What happens during a full‑service dog groom at Doghive — a friendly, step‑by‑step walkthrough so owners know exactly what to expect.
Posted by the Doghive Grooming Team | Edmonton, AB
A full‑service groom is more than a bath and a haircut — it's a complete pampering session that leaves dogs clean, comfortable, and healthy. Below is a clear, owner‑friendly rundown of the typical full‑service experience at Doghive, from check‑in to pickup.
Arrival & Initial Check (Drop‑off)
When you arrive, staff greet you and your dog, confirm booking details, and review any notes you provided (medical needs, behaviour quirks, preferred clip style). A quick health check follows: staff look at eyes, ears, coat condition, and gait to spot anything that needs attention or might affect the groom (mats, sore spots, skin irritation). This is also the time to hand over medications or highlight anything you want the groomer to watch for.
Pre‑Groom Brushing & Dematting
Before any water, the grooming team thoroughly brushes your dog to remove loose hair, tangles, and surface dirt. For longer‑coated or double‑coated breeds, dematting is done carefully using appropriate tools and techniques to avoid skin irritation. This step protects the coat during bathing and reduces the chance of mats tightening when wet.
Bathing & Special Treatments
Dogs receive a warm, calming bath using professional, colour or coat specific shampoos and conditioners. If your dog has skin sensitivities, a medicated or hypoallergenic product is used based on your instructions or prior vet guidance. Optional enhancements include:
- Deodorizing treatments for extra‑stinky pups
- Flea/tick treatments when requested and approved
Ears are cleaned gently (only when appropriate) and nails may be clipped or filed during or after bathing depending on the dog’s comfort level.
Drying & Fluff‑Out
After the bath, dogs are towel‑dried and then blow‑dried using low‑heat, high‑airflow dryers that are designed to be quiet and comfortable. For double‑coated breeds, a high‑velocity dryer is used to remove undercoat and reduce shedding — this also helps the groomer see the coat’s natural lie before cutting. Drying is done carefully to avoid overheating and to keep the dog relaxed.
The Cut: Breed Standard or Custom Style
Once dry, the groomer performs the haircut or trim according to the requested style — breed standard, puppy cut, sanitary trim, or owner preference. This step includes:
- Body trimming with clippers for uniform length
- Scissoring for finished edges around face, feet, and tail
- Sanitary trims (around rear and belly) for hygiene
- Paw pad trims and tidy‑ups between toes
For anxious dogs, grooming is done in short, calm sessions with breaks as needed.
Finishing Touches
After the main trim, the groomer does final detail work: ear hair plucking (if requested), nail filing/finishing, paw balm applied for dry pads, and teeth brushing if added to the service. A spritz of finishing spray or light cologne is optional. The dog is brushed again so the coat sits neatly and looks polished.
Final Health & Behaviour Check
Before release, groomers check the dog again for any skin findings (hot spots, rashes), ear issues, or nails that need extra attention. If anything concerning is found, Doghive contacts the owner immediately with photos and suggested next steps. Staff also note behaviour during the groom — whether the dog was relaxed, stressed, or needed extra handling — and record it for future visits.
Pickup & Owner Briefing
At pickup, staff share a short summary: what services were done, how your dog handled the process, any products used (so you can match at home), and any follow‑up recommendations (skin care, ear cleaning, or a shorter interval between grooms). They’ll also tell you about any behavioural improvements or issues noticed during the session.
How Doghive Makes Grooms Gentle & Safe
- Low‑stress handling: Groomers use positive reinforcement, breaks, and calming cues.
- Trained staff: Handlers read body language and stop before stress escalates.
- Tailored approach: Senior dogs, puppies, and anxious dogs receive modified sessions.
- Clean, modern equipment: Quiet dryers, non‑slip tables, and high‑quality products.
- Health first: Any abnormal findings are communicated to owners quickly.
Typical Add‑Ons You Can Book
- Deshedding treatment (for heavy shedders)
- Medicated or hypoallergenic shampoo for skin conditions
- Flea/tick wash (as requested and approved)
Aftercare Tips for Owners
- Brush your dog regularly between grooms to extend the style and reduce mats.
- Use the same shampoos recommended by the groomer for consistent coat health.
- Keep nails trimmed between full grooms if they grow quickly.
- Watch for any signs of skin irritation and contact Doghive if anything looks off.
Ready to Book?
Doghive offers full‑service grooming tailored to each dog's needs. Book online or call us to set up your pup’s first appointment — and feel free to ask for a tour of the grooming area if you’d like to see where the magic happens.