So sorry - the Bubble Hut is full! In 2 years I have met over 200 lovely doggies who now come to see me on a regular basis and there is no longer the time available for any more - so I have to say a very sad "no I can't help you" to any new customers wanting grooms. DON'T FORGET US THOUGH - there are plans to expand in the near future so KEEP WATCHING!
Here are some of the questions you might have....
and hopefully some useful answers
CAN I WAIT WHILE MY DOG IS BEING GROOMED?
The majority of dogs seem to be calmer during grooming if their owner is NOT with them. They know exactly how to play that emotional blackmail game with you, but settle quickly once you're out of sight. If you do prefer to wait and to be nearby while your dog is here, my comfy conservatory is within sight of the bubble hut and there's a choice of seating areas in the garden too for sunnier days! Of course you can come up to see the grooming being done if you wish, but this may get your dog excited thinking it's time to go home already! A full groom can take a long time and the best result will only be achieved if it's not rushed, so please be prepared for it to take at least 2-3 hours. I will call you shortly before your dog is ready for collection.
DO I NEED TO BE AT HOME IF YOU ARE COLLECTING MY DOG AND DROPPING BACK HOME AFTER THE GROOM?
I would prefer to see you and discuss your dog's current health and wellbeing with you before taking him/her, and get your exact requirements for styling and finishing. So yes, it would be very helpful if you are at home when I collect your dog, but if this is not possible for you we can arrange the consultation at an earlier time. If you're going to be out when your dog is dropped home, I'm happy to temporarily hold a door key if you wish, and I will follow your instructions about where to settle your dog and how to return the key (I am DBS checked for your peace of mind and security, and my insurance covers pets in transit and handling of customers' keys). Dogs always travel safely restrained either in a travel crate, behind a dog guard in the boot section, or clipped into a seatbelt harness - whichever they are comfortable with and to suit your preference.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU OFFER THE DOGGY PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF SERVICE IN?
I am more than happy to collect your dog for FREE and bring him/her back home after grooming if you live in or around THRUXTON. Transport to and from other areas such as ABBOTTS ANN, AMPORT, ANNA VALLEY, ANDOVER, APPLESHAW, CHUTES, CHOLDERTON, CHILBOLTON, CLATFORDS, CLANVILLE, FULLERTON, FYFIELD, GRATELEY, KIMPTON, LECKFORD, LONGSTOCK, LUDGERSHALL, MONXTON, PENTONS, PERHAM DOWN, QUARLEY, STOCKBRIDGE, TIDWORTH, WALLOPS, WEYHILL, WHERWELL can be arranged at a small charge to cover fuel costs (usually between £1 and £7 each journey depending on distance). It's impossible to list every location so if yours is not mentioned then please ask me.
If you live outside of the free areas but are house-bound or unable to drive due to age or disability then I am pleased to extend the FREE TRANSPORT SERVICE TO AND FROM GROOMING to help you (within reasonable distances), plus extra help with transport at other times for VET APPOINTMENTS (if your dog regularly attends Bubble Hut Doggy Spa for grooming, and at a small charge to cover fuel costs to the vets and back)
HOW DO YOU HANDLE MY DOG WHO IS VERY NERVOUS WHEN BEING GROOMED and CAN I GIVE A SEDATIVE MEDICATION BEFOREHAND?
I'm happy to meet you and your dog at home, or anywhere they feel most comfortable, so he/she can get to know me before trying to groom, and we can split the grooming time up into shorter sessions a day or two apart if this helps.
During grooming, I use calming aromatherapy oils and sprays to de-stress anxious dogs, and even play soothing "music for dogs' ears" and "puppy lullabies". Dogs are constantly monitored for signs of stress and given breaks whenever needed. They are always treated kindly with praise and encouragement, and I will only ever use a muzzle as a very last resort - I have always found the vast majority of dogs respond well to my handling without fear or aggression.
Sometimes it is necessary to use restraints similar to a collar & lead and a padded strap that supports them under the tummy - these are for safety to prevent injury if your dog dances on the table! Dogs are never left alone in the bath or on the table where they could be in any danger.
Because I work alone and in a compact area, it may not always be safe or wise for me to attempt to groom a very large/powerful dog that is extremely nervous, due to the risk of injury to us both! I'm sorry that I will need to decline or stop grooming any dog that may pose a risk in this way, and would advise a larger grooming premises with multiple staff to assist in handling and safety measures for your dog.
DOGS MUST NOT BE GIVEN SEDATIVE MEDICATION BEFORE GROOMING. If your dog hates being groomed and has become matted needing urgent care for its coat, your vet will be able to shave the coat and attend to any sore skin issues under sedation in a fully monitored healthcare environment.