“I love what you’ve done with your home here,” she exclaimed as she walked in the front door.
I smiled with my head cocked and welcomed this new client into the salon.
She reddened and laughed. “I mean… I know it’s not your house…. but it feels like a home!”
If it’s true that “Dogs are Man’s Best Friend”, why are they so often subjected to scary, uncomfortable situations? Grooming salons that are poorly lit or kept unclean can expose your pets to potential injury or illness. Shops that are small, crowded or heavily booked create stressful environments for clients, dogs, and the groomers working there.
When it came time to create a grooming shop of our own we thought: Why not create a salon experience that feels more like a human salon visit? Or an in-home grooming without the mess of having your dog groomed in your bathroom?
And from those few questions, Clover Pup Salon went from an idea to a low-stress dog grooming environment.
So, what makes a “low stress grooming environment”?
When clients first walk into Clover Pup Salon, they are greeted not by the smell of wet dog, but the calming scents of Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Rosemary and Chamomile.
They are not accosted by the sounds of blaring music or frantically barking dogs. Clover Pup Salon plays quiet, calming music, and makes every effort to either quiet noisy dogs, or schedule them one-on-one appointment times to keep them from causing stress to other clients and their pets.
Our history has always carried a heavy emphasis on using low stress-handling techniques with a great deal of time spent working with our most vulnerable four-legged clients; young puppies, elderly dogs, and pets with disabilities. In our dealings with these animals, we’ve learned that patience, kindness, and a calm demeanor always work better than manipulating the pet to get the job done as quickly as possible. Dogs that are handled with grace and dignity are calmer themselves throughout the process, and tend to be happier to return to the salon than those who are rushed through their services.
When opening Clover Pup Salon, we wanted to make sure our clients were being treated to the best products available. After a lot of research, meeting with many different companies, and testing products on our own pets, we found a complete line of shampoo that meets a wide variety of pet care needs, as well as our own high standards.
When a pet comes in to Clover Pup Salon, we evaluate their skin and coat with their owner to determine which of our twelve essential oil infused shampoo and conditioning options are best for that specific dog.
Puppies are bathed in a milk-and-honey shampoo that is designed specifically for their sensitive baby skin, while double coated dogs are washed in a deshedding shampoo that adds sheen and softness while removing undercoat. An oatmeal shampoo enhanced by aloe, lavender, and cucumber may be the right option for irritated skin, while an itchy dog would do better with a Tea Tree shampoo to relieve dry skin while reducing swelling and redness.
With a dozen options available, our hypoallergenic, tear-free, sulfate-free shampoos will have something that works for your pet.
When it comes time to get in the tub, dogs visiting Clover Pup Salon are treated to a temperature-controlled warm water massaging bath in one of three different bath tub options. A low, walk-in tub provides a safe option for large dogs, or those with knee and hip trouble to get in and out without added risk of injury. A higher level standing tub is perfect for mid-sized dogs to be cleaned, and a small, enclosed style tub creates a safe, cozy spot for puppies or very small dogs to feel secure during the wash.
Dogs or puppies coming into the Salon for a bath are treated to more than just a scrub down. During their cleaning, pups faces are cleaned with a tearless apricot facial designed to clean gently and reduce tear staining. Following their bath, pets at Clover Pup Salon also receive a thorough brush out and light dematting, and double-coated or short haired breeds get a free deshedding treatment and thinning out of undercoat. Cleaned pets then have their nails trimmed and buffed, ears cleaned and conditioned (and plucked if needed), with a trim and tidy of the feet, face, and sanitary areas. (And in the case of dogs with features like Miss Maple’s, they also get a light powder in the folds to protect these very sensitive areas and to assist in the prevention of yeast or infection)
For dogs in need of more than just a wash, visitors to the Salon receive, in addition to everything listed above, the creation of a traditional, contemporary, comfort, or completely one-of-a-kind look that fits the preference of the pet owner, and the personality of the pup. Clover Pup Salon is proud to provide cuts and styles that adhere to breed standard, owner request, or customer creations designed specifically for the dog on the table.
Following a bath or groom, your sweet pup will never be put into a cold wire cage or enclosed plastic carrier to wait for your return. Finished pets at Clover Pup Salon either stand up at the counter with their groomer to await your arrival (in the case that no other dogs are present in the salon), or they are put into a size appropriate playpen with blankets and bedding. Even in a low-stress situation, going to the salon is an exciting event that shakes up a pet’s routine and can leave them exhausted. What better way to follow up a nice warm bath than with a quick nap?
If you have questions about any of our handling techniques or services, please don’t ever hesitate to ask. We can be reached by email at CloverPupSalon@gmail.com or by phone at 262-583-3155.
