What happens during a Dirty Dog Washes groom (step by step)
So you, and your dog, know exactly what to expect)
For a lot of dog owners, booking a groom isn’t about price or availability.
It’s about one quiet question in the back of your mind:
“Will my dog be okay?”
If you’ve ever hesitated before booking - especially if your dog is nervous, sensitive, or has had a bad experience before - this post is for you.
Here’s exactly what happens during a Dirty Dog Washes groom, step by step, so you can picture it clearly, feel reassured, and decide with confidence.
No surprises. No rushing. No stress.
Step 1: A calm arrival (no ‘throw them straight in’ energy)
When you arrive, the first thing we focus on isn’t the groom.
It’s your dog.
We give them time to:
Take in the space
Sniff around
Get comfortable with us
Enjoy a treat or two
There’s no conveyor belt, no immediate separation, no sense of being hurried along.
This settling time is crucial, especially for dogs who feel unsure in new environments. We suggest that if possible, you come in a day or two before the first groom just to get used to the space, have a treat and just discover us.
Why this matters:
Dogs can’t relax if they feel rushed. Calm beginnings set the tone for the entire groom.
Step 2: Gentle introductions & reading your dog
Before anything starts, we take a moment to understand your dog on the day.
That means:
Observing body language
Noticing nervous signals
Adjusting our approach if they seem unsure
Some dogs are confident. Some need reassurance. Some just need a little extra time.
We work with all of that, not against it.
Why this matters:
When dogs feel listened to (in the way dogs communicate), trust builds quickly.
Step 3: The wash, slow, warm & reassuring
The wash is often where anxiety shows up, so we keep it calm and predictable.
What your dog experiences:
Warm water (never shocking or rushed)
Gentle, dog-safe, non-toxic products
Calm handling and steady movements
We talk to dogs throughout the process, keep things unhurried, and pause if needed.
No power-washing. No wrestling. No “just get it done”.
Why this matters:
A calm wash prevents stress responses and makes future grooms easier, not harder.
Step 4: Drying at your dog’s pace
Dryers can be overwhelming for some dogs, so we’re thoughtful here.
Depending on the dog, this might mean:
Lower noise levels
Slower drying
Breaks if they need them
Putting a snood on so their ears are protected
We adapt to what your dog is comfortable with, rather than forcing them to tolerate something they’re clearly distressed by.
Why this matters:
Respecting limits builds trust and reduces fear long-term.
Step 5: The groom itself (care over speed)
This is where experience, patience and empathy really matter.
We:
Handle gently
Move slowly
Adjust positioning so your dog feels secure
If a dog needs a pause, they get one.
If something feels like too much, we reassess.
And if we need to stop and finish another day, we’ll prioritise that over finishing.
We’d always rather take a little longer than push a dog past their comfort zone.
We also focus on breaking down matter fur rather than just quickly resorting to shaving a dog down. It’s not nice for them, and it’s not the right thing to do.
We’ll invest time with you before we start, so everyone is clear on what we’re doing and why. And if anything unexpected comes up during the groom, we’ll immediately reach out to speak to you and discuss options.
Why this matters:
Dogs remember how they’re treated, you understand what’s happening. Gentle handling today means calmer visits tomorrow.
Step 6: A calm finish (no overstimulation)
When the groom is finished, we don’t send dogs straight back out hyped, stressed or overwhelmed.
We give them a moment to:
Reset
Shake it off
Leave feeling settled
We’ve also got enough space that we don’t have to put a dog into a cage (in fact we don’t have any!)instead we’ve got separate areas to keep everyone safe and visible and friendly. Most dogs walk out calmer than they came in, and that’s exactly how it should be.
What you won’t find here
Let’s be clear about what we don’t do:
🚫 Rushed appointments
🚫 Overbooking
🚫 Forcing dogs to “just deal with it”
🚫 Treating grooming like a production line
🚫 Dog’s stuck in crates for hours
🚫 Dirty towels, or unsterilised tools
🚫 Unqualified groomers (please, always check your groomer is at least qualified Level 3 or being personally supervised by a Level 3 qualified groomer)
Because grooming isn’t just a service.
It’s a relationship.
Why this approach works (especially for nervous dogs)
When dogs know what to expect, they relax.
When they feel respected, they trust.
When grooming feels safe, it stops being something they dread.
That’s why so many dogs who’ve struggled elsewhere settle quickly with us and why owners tell us this is the first time grooming hasn’t felt stressful.
If you’re still “thinking about it”…
If you’re based around Queens Park, Kensal, Notting Hill or wider NW London and you’ve been putting off booking because you’re unsure how your dog will cope, that’s completely understandable. Please come by and have a chat with us, we’ll happily show you around and give you a tour and discuss with you what you’re looking for and how we can help.
Now you know exactly what happens, step by step.
No pressure.
No rush.
Just calm, thoughtful grooming that puts your dog first.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here and we’ll take it at your dog’s pace 🐾