Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Shedding Dog + #PetSmartGrooming = Happy Dog Mom

This post is sponsored by PetSmart and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but Lapdog Creations only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

As any pet parent will tell you, our fur-kids get dirty and, yes, even stinky at times.  Some shed all over the place. And no, it's not just those dogs with the long, fluffy hair. As a Mom of 3 short-haired kids, I promise you, short haired dogs can shed... a lot!

Lapdog Creations PetSmart Grooming dog

Teutul is a prime example. His fur is short, but he has a thick Shepard-like undercoat that sheds like nobody's business, especially in the Spring and Fall. When I heard about the deShedding™ services provided by PetSmart® Grooming, I jumped at the chance to give them a try!

Being inexperienced with having my dogs professionally groomed, I decided to take a look at some of the different services offered by the PetSmart Grooming Salon on their website. It is there I learned about the many services and add-ons available, as well as the Look Great Guarantee.
PetSmart Grooming Salon Look Great Guarantee
You will be happy with your pet's service, or it's free!

Lapdog Creations PetSmart Grooming dog

Although I didn't booked Tut's appointment online, as I had some questions to ask, I will definitely take advantage of the convenience of doing so next time.  Instead, I called my local PetSmart and had the pleasure of speaking with Jane, who answered all of my questions and helped me to determine which service would be best for Tut.  We determined that the best option for Teutul was the Bath & Brush with FURminator.

Bath & Brush with FURminator Package Includes

  • Oxygen-infused bath
  • FURminator low-shed shampoo
  • FURminator deShedding™ solution
  • Blow dry
  • Up to 20 minutes of brushing w/FURminator Tool
  • Nail trim
  • Ear cleaning
  • Plus, Scissoring feet & pad shaving, Sanitary trim & Anal gland cleaning if needed
There is an upgrade available for this package, which includes teeth brushing, breath freshener and nail grind, however because Tut recently had a teeth cleaning at the vet, I decided to forgo the upgrade.

PetSmart Logo

After my appointment was booked, I received a text alert which included the date, time, service and location.  Two days prior to our appointment, I received a second text reminder.  For those of us always on the go, I find these texts most helpful and appreciated.  

When we arrived for Tut's appointment, I wasn't totally sure what to expect.  After all, I was taking a 12 year old dog in for his first professional bath (having short haired dogs, I've always bathed them at home).  Everyone in the grooming salon was so incredibly welcoming and assured me that Tut's inexperience didn't matter.  Our bather was not in yet, however the bathers and groomers who were there were friendly, outgoing and answered more of my questions while they checked us in.

Did You Know...
All PetSmart salon associates acquire annual safety certification and take additional course work to learn about dog anatomy, signs of stress and common pet medical conditions.  Groomers (those that give haircuts) receive an additional 400 hours of hands-on training.

I was asked a few health questions about Teutul and had to show a copy of his rabies vaccination certificate (proof of vaccination is required for all pets, and the vaccination must have been administered at least 48 hours prior to service).  When asked if I had any questions before they took Tut out back, I inquired about the types of dryers PetSmart groomers use. 

I learned that due to Tut's age, he was only allowed to be dried by hand (this is true for any dog over the age of 8 years).  They stated his appointment might take a little longer because of this, but I had zero issues with that!  They did tell me a little about the crate dryers that they do use, however, which are more like a fan than an actual dryer -- meaning, they do not throw any heat that could potentially cause harm to a pet.  Additionally, all of their crates are open-style, allowing for proper ventilation and air flow. 

Heading for a bath

Tut was a little apprehensive about it at first, but willingly went out back with the associate.  I left the store to do some errands, as customers are unable to witness the bath and blow dry, which are done in the back of the salon area.  I arrived back at the store in time to see Tut's bather, Chloe, bring him out to the grooming area and was able to watch him being brushed, as well has having his ears cleaned and nails trimmed. 

dog being groomed at PetSmart Lapdog Creations Lapdog Creations dog grooming PetSmart

Tut seemed a little concerned at first (maybe it was being put on a table), but quickly settled in. When I caught him giving Chloe kisses, I knew he was enjoying being pampered! Funny, I certainly don't get any kisses when I'm cleaning his ears, clipping his nails or fussing with his coat. Clearly, he really liked Chloe... and so did I.  You should have seen the piles of hair she got out with the FURminator!

coonhound mix Lapdog Creations Lapdog Creations

I can't thank Chloe enough... after all, my boy's coat hasn't looked this good in years!  It is so incredibly soft, fluffy and shiny - a stark contrast from the dull, shedding coat he walked in with! Even four days later, I can't get over how soft his coat is... and he still smells good too!

Lapdog Creations dog Lapdog Creations dog

After Tut's pampering was complete, Chloe told me what a good boy he was and how awesome he did, even during his bath and blow dry.  I asked Chloe about her background at PetSmart and learned she had been working in the grooming salon for about 6 months.  She's currently considered a bather, which means she can not give haircuts, but was looking forward to working her way up to groomer.  Chloe said she really enjoys her job, and that was clearly evident to me several times during her interaction with Tut.

Lapdog Creations PetSmart

We received a "Pawgress Report" from Chloe before we left. Inside she documented Tut's condition upon arrival, as well as the solutions used and services performed. Not only is it a useful document for future reference, but it had some coupons in it as well.

Tut loves his groomer

Tut and I were both extremely pleased with his spa day at PetSmart.  All of the associates we came in contact with were wonderful, and Chloe was great with Tut. I plan to return for future FURminator treatments to help keep his coat in check, especially in the Spring!

Lapdog Creations

He even wore the "I Am Handsome" bandana that Chloe gave him for the rest of the day like a badge of honor.  Yes, Teutul, you are handsome.  Just look at how shiny that coat is!

Lapdog Creations Lapdog Creations dog grooming PetSmart

If you're not sure which services would best benefit your dog, you can stop by PetSmart for a free consultation.  You can also take advantage of several walk-in services that are available without an appointment. They even have a 25% off evening baths special right now.

PetSmart Lapdog Creations

Connect with PetSmart: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

14 comments:

Marjie said...

Oh, Tut, you look so good! Your pictures of him on the table look like he's having a grand old time. And I can attest to the German Shepherd undercoat problem, because Tank sheds like there's no tomorrow when he's here. From Natasha, I expected it; it was a surprise with young Tank. It's nice that Tut got a brand new bandanna, too! And his sisters can't borrow it. Will they demand spa days, too?

Sheltie Times said...

I'm glad you found a place you like. We've been following a groomer around to different sites for a couple of years now. She's been really good with Bailey and Katy, but small businesses don't always last and she's had a few owner's go out of business on her. Right now we just had to move to another location since the owner decided it was too hard to run the business with a small child.

She was at one of the chains at one point and I had no complaints while she was there. It was one of the reasons we actually tried their services.

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Chloe is just completing her 100 dogs to be a certified PetSmart groomer. For sure his fur feels great!!! I did ask about the dryer too (my biggest concern). Love the "handsome" bandana. Golden Woofs

Carleenp said...

Looking great! We really enjoyed our experience with grooming at Petsmart.

My GBGV Life said...

Tut looks nice and spiffed! We didn't get a bandana, but Bailie got bows in her ears which we have never had. Our experience was great and we will be sharing it next week.

M. K. Clinton said...

He should now be called, King Tut! What a handsome man he is after being pampered. My Basset Hound, Bentley is a major shedder all year so I was wanting to let my PetSmart groomer have a go with the FURminator. I use one at home, but it would be awesome to have someone else do it for a change! LOL!

Unknown said...

So sweet. I have heard good things about PetSmart. Thank you for the review!!

Kari Neumeyer said...

Pretty sure he's just as handsome in the before picture! But, oh, those undercoats are sneaky beasts!

Groovy Goldendoodles said...

Good to know.

Unknown said...

You look marvelous we love Petsmart grooming that's where mom takes Taffy. Love Dolly

Carol Bruce Collett said...

Tut looks great! Sounds like Chloride is going to be a wonderful groomer.

Rascal and Rocco said...

I love your pups eyebrows! Looking dashing after his glamorous makeover. Hope he enjoyed the experience! ~RascalandRocco

FidoseofReality said...

Awww so beautiful - they did a spectacular job

Unknown said...

Thank you for taking some time to write this post. Do you want a dog that sheds no hair? Or do you want to know the breeds of dog with the least of shedding? These are normal wonderments when first getting a dog, especially if you’re an active person who prefers to play with its pet and not groom it all day long. See more http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/non-shedding-dogs.html

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