DOG GROOMER

Ponderosa Pet Services is a Pet Groomer offering Dog Grooming, Puppy Grooming & Holistic Dog Grooming in Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest.

HOLISTIC DOG GROOMING

What is Holistic Grooming?

Holistic Grooming is a practice that considers the emotional needs of an animal with a focus on preserving health and wellbeing. Using positive and science-backed methods, grooming is provided in a way that reduces stress and allows the experience to be more pleasant for all. It’s about applying canine behaviour, safe handling and communication in the grooming approach. It also considers products, alternative therapies that may compliment the procedure and also the environment around the dog and groomer.

Every step of the grooming process is made positive and enriching for your dog.

Ponderosa Pet Services – Groom Room

For me, the environment is the key. I have a simple home-style salon with basic but functional equipment, with no scary big hydro-baths, dryer cabinets or crates. I use environmentally friendly products and have relaxing music playing. The salon has two comfy leather armchairs (for the dogs) and direct access to my large enclosed garden. I only ever work with one dog (or dogs from the same family) at a time.  I am a consensual groomer and I always use my knowledge of canine communication to ensure that I am giving your dog a rewarding experience and freedom of choice.

Dogs are given the opportunity to explore the garden and the salon beforehand to enable them to relax. Once they are ready and I have gained their trust, they will happily stand or sit on the grooming table to be pampered. I go at the dog’s pace, never restraining them to secure them in position or using belly straps to force them to remain standing. If the dog needs a break, they get a break.

PUPPY GROOMING

Dogs that are new to, or traumatised by the grooming experience require additional support and time to adjust. I will work with your dog over multiple visits to build trust and confidence, and teach them co-operative grooming skills so they can happily participate in their own care. I will never promise to hand over a perfectly-groomed dog in a specific time frame. I will, however, give your dog love and gentle encouragement, and as much time needed to enjoy being pampered. I may not be able to give a complete clip or get a sensitive area done, but my aim is to hand over a dog that is still happy, and willing to return for another session.

If I have two dogs from the same family, I will assess whether they would prefer to be groomed simultaneously or one at a time. The second dog is free to curl up on the armchair, in a dog bed or even sit on the grooming table with their buddy. A crate is available, always open, for those dogs who do prefer to rest in one. Once the groom is completed, Dogs are NEVER CRATED to wait for collection. Instead, they’re rewarded with games in the garden until collected.

Pricing Structure

As each dog has different needs, the following prices are a guideline only. The ultimate price depends on the amount of time and work taken with your dog.

Matted coats will incur a £10 surcharge. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, we are obligated to remove matts that are causing suffering to the animal. By instructing us not to proceed with a welfare trim, you would be in breach of the legislation.

A heavy flea infestation will incur a £10 surcharge.

Dogs must be fully vaccinated