfranchise.com/
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- Instagram: @splashanddashfordogs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-j-barton-622ab517
- Twitter: splashanddash4dog
Simple Dog Tricks Your Dog Can Learn Easily
The saying ‘an old dog can’t learn new tricks,’ isn’t quite true. Older dogs, whether adopted or the dog you’ve had for years, can indeed learn new dog tricks. It just might be a little harder for her and you will have to adjust for a longer learning curve. Puppies, like human babies, are exploring the world for the first time and their minds are ripe to absorb new things. Obedience training, dog training tricks, and dog park socialization are learned while young. This doesn’t mean you can’t work with your dog to get her to learn some new dog tricks. The same is true when it comes to different breeds. Some dog breeds have been stigmatized to be stubborn and harder to train but the truth is any dog can learn new dog tricks.
As a dog approaches seniorhood, their mind slows—similarly to human minds. This is called canine cognitive dysfunction. One natural way to prevent this is to provide a healthy diet full of Omega 3 and Vitamin C & E. Another way is teaching new dog tricks to help keep your doggo’s mind active. Pet parents don’t need to worry about their senior dogs getting a little senile. It’s just another part of life. Besides, being a healthy practice, dog tricks can continue to establish the bond you have with your dog. She’ll love the attention, treats, and affection she gets during training sessions. Plus, when she’s mastered new dog tricks, you can show off how smart she is at parties.
The key to getting a dog to master any training is consistency. Everyone in the house needs to stick to a dog’s training program and follow the same steps. Some dog trainers prefer clickers, while others like verbal or visual commands. Everyone has their own preference. For instance, if you teach your dog to sit by saying the command “sit” and your partner says “bottom,” it’s really going to confuse your dog. Pick a style of cuing and stick with it. Training is also much easier when your dog is less distracted and exercised. Pick times in a quiet place, without distractions, and after a good walk. For the best results with these tricks, it’s easiest for your dog to already know ‘sit.’ From a sitting position, your dog will be more relaxed and less inclined to get distracted.
Read this article for some dog training tips on how to get your dog to learn some fun dog tricks!
Shake Hands
Some people call it ‘shake,’ some call it ‘paw’ but we all get the idea. Pet owners love this trick because it’s cute and very easy to teach. ‘Shake hands’ is usually the third trick a dog will learn after the bonafide ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’
When you have a treat in a closed hand, your dog will naturally paw at your hand because they sense the treat. From a seated position, let your dog paw at your hand. As soon as their paw makes contact with your hand, use the verbal command. This reinforces the association of your command with their act. Gradually, as they make the association, take the treat out of your hand and increase the duration of time with their paw is in your palm. As your dog masters ‘shake’ you can begin teaching variations like ‘high five’ and ‘wave.’
Always reward her with a treat after she pulls off the desired dog trick.
Go To Your Place
This dog trick is handy and impressive. It helps prevent dogs from jumping up on guests and is a positive way of getting your dog out of the way while you’re cleaning or moving heavy things. You can use a special rug, crate, or dog bed for this dog trick as a target zone. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique recommend using a dog bed when first starting out.
The first part of this trick is simple. Toss a treat into your dog’s bed and as they go to eat the treat, say the verbal command. Next, pretend to throw a treat on the bed. If your dog does not enter the bed, just wait a few seconds for them to try and sniff around in the bed. Once their feet are on top of their dog bed, give them a bunch of treats when all four of their legs are inside. After this, get your dog to lay down. Next, wait and see if your dog will go to the target zone on their own. A step toward the bed earns a treat. Once they enter the bed, they earn another one.
If your dog is hesitant to lay down once in the target zone, you can use a treat to lure them down into a laying position. To do this, hold onto a treat with your hand closed and lower your hand in front of their face. Dogs will naturally follow the treat.
Kiss
This dog trick is a classic. To quickly teach this one, you’ll need something sticky like post-it notes and of course, treats! In this variation, your dog will bring their snout to your face, without actually licking you. You’ll use the sticky-note as the target zone at first.
With your dog beside you, take a post-it note with it stuck to your hand. Your inquisitive dog will sniff the post-it note. As they do this, say the command, then reward. Keep moving the post-it note further away, getting your dog to inch forward. As her snout makes contact with the post-it note, reward her.
Spin
This is another dog trick that looks complicated but is actually super easy to teach. Since dogs can be lured—will follow a closed palm with a treat inside—you just have to train them to associate your command with the movement. Dogs are sensitive to directions. Pick a direction for them to spin and stick with it. A counter-clockwise spin is a completely different dog trick than a clockwise spin, so teach one direction at first.
With a treat in one hand, lure them onto all fours going in the requested direction. Keep your hand low and say your command once the rotation is complete. Slowly wean your dog off of lure movements by transitioning them to learn to spin without your hand as a guide.
Play Dead
If your dog knows the tricks ‘sit,’ ‘lay down’ and stay then they are ready to graduate to learning to ‘play dead’ or ‘sleep.’
First instruct ‘down,’ and as your puppy lays down, rub their belly for comfort. Gently roll your dog onto her side and reward her. After a few sessions, your dog will get comfortable on her side and anticipate this movement next. At this point, start adding the command ‘stay’ while she is on her side. As you go through the each individual trick with your dog, substitute the old commands with ‘play dead.’
Eventually, your dog will be able to ‘play dead’ in one fluid motion when she makes the connection between the words.
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique wish you luck with teaching your dog new tricks! We advocate positive-reward methods of dog training. For a loving relationship with your dog, do not force dog tricks into their repertoire. Learning tricks takes time, patience, and positivity.
For great treat-rewards that are guilt-free, our shops offer all-natural chia seed pet treats that your dog will love and provides a boost of health benefits.
Live Dirty. Play Clean.
Follow Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique:
- Website: http://splashanddashfordogs.com/
- Website: https://splashanddashfranchise.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/splashanddashfordogs/
- Instagram: @splashanddashfordogs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-j-barton-622ab517
- Twitter: splashanddash4dog
The Cutest Puppy Haircuts for Your Pup This Season
Regular grooming is absolutely essential for a pet’s overall health. Grooming keeps your dog and house clean, regulates body temperature, and is preventative care for overall health issues. A groomer will provide a wellness check to spot any issues like skin irritations, fleas & ticks, hotspots, or hernias. Puppy haircuts are important! Timid puppies need to get accustomed to foreign experiences like grooming visits. A puppy who is used to grooming is much easier to handle and the experience becomes enjoyable for them.
Think of your regular puppy haircuts as an essential step for their wellness. Many pet owners forego grooming during the cold months and shave their dogs down during the summer. This is not always the healthiest approach for your dog’s coat health. Shaving a dog with a double coat can interfere with the coat’s natural growing process and insulation. The coat might not grow back fully. The reverse of this is letting a coat get too long. Depending on your dog’s coat texture, longer fur is more susceptible to matting—painful knots that form in a dog’s coat.
The key to good puppy haircuts is discussing everything with your groomer. Know what you want stylistically for your dog, allows you and your groomer to discuss healthy options for length and maintaining schedule. The rule of thumb is to choose a length and let that be the standard despite the season. Another thing to keep in mind is that terms for puppy haircuts are often used interchangeably from pet salon to pet salon. A ‘kennel cut’ might mean one thing to a groomer in New York and a different thing to a groomer in California. Showing your groomer a picture and having a thorough conversation with your groomer will help avoid any miscommunications.
This article walks pet parents through the popular puppy haircuts to help you find the perfect look for your fur-baby!
The Puppy Cut
The puppy cut is accepted by the American Kennel Club for show puppies. This is a basic cut with a short crop often used with younger dogs. Older dogs can get a puppy cut too and may even look younger afterward. Pet parents love the puppy cut because it is super easy to maintain. Trimming a puppy cut doesn’t take time-consuming precision and looks good on smaller dogs and toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus. The fur is cut in rounded fringed layers. This brings the coat down evenly across the body.
The Teddy Bear Cut
This cut became famous after an adorable Pomeranian named Boo first got it and went viral on the internet. Although the look is popular for Pomeranians many different toy breeds look terrifically cuddly with this trim. Larger breeds like Standard Poodles can get the cut but it might look a little goofy. The teddy bear cut is similar to a puppy cut. The cut trims down the dog’s coat on the body, keeping fur even. The difference is the face. The hair around the face will keep its length with a rounded trim that blends into the body coat. The result is your dog now looks like an adorable little teddy bear!
The Lion Cut
This is another of the super cute puppy haircuts. The lion cut is good for dogs with thick coats whose hair can be tamed to give off the appearance of a lion’s mane—very fierce on Wheaten Terriers, Pomeranians, or any dog with a thick coat. We’ve even seen the lion cut on a Shar Pei. The lion cut has a short body-coat with the hair around the head and neck left longer and brushed out. Many groomers can trim a dog’s tail down except for the end where a brushed-out pom will look just like a lion’s tail.
The Topknot
The topknot; popular on hip humans but looks better on hip puppies. This haircut is more of a hairstyle. Many dog owners love having their dog’s coat long but worry that they can’t see through the fall—the hair covering a dog’s eyes. A dog’s topknot is made with a pup’s long facial hair around their forehead, eyes, and nose. This hair is brushed and pulled back toward the top of the head. The knot is cinched with a rubber band or even cuter, a bow. It’s a sweetheart look that’s practical. The most popular breed to sport a topknot is a Shih Tzu. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, and Poodles who all pull of the look elegantly.
The Mohawk
If your dog has more a punk puppy personality then you could consider giving them a mohawk. There are several variations of the mohawk from a true strip of hair running straight down the middle to stylized strips of hair that are parted. You can style the hair any way you want and this shows off a dog’s spunky and punky personality.
A Pet Owner’s Job
Grooming is not just about style–choose humanity over vanity. We urge you to find a reputable grooming salon that practices ethical grooming techniques. Grooming extends beyond coat care. A dog’s teeth brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and other hygienic treatments are taken care of at the groomers. Skipping out on a grooming visit is like skipping the pediatrician for your two-legged child.
Also important is to maintain brushing between visits. Brushing keeps mats from forming and distributes a dog’s natural skin oil throughout their coat. Daily brushing also removes dead hair and dander that is trapped in the coat. Not only is this healthy for your dog but it reduces symptoms of allergies for allergy-sensitive people and will keep your house clean.
If you are in search of a loving professional groomer, click here!
Follow Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique:
- Website: http://splashanddashfordogs.com/
- Website: https://splashanddashfranchise.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/splashanddashfordogs/
- Instagram: @splashanddashfordogs
2015 inc 500 America's fastest growing private companies, Splash and Dash for Dogs
Rank: #296
3 year growth rate of 1,550 %