Dog Grooming Services in Tamworth

Bichon Frise Herbie gets a makeover

2017-09-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

This is Herbie Gunn, who comes for a regular makeover session with his brother Barney. Stylist Shauna is doing the honours today!

Bear the Maltese puppy

2017-03-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

This is the adorably fluffy puppy Maltese Bear, who had his very first puppy grooming session today at Mutley Makeovers in Polesworth! Isn't he gorgeous, and he took to being groomed beautifully. Bella is Bear's big sis and she already comes to us for her pampering so she was able to show him how it's done,and he even managed to pose for his first 'groomed' makeover photo!

A smile a day.......

2017-03-01T02:41:00.000-08:00

Archie - smiley golden Cocker Spaniel!

Couldn't resist sharing this lovely sunny smile from Archie after his grooming session this week.

He sings too!

A few of our sweet dog grooming guests this month!

2017-02-20T01:37:00.000-08:00

Flossie the Border Collie gets a grooming session

2016-11-16T00:04:00.000-08:00

Flossie in the Happy Hoody - this helps keep out the noise of the dryer so Kelly could dry her thoroughly without getting Flossie stressed out.

Here is Flossie after her makeover, soft, shiny and waiting for her Mum

Halloween cutie.

2016-10-08T12:47:00.001-07:00

Look at this little angel all dressed in her new Halloween accessories after her makeover today! It's baby Peaches the 4 month old Shih Tzu

What is 'De-shedding' all about?

2016-09-22T04:18:00.003-07:00

Huskies are particularly heavy moulters!

A couple of people this week have asked me about the de-shedding treatment that we offer and what it involves. I am told that there is someone offering 'de-shedding' locally where the service involves clipping the hair away (NOT a good idea).

I wanted to explain what we do here at Mutleys and how it helps the shedding dog.

Our de-shedding service is the same one that I have offered ever since I founded the business in 2004, and is extremely popular and useful for dogs who have the type of hair that moults heavily. (Think of Bulldogs,Labradors, Staffies, Boxers, Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherd Dogs etc) It is a combination of speciality products and techniques that we use to help remove the dead, loose hair from a dog's coat all in one go while he or she is in the salon.

This is the hair that would be coming out anyway, but over a period of days and weeks, rather than in one fell swoop. We are simply speeding up the process so it goes in our hoover instead of yours!

It is very rare for a professional groomer to have occasion to actually clip the coat of a breed that has a double coat. It would only happen in rare cases, on medical grounds.

Please do be aware that if your double coated dog is clipped, the hair will very likely be altered and grow back curly, frizzy or patchy. There are some exceptions to the rule, but please be careful;. The natural coat of a Husky (for example) provides natures way of protecting the dog from temperature extremes both hot and cold. Correct de-shedding of the coat can help keep the coat and skin healthy and better able to do it's rightful job. Shaving the double coat removes that protective layer and can expose the dog to risk of overheating /sunburn etc.

If you would like to book your dog in for a de-shedding treatment and you are not sure, please feel free to ask your groomer as many questions as you like, we are always happy to advise. De-shedding comes free of charge with our bath and brush packages, and we also include it in the package for some of our trimmed dogs that moult. (i.e. Border Collies, Border Terriers etc)

What is 'De-shedding' all about?

2016-09-22T04:18:00.002-07:00

Huskies are particularly heavy moulters!

I wanted to explain what we do here at Mutleys and how it helps the shedding dog.

This is the hair that would be coming out anyway, but over a period of days and weeks, rather than in one fell swoop. We are simply speeding up the process so it goes in our hoover instead of yours!

This is Sky-Dog at Ashby with some of his old hair

It is very rare for a professional groomer to have occasion to actually clip the coat of a breed like this that has a double coat. It would only happen in rare cases, on medical grounds.

Grooming Salon Re 'Fur' bishment in progress soon

2016-09-18T03:38:00.001-07:00

As part of our plans for a new look premises over the Winter, we are installing a beautiful new bath and fittings into the bathroom next month. This will not be a difficult job, although it will require us to close the shop for a bit. We are also having some new brighter lighting in the grooming room, as well as a few other jobs that need doing before the Christmas period begins, and so we will be closed on these dates: 3rd. 17th/18th, 25th, 26th and 27th Oct. The rest of October we are open for grooming as usual.

Beautiful Ellie, pampered by Kelly

Two Pretty Poodles

2016-09-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

It was the first time at Mutleys for these beautiful poodles Hasna and Dayna and they were really good girls for Danielle to Groom.

Our Ear Plucking Policy

2016-08-19T07:52:00.001-07:00

An interesting article about the pros and cons of ear plucking.

At Mutleys we have no strong feelings either way and will work to the needs of the individual dog, plucking sufficient to allow passage of air within the ear area, but.not enough to cause pinkness, soreness and potential problems down the line. We are happy to lightly pluck ears at the owners request, and this service is included in your grooming package. However we don't undertake to pluck ears where infection is present, until your vet has given us the all clear to do so.

We are guided by the advice provided by the RCVS and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and as we take care to stay current, our policies have altered slightly over the years to accomodate new thinking in pet welfare matters.

Mutleys recently joined the Pet Professional Guild, an organisation which promotes the principles of 'No Fear, No Pain, No Physical Force' across the pet care and training industries. It is worth a look at their website as there is plenty of knowledge to be gained about sensible and kind dog training methods and handling.

Lhasa Apso Dogs Groomed at Mutley Makeovers

2016-08-11T02:27:00.001-07:00

So many different lovely styles to choose from, here is a selection of Lhasa Apso groom styles from our salons it Tamworth and Ashby de la Zouch.

Timekeeping and Your Visit to the Dog Goomer

2016-08-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

To stick to your agreed appointment time is probably one of the things that is most appreciated by a dog groomer. To understand why, it helps to have a look at what a dog's appointment involves, and break the time down a little.

So, if we use the example of a regularly groomed Shih Tzu in good condition (ie no matted hair). We allocate a 90 minute one-to-one appointment slot for a full makeover. We start with maybe 5 minutes chatting with the owner and allowing the dog to settle down. Then a couple of minutes to assess the pooch on the table, checking them over for any health issues etc. Then it is bath time, which takes about 15 minutes. Towel dry and then blow dry by hand which takes a good 20 minutes, Next comes the nail trim, which will take around 5 minutes if the dog is amenable to having his feet held and trimmed. Add a couple of minutes to clean his ears. Then it is time for the hair cut, which includes trimming round some very sensitive areas, but if this dog is regularly trimmed and used to it we are looking at about 30-40 minutes. Leaving around 10 minutes for the finishing touches and finally a photograph of the 'new look'.

Now of course every dog is different, some will need longer on certain areas, some will need breaks, some need playfulness and coaxing. Others will stand like statues throughout, only getting excited when they see us opening the bandana box at the end. It does depend a lot on the dog, but you can see by my example that it could be very unhelpful to have a dog arriving 15 minutes late for the appointment. It can also be a big setback to have the owner arriving back after only 40 minutes to 'see how he is getting on' (cue much excitement and leaping about just as we are about to start with the scissors!). Another issue we sometimes have is where a dog is finished, wearing his fresh bandana and ready to receive the praise and joy of his owner, only to be left for an hour or two waiting, legs crossed, because they have gone shopping and decided to come back late to collect him.

Poor timekeeping could also potentially take away from someone else's appointment time. If you are very late, your groomer will not have enough time to groom your dog and you could be asked to come back another day, in the interests of fairness, so that there is no knock on effect on the rest of that day's appointments. Similarly, if you are very early, you may be asked to take your dog for another tinkle/turn round the block until the groomers have finished attending to the previous client and are ready for him or her.

Hopefully I have been able to show that our dog grooming sessions are quite busy, your dog and groomer are fully occupied throughout and that this is why we absolutely LOVE it when clients come in at the right time, to help our day go with a wag and a smile, instead of a wing and a prayer :D

Queen of the salon!

2016-07-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

This sweet angel is Queenie, a previously rescued greyhound. She has been coming to see Shauna at Mutleys in Polesworth for 4 years now and really makes herself at home as you can see. Her bow reads 'I'm Pawsome' and we are inclined to agree! She is a girl with tender feelings, especially around her back legs and rear end, and would scream out loud if you touched her in those areas. She trusts Shauna and comes in regularly which helps to keep the grooming parlour fresh in her mind and so the process is nice and relaxing for her.

Queenie is getting into mature years now, and her long graceful legs are a bit wobbly, but still beautiful though.

Buster made the most of a pamper today

2016-07-03T11:52:00.002-07:00

Buster booked himself in for a massage and a side order of belly rubs today with Shauna. Buster is a beautiful Cairn terrier cross.

Makeover for Lola!

2016-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

This beautiful Chinese Crested x Poodle girl had a big makeover this week! We were recommended to her by another little girl who comes to see us (Ivy). She has opted for a fresh new look, short all over for the Summer. She also opted for lots of cuddles!!

Lola before and after!

Proud member of the Pet Professional Guild

2016-06-30T01:52:00.000-07:00

Mutley Makeovers and Mutleys of Ashby are members of the Pet Professional Guild of the British Isles. The PPGBI is an organisation founded in 2012 which provides educational resources for people who work with pets, with an emphasis on building collaboration among force-free pet trainers and professional pet care providers and advocates for mutually agreed guiding principles for the pet care industry. We have always maintained that dog training and behaviour work ought to be force-free, fear-free and based on scientific thought. In the grooming salon, these principles are super-important and we believe wholeheartedly that our many successes with grooming 'difficult' dogs is down to our kind, gentle, well thought out approach to handling and care.

It basically means that visitors to our salons will never be 'held down' or forcibly restrained in order to achieve their grooming. Many dogs fidget and lean, and 'do the fandango' through excitement, nerves or simply because they are trying to have a nosy out of the window. Our policy has always been to allow dogs to express their feelings and to work with them, and not against them. After all, they are here for a haircut and relaxing pamper, not a 'hard time' or 'roller coaster ride'!

On the occasion that a dog has serious issues preventing him or her from participating in the grooming session calmly, we will formulate a plan, in collaboration with the owner. Usually we will work with the dog over a period of time , seeing them regularly for short, sweet grooming sessions. We will often give the owner 'homework' that they can do at home to help the dog in between sessions.

We will also look at each situation in a holistic way. Where a dog suddenly begins to have behavioural problems we can advise as to potential physical causes, possible stresses in the home environment etc. Two examples of this: A spaniel that has always been really good to groom, begins to be a bit snappy due to arthritis beginning to develop in her hind leg. She receives treatment from the vet, and we adapt our grooming style to accommodate her restricted movement. She continues happily with her grooming sessions. A Yorkie begins to dislike having his face trimmed, but his eyes keep watering and getting gunky-we recommend he sees a vet, who removes four rotten teeth and the little guy is back to normal on his next visit.

To read about the Pet Professional Guild and its aims and objectives, click the badge above which will take you to the website. There is a lot of information and useful articles there for pet owners, particularly if you - like us - are motivated by stress-free and force-free training ideals.

Tamworth Dog Groomers - Bringing something extra special to dog grooming in Tamworth!

2016-06-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

Here we have three of this weeks happy customers!

Top: Alfie, Bichon Frise

Middle: Bell, Shih Tzu

Bottom: Gizmo, Chihuahua

A combination of years of experience and training have produced grooming expertise in our small team of groomers. The girls only use the very best professional quality, indulgent, luxurious shampoos and conditioners to help bring your dog's coat and skin up to top condition.

Not only are all dogs cared for with kindness and professionalism, they leave our grooming salon looking glossy, feeling wonderful and smelling delicious!

Puppy Cavachon groomed at Mutley Makeovers

2016-06-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

What an adorable puppy, having her first grooming session today!

Coco - Shih Tzu princess!

2016-06-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

Coco pampered by her regular groomer Kelly.

Dexter the Cavachon groomed today at Mutleys

2016-06-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dexter, pampered by Christina. This was his second 'big boy ' session. He's all grown up!

Alfie the Cockerpoo gets a makeover.

2016-06-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

Alfie the Cockerpoo

Alfie came in for his regular grooming session at Polesworth yesterday, and was pampered for the first time by Danielle. Look at that handsome face, set off by his Union Flag bandana ready for the Queen's Birthday celebrations

Pet Trims versus Traditional/Show Dog Grooming?

2016-06-01T03:18:00.001-07:00

In fact, this is not an 'either/or' situation.

If your dog is a specific breed, you may or may not want him to look like a 'show dog'. Perhaps you chose your dog based on other breed benefits, not just about the looks? Take Reba, our Poodle for instance. We chose her for her hilarious, affectionate, intelligent, overly cuddly and sometimes ridiculous personality. Her wild mop of silvery black curls was just a bonus! Sometimes we groom her into a fancy poodle style and gear ourselves up for a LOT of brushing! Other times, like over the Winter? She gets an easy maintenance 'pet' style, which is way easier to look after and gives me an excuse to dress her in stripy knitwear!

This is not one of her own jumpers - this is Reba wearing one of Shauna's hoodies. It actually fits!

The rest of the time she gets a variety of styles combining show characteristics with adjustments for easy maintenance.

The point being, you have more than just the two choices, if you have always loved the 'show' look but struggle to cope with hours of brushing and keeping your dog our of the wet and mud, you can ask for a 'modified show trim' where your groomer creates most of the show features but in a format thats easy to keep clean. One example of this is the 'mini skirt' where a skirt is left, but is thinned and trimmed so that it looks nice but is super easy to comb through. Or 'clean belly' where a skirt is left but underneath the dog is clipped short. The 'clean belly' is invisible until your dog rolls over to have his or her tummy tickled. It's quite amazing how much of a difference it makes!

If you're not sure quite what look you want to go for, please ask because your groomer can give you some advice. We love working with our clients to create the perfect style!

Mixed breed dogs- We love them!

2016-05-31T09:06:00.001-07:00

In all of their many lovely sizes, shapes and varieties!

Here are a couple of our guests to illustrate that we can tailor your dogs hair style to your own requirements and wishes. Be aware that each of our groomers can create any of the different styles available providing that the hair is there to work with and in reasonably good condition. So if you want something different to your pet's 'usual' trim please don't be afraid to ask!

Daisy - Schnauzer x Cavalier

Scooby Doo - Cavalier x Poodle

Scooby Doo again (as above) in a longer fluffier style (same groomer)

Ozzie - Poodle x Cocker

Eric - Poodle x Cocker

Bank Holiday Dog Grooming!

2016-05-28T01:55:00.003-07:00

We will be open as usual at Polesworth, Tamworth on the Bank Holiday May 30th 2016
As I write we currently have 2 spaces left so please call 01827 898109 to book (or you can brave our online booking system :D ) Here are a few of the perfect pooches that we have seen in the salon this week for Summer grooming sessions.