Category Archives for Blog

Puppy School

Hi! Hi, hi, hi!! .....Down here!! ......Hi, I’m Buster! I’ve just graduated puppy school and I am here to tell you why it’s the bestest place in the whole wide world!!!!
I don’t know if you humans realise it but there’s SO MUCH TO SEE OUT THERE! So many sights and smells and sounds – it can get pretty overwhelming when you’re a little thing like me. But at puppy school, you get introduced to all kinds of new things in a safe space, so if you get scared there’s always someone there to help calm you down.

Speaking of things to see and smell, at puppy school you get to meet and play with lots of other puppies, just like you! It’s a great way to learn how to communicate with each other, like bowing when you want to play, or how to say ‘enough’ when someone gets a bit too enthusiastic. Mummy says it’s all about learning healthy boundaries – apparently some dogs don’t like having their ears nipped or their tail grabbed, who knew?!

Oh, oh, oh! And speaking of biting, Mummy says I’m much better now that I’ve been to puppy
school. The instructor told Mummy that it’s okay for puppies to experiment and that other puppies
are the best teachers when it comes to biting. I totally agree! I never realised how sharp my teef
were!! Good thing my new friend Polly was there to give me a yelp any time I tried to bite too hard.
Another thing I learned is that just like dogs, people come in all shapes and sizes too. It can be a bit
intimidating meeting people for the first time when you’re little like me, especially if they look a bit
different to your family. Last week I met a man who had hair all over his face, like a dog. I was scared
at first, because I’d never seen a man with a beard before. But with the help of the puppy school
instructor, Mummy’s learnt how to calmly introduce me to new people and now I’m not scared any
more.

But the bestest thing about puppy school is the cuddles. When it was time to chill out and to listen to the teacher, my mummy would pick me up and set me in her lap and slowly stroke my ears and
my paws and the top of my head.

She says it helps get me used to the feeling of being touched so that when I go to the vet or the groomer I won’t be freaked out. I just like the feeling of calm that we both get from a nice, long cuddle-sesh.

So, there you go – puppy school is fun and educational. I 100% recommend it and so does Mummy.
She came away armed with plenty of great advice for keeping me happy and healthy as I grow up.
We have joined forces with our friends at Eazy Dog Training who offer the most comprehensive puppy school in Darlinghurst. And its held in our awesome puppy space at Darlo Dogs,
click here for the next course.

Hot Dog! Best Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer

Summer in Sydney is great for getting out and about with your best fur friend. But just like us, dogs
definitely feel the heat. So here are our favourite ways to ensure your dog keeps their cool this
summer.

Get Your Splash On
Whether they’re a great swimmer, or just a casual wader, dogs actually love getting their paws wet
on a hot day. This is because a dog uses their feet to help with the regulation of their body
temperature.
Sydney is known for its harbour, so why not treat your doggo to an afternoon by the water? Rose
Bay in the Eastern Suburbs and Blackwattle Bay/Federal Park in the Inner West are two of the best
splash-zones, where dogs can cool off in the calm, rippling water.
Alternatively, try a dog friendly beach (make sure you obey the signs and take note of any
restrictions as some beaches are only accessible for dogs during certain hours) or the plunge pool at
Sydney Park.
One thing to remember, even though there is such a thing as ‘doggy paddle’, not all dogs can
actually swim. Don’t just drop your dog in deep water and hope for the best! For first timers, ease
them into the water slowly and gently until they become more confident. Always stay with them in
the water (just like kids) and if you’re out in deep water or on a boat, consider a life-jacket.

Have a Pint with your Pooch
There are no shortage of dog friendly pubs in Sydney, especially in the Eastern Suburbs. If you enjoy
catching up with friends over a quiet one, or want to take advantage of our relaxed COVID rules, a
pub that also welcomes dogs means they don’t have to miss out on the fun. A pub can also be a
good option for an outing with your fur baby because they’re typically airconditioned or offer plenty
of shade. Some even have special menu items just for dogs!
Always check with the venue about where your pup is allowed to go (some sections may be off-limits
to furry patrons), and keep them on a leash at all times. Also, think about how you’re getting to and
from the venue. If you’re planning on having a few beverages, you might need to arrange a pet-taxi
or Uber Pet to get you all home safely.

Book Them A Doggy Daycare Playdate
Doggy daycare isn’t just for keeping your fur baby socialised and entertained while you’re working. When the
weather’s hot, a daycare centre can provide a great, airconditioned alternative to running about in the sun.
We all know the rules about exercising your dog in the cool of the morning or evening, but a short
walk due to the oppressive heat doesn’t always cut it for the more playful pooch. Instead, book
them in for a day, morning or afternoon play session at your favourite doggy daycare and let them burn
off some steam without literally burning up!
And if your daycare of choice happens to also offer grooming services (ahem), we also recommend
booking your doggo in regularly over summer to keep their fur nice and short or remove all that undercoat for the double coated beauties! Its how they regulate their core temperature.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe at Christmas

I don’t know about you but I am really looking forward to Christmas this year!

If this is your first Christmas with a furry family member, or you just want to brush up on holiday petiquette, here are my top tips for keeping everyone safe and happy this festive season.

Festive Foods

While many of us love to indulge in a traditional Aussie Christmas lunch (prawns, ham, pavlova, etc) there are some foods that you should not share with your dog:

Chocolate is a popular gift but it is definitely NOT for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs (and cats). The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, keep a close watch on them and if they start vomiting get to the vet asap.
Grapes are a summer-staple in my house but don’t feed them to your dog. They are highly toxic.
Pork and ham are best avoided. While technically it is safe to feed pork to your dog, roast pork (the kind that graces your Christmas table) tends to contain a lot of fat, which is difficult for them to digest. Ham is full of salt and/or sugar (depending on how it’s prepared), neither of which are good for your fur baby.
Onions and garlic often feature in seasonings and sides but they are bad for dogs so try to avoid giving your pooch the plate to lick when you’re done.
Anything dairy-based, such as cheese, cream or custard. Some dogs are fine with it (and I’ve known many people who treat their pups with cheese) but others can experience allergic reactions. If you’re unsure, Christmas is probably not the best time to test them out.

But here’s the good news – dogs can have seafood! In fact, they will probably love it as much as you do. Just make sure there are no bones/shells and never feed your dog raw seafood (no matter if it’s been cured or smoked).

Presents

There is nothing like the joy that comes from seeing your dog tear into their presents on Christmas morning! Much like their digging instinct, tearing into wrapping paper is fun for dogs and produces a positive result (in the case of dirt, they get a cool place to lie down on, in the case of presents, they get a fun toy or treat).

Wrapping their presents also gives you an opportunity to practise ‘leave’, ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ commands. Of course, I would advise against leaving gifts for your dog under the tree within their reach as they may not have the patience to wait for Christmas morning and tear-in while you’re out!

Costumes

Festive outfits are great fun for everyone and make for fantastic photo opportunities. Just remember that dogs are not usually big fans of wearing clothes and you should only dress them up for a short time. Watch their behaviour and if they are uncomfortable or displaying signs of anxiety, make sure to remove their costume asap.

Also, the Aussie summer heat does not really lend itself to bundling up our fur babies in Santa suits or ugly Christmas sweaters. Consider cooler options like a Christmas-themed bandana or bow-tie, or some reindeer antlers.

Parties

With COVID-19 restrictions relaxed, Christmas parties are back on the calendar. And while having loads of people around to give them attention may sound like a dog’s dream come true, large gatherings can actually be quite stressful for even the most social woofer. Loud noise and laughter, overexcited children, a lack of attention from their favourite human (you) and being up past their usual bed-time are all factors that can increase anxiety in dogs.

A good tip is to make sure you exercise your dog well before the event, by taking them for a long walk or extended play session at the park. You should also try to feed them before your guests arrive.

Set up a place where your dog can go if they need some quiet time out. This might be their usual sleeping spot if it’s away from the action, or a safe space that you introduce them to beforehand (like putting their bed and favourite toy in a room at the opposite end of the home).

When your guests arrive, introduce each of them to your dog. This personal, supervised meet-and-greet helps your fur baby to recognise that this new person in your home is a friend, not an intruder you need to be protected from.

It’s also a good idea to remind your guests not to feed your dog anything off their plates and definitely do not give the dog alcohol. Not everyone knows what foods are safe for dogs and those puppy-dog eyes can be difficult to resist if you aren’t used to eating around fur babies.

If in doubt, you can always arrange for your dog to stay with someone else on the day of your party. While your guests might be a bit disappointed they don’t get to interact with the furry member of your family, they will understand that you are just doing your best to keep them safe.

Top 5 Reasons You Need Behavioural Training

If you’ve had your pooch since they were a puppy, chances are you probably enrolled them in some kind of puppy school. These group classes are fantastic for socialisation and establishing good behaviours. And you’re not alone thinking that it’s possibly the Pawrent that needs a little training either.

Allowing dogs to be dogs and giving them activities and challenges that hone their dog skills avoids behavioural problems down the track. It also makes training easier when they’re fulfilled and focused!

Here are our top five reasons for continuing your doggy’s education journey…

Build a Closer Bond with Your Dog

Behavioural Training is a wonderful bonding experience for you and your fur baby. Dogs love to please, and during exercises they are literally learning exactly what to do to please you. Studies have shown that dogs do recognise emotions in humans, so activities where you are making continual eye contact and smiling at them will produce a positive feeling within your pooch. Plus, dog classes are time that you are dedicating just to them, which they value above all else.

Understanding canine behaviour and their signals your dog uses to communicate with you, especially when they are stressed or anxious, will help you handle stressful situations together.

Training builds up trust between you, which means your pupper will trust that you will keep them safe in any situation, if you make yourself the most important person in their life, you can trust that they won’t rush headlong into someone’s picnic! (well, okay… in theory.. but it’s all dog owners aim!)

Improve their Safety and Security

Even if you have done an obedience class with your dog, it’s important to remember that bad behavioural habits can creep in on both sides…them AND us.. that can lead to bigger issues over time. You might think that the way your dog jumps up to eat food off the table is cute, but the guests at the next table in the café may not be so impressed with your pup’s thieving ways!

Training and reinforcing the right behaviours is also vital for keeping your dog safe. If your dog inadvertently encounters a dangerous situation – a busy road, for example – you can issue a warning to them to stop or return to your side. Studies show that well balanced trained dogs have a lower risk of getting hit by a car and are less likely to be attacked by another dog.

The consequences of letting poor behaviours go unchecked, can range from damage to your house and garden to severe behavioural problems which can put you, your dog, other people and other pets at risk of serious injury. But with some small tweaks in their routine and surroundings most problems are easily fixed.

3. Improve their Social Skills

Sydney is a very dog-friendly city, and there are numerous places that you can socialise with your pupper. But that also means that there’s a high chance your dog will encounter other fur kids on a regular basis. For you to know what is positive play in the dog park or when they’ve had too much is key for their happiness and will stop them lashing out because they’re scared. Your dog needs to learn what is acceptable behaviour around other dogs.

Even if you aren’t planning on hanging out at the local pub with your pooch, there are plenty of other health reasons why it’s important to socialise your pet. For example, a well socialised, well-mannered dog is much easier to manage around others and at the vet or the groomers.

New environments, new people, other animals, loud noises and being touched in the wrong way can all cause stress to our furry friends. But controlled exposure to new sounds, sights and smells help them make sense of their world – this is why service dogs are exposed to different environments from an early age. Socialisation also improves mood, lowers stress and can help with cognitive function, all of which have great health benefits.

Stimulate Them Mentally

Believe it or not, physical exercise alone isn’t enough for a lot of dogs. They also need to stay mentally active.

Exercises that stimulate your doggo’s brain will tire them out both physically and mentally. This has the added bonus of lowering stress levels and treating issues such as separation anxiety.

If you have a super-smart dog, look for classes where they learn to put their mind to good use – such as nose work or agility. This is a much better way of exercising the mind than calculating how to get the fridge door open. Who knows what they might achieve with the right training?

Owner Socialisation

It’s been a tough year and more than ever we all appreciate the value of connecting with others. Doggy education classes are not just about giving your dog a chance to meet others – they’re also a great opportunity for you to get out and abou

t and connect with people with similar interests. Some of our clients have become great friends through their dogs attending day care on the same date.

Attending group classes also gives you a chance to hear from others about their experiences with their dog and may teach you some new tricks! While we like to think our dog is totally unique, there are many common behaviours that occur across breeds. Chatting to other fur-parents means you can identify if what you’re seeing is ‘normal’ or is behaviour that needs to be reviewed. Other dog owners are also a great source of advice about what toys to buy, where to source food for fussy eaters, the best off-leash beaches – the list goes on!

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So what are you waiting for? Click here to view our program of workshops and give your doggo the education they deserve.

Darlo Dog Blog Takeover – Rocco Reviews Our New Space

Grrrreeetings furiends! Rocco here, taking over the Darlo Dogs Blog to share my thoughts on the recent renovations. As a doggy daycare regular, I’m the perfect pooch to road-test the new spaces and give you the low down on what you can expect when you bring your fur babies in for a play or groom. Here’s what happened on my first day at the new and improved Darlo Dogs…

7.30am

We rock up at my favourite Darlinghurst address and something is very different – where did all this extra space come from?! Either I’ve shrunk overnight or this place is suddenly twice the size! I put my nose to the floor and sniff things out before the my besties Buddy, Lulu, Havana and Edie get here. Yup, definitely many more places to wee for all those young puppies! Wheeeeeee!!!

8.30am

It’s rumble time! There’s no stopping us when the pack gets together. The gang and I have moved the morning play to the new red lounge and try not to laugh at Edie who has to be lifted up and down because her legs are too short.

Edie, Lulu and Havana play tip through the tunnel and around the beanbag. With so much more room now the chase is definitely on, but we all know Lulu will win – she’s a pocket rocket that one!

10.30am

Time to take in the sights and smells of the neighbourhood on our morning walk. The team here always make sure we get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Plus, it’s a chance to leave a few pee-mails for the other doggies in the area to find later.

After our morning walk, some of the older crew retire to the beds in the chill out space. It’s the perfect place for a mid-morning snooze, away from the overly enthusiastic puppies.

12.30pm

Nice to see the colourful beanbag is still here. I especially love to sneak up on doggos when they’re playing on it and swipe the toys right out from under them, ninja style.

Havana has stolen my favourite rope toy and thinks she can hide in the tent, little does she know…! We have an epic tug-o-war, which I win (of course) and I head back to the day bed with my prize.

2.30pm

Time for my spa session. The new grooming space has so much more room, with lots of new gadgets and a great view back into the pen so I’m never far from my friends.

I relax into my bath massage then it’s time for my blow-out. Waves for days! You can’t handle this cuteness!!

The new holding pen for all the freshly groomed dogs has the best brightly coloured cushioned floor (so squishy) and it’s a

great spot to chill before being picked up. Not for me though! After our afternoon walk to the park I’m straight back in with my other friends for more socialising.

5.30pm

Home time. Edie’s mum always gets her treats on her way home for dessert, but I never want to spoil my appetite. Before I go I do my signature ‘spin-cycle’ to show-off my luscious locks, turning around and around and around in circles to make sure my Mumma knows what a great day I’ve had. Then its home for dinner and snuggles with my fam. Can’t wait to come back and do it all again tomorrow!

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Thanks for sharing your experience with us Rocco – we love having you come to play. If you want to learn more about what happens at doggy daycare, make sure you follow our socials for daily updates and lots of cute pics.

Kennel Cough – What Is It and How Do You Protect Your Pooch?

You might have heard of a certain disease that is going around, spread easily in social situations, with symptoms including a persistent cough. No, it’s not Covid-19 – it’s kennel cough!

But just like Covid-19, it’s important to know the symptoms to look out for and the ways you can protect your dog from contracting and transmitting the disease.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is an infectious disease that affects a dog’s respiratory system. In many ways, it is the dog equivalent of a human cold or flu. The main symptom is a repetitive, harsh cough… it sounds a bit like a goose honking! Other symptoms can include gagging or vomiting when excited or after food, sneezing and snorting and a runny nose or goopy eyes, and sometimes fever and a lack of energy.

In most cases, symptoms will resolve themselves over a week or so. But, like colds and flu in humans, dogs with poor immune systems – such as young puppies or older dogs – have an increased risk of complications. They can sometimes develop secondary bacterial infections or even pneumonia.

How do dogs catch kennel cough?

Kennel cough is highly contagious and easily spread through the canine community. It is most likely to occur in places where dogs congregate in groups, but because the organisms that are responsible for the disease are spread through the air, some dogs will get the infection even without leaving their own backyards! At Darlo Dogs, we are always cleaning to keep surfaces and toys safe and we also look out for any symptoms with our charges. But when kennel cough is prevalent in a community it’s not always possible to prevent the spread.

How do I stop my dog from catching kennel cough?

The good news is that you can vaccinate your furry family member for kennel cough. However, just like the flu shot with humans, the vaccine doesn’t cover every strain and even if your dog’s vaccinations are up to date you may still find they pick up the disease.

Whilst avoiding shared water bowls and limiting interactions with other dogs are great for prevention, just like in humans, sometimes catching a ‘cold’ is unavoidable. Making sure your dog has a strong immune system, through good food and exercise, may help them to avoid getting sick or recover sooner. What do I do if I suspect my dog has kennel cough?

If you notice your fur baby has started coughing when over excited or after going out in the cold air, or they’re making noises like they’re trying to clear their throat, we recommend taking them to see the vet. They can confirm for sure if your dog has kennel cough and prescribe treatment for the symptoms if needed.

You should also keep your pup isolated for approximately 7-10 days, so that they don’t spread the infection to others. If your dog has been to daycare or had contact with other dogs while they were showing symptoms, you may also wish to notify those people about the diagnoses, so they can keep an eye out for symptoms too.

Finally, although your dog will have developed some antibodies from their bout of kennel cough, it is still possible for them to catch it again. Giving them a yearly booster vaccination (just like the flu shot for humans) is definitely recommended.

We take our responsibility as your dog’s carer very seriously. All dogs must be fully vaccinated before they are welcomed into Darlo Dogs and if we do notice any signs that your dog may be unwell we will let you know immediately.

Avoiding Post Isolation Puppy Anxiety

We have all had to get used to what a COVID-19 Isolation world is like and that goes for our dogs too! No doubt you were thinking at the beginning of lock down and isolation that being home all the time for your dog was the best! I know that’s what they thought too!

Have you slowly begun to notice over these weeks that there is more panting or pacing when they know you’re popping out to the shops? Oh and they know! You’re putting your shoes on and they’re suddenly licking their lips more? Have they started to cry or bark when you’re leaving them when they never did before to only drop the rubbish in the bin? These are signs of potential separation anxiety.

Dogs thrive on routine and retaining social networks. You need to maintain it them at all costs or when it comes time for our lives to get back to normal and you’re back in the office, you’ll have a very stressed dog on your hands. Adopted a brand new puppy? Dog daycare could be the answer! Most professional dog daycares take young puppies and positive socialisation experiences are crucial for setting them up for life. They’re also a great place to exert energy and learn new skills.

With so many adopting new puppies into their world at this time do not underestimate the training you need to do to leave them alone. You have to teach them its okay to be by themselves. Build up their confidence slowly. Now is the perfect time to train them that being home alone for a few hours is okay.

Even with older dogs getting back into the habit of being okay at home alone is important. Try doing ‘short leaves’. Leaving them for a short amount of time and building up. Have a safe place like a crate or penned off area where they can go. Remove yourself from your home, somewhere far enough away where they can’t smell your presence. Put the timer on your phone for 10 mins to begin with. When they are quiet, and not before, return inside…..ignore them and once they have become distracted with something else make the biggest scene you can by being super excited. Everything on your terms also reminds them who is the leader. The idea behind ignoring them when you first enter is to now fuel their anxiety. You leaving shouldn’t a big deal for them. If you make a big deal of a situation when they are acting upset or stressed then they will thing its the right and normal way to be. Calm, relaxed energy and a you’ll be right attitude will rub off. The of course when they have forgotten all about it go crazy with your hugs.

It will take time and build it up slowly. Leaving a note for your neighbours before you start is always courteous, telling them you do will be crying for a short time. Giving them brief run down of how you’re teaching your pup to be by themselves to set them up for life. It will save the extra stress for you too.

They give us everything so the least we can do is give them the tools to be a well rounded dog.

Why doggy daycare?

In many parts of Sydney sending your dog to Dog Daycare would be unheard of but every weekday morning in the inner city suburb of Darlinghurst, small dogs are pulling their owners down the street eager to get inside and start playing with friends.

Darlo Dogs is a small dog daycare and welcome dogs of any breed (once a temperament test is passed) to join their friends for a day of play, learning and fun.

With dogs mostly living in apartments from neighbouring Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Surry Hills and owners working full days it’s a great place for dogs to get their necessary socialisation and exercise under supervision. It breaks up the week and whether its for company or keeping out of mischief they can’t get enough!

So what makes a great doggy daycare?

We believe its transparency and honesty, coupled with our knowledge and skills. Every dog has individual needs and so does their owner. Being a small boutique facility we know our dogs extremely well and our owners are confident and any behavioural or physical changes are picked up immediately. Not only can you view our daycare and grooming spaces from the large street front windows, were the winter sun beams through, we have 360 photos in google map view and are always welcoming visitors to come in and see for themselves. After all owners need to feel completely relaxed and comfortable about where they are leaving their dog.

With a full grooming service, 100% natural treats and food, Darlo Dogs makes for a perfect one stop shop.

New clients must have a temperaments trial. Dogs are never introduced to the main group until staff are sure they are completely comfortable and relaxed. We give them time to adjust to their new surroundings or that their mum or dad has just left. Slowly introducing them to one suitably calm dog at a time. Sometimes this can take up to an hour of watching and patience on our behalf, other times they’re raring to go and want to just get in a play.

Not every dog is suitable for dog daycare. It can be very overwhelming for some dogs and we suggest shorter and a few more frequent visits. We can’t force them and we certainly aren’t in the business to create behavioural issues down the line.

Being a small dog daycare a lot of clients have new puppies and we welcome them once sufficiently vaccinated to being around other fully vaccinated dogs. These weeks are super important for learning and socialisation. We build on basic commands learned at home and watch the puppies thrive as they meet and begin friendships. The most joyful news to hear is when two owners meet in the park and their dogs are race up to each other like long lost friends, the owners realising they go to ‘school’ together.

We love that our older dogs learn how to play with the young ones, coaxing them out of their shell and even teaching them a few manners. A typical day involves free play when the dogs first arrive and this is the highest energy part of the day. After this initial hour some sit and watch their more high energy friends keep at it, the morning walks begin and by lunch time most are ready for a nap. More walks for outside toileting, fresh air and a chance to sniff in the local parks, then back for games, some training and another nap. Last play before they’re excitedly staring at the door for their parent to arrive.

We want you to still enjoy your dog which is why we insist of rest time, especially for the youngest puppies and we are big advocates for well rounded experiences and advise against consecutive days if possible. It can get very tiring for the dogs being at daycare every day.

Head over to www.darlodogs.com.au You will be able to create your profile from the Book Online button and buy credits to book in online or call us for a chat. 0498 035 999

What is best coat for your dog this season?

Autumn’s beautiful crisp mornings have arrived. You’re starting to rug up so what about your pup? Have you thought about a jumper or coat for your bestie?

With many options on the market these days do you go practical or fashion? How do you choose the best coat for your dog?

How about an all weather coat that is warm for those chilly mornings or for nipping out for a last wee walk? Definitely a wardrobe staple! If you live in a cooler climate, fleecy lined for that extra layer is a great idea. Look for one with a water resistant shell as an added bonus!
Australian company Huskimo has a coat, jumper or snood to suit your all pawsonailties! https://www.huskimo.com.au/products

How about a cozy jumper for lounging around at home? We love Fuzzyard’s luxury Royale Knitted jumper. https://fuzzyard.com/au

The cooler weather is perfect for those statement pieces too! Nothing says cool dog than a denim vest and one from Pet Haus says it all! https://pethaus.com.au/

Have you thought about a Snood? Such a cute idea for keeping that neck warm while also standing out from the crowd.

and when your pup is at daycare and they don’t have the option to bask in the wintery sun, then keeping them warm between plays is essential for short haired dogs.

My Dog Needs Grooming.. Now What?

You’ve adopted a puppy and now you notice they can’t see? Grooming is not only for looks but important for the health of your dog. Knots and mats can pull at the skin as they tighten and be painful. Skin needs to breathe to avoid potential infections and they need to be comfortable in the heat.

We aren’t the only Small Dog Daycare in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Darlinghurst but we are also qualified groomers. We groom all sized dogs too! Below are a few helpful tips for new puppy owners and those who just want to be well-informed. If you have any questions we’re always happy to discuss your individual concerns. Darlo Dogs.

How early should I get my dog groomed?

Its super important for your dog’s wellbeing that they become used to being groomed. If you have a dog with a long coat such as an Oodle/Shitzu etc grooming will be a regular part of their life. So you want them to get used to people holding their paws or looking in their ears or combing their tail. As dog owners you can start this from a very early age. Playing with their feet is an easy way to begin. Touching nails and moving legs around is also good. Try doing it during play and even treating them at the same time. They’ll associate the touch as a positive one. Give them a yummy long lasting chew while you brush. We strongly advise not to attempt to clip your dogs nails unless you are confident as it does not take long for a dog to associate a negative feeling with a bad experience. If your dog has black nails it is very easy to cut too much off causing them to bleed.

We love owners who bring their puppies to us and begin grooming at a young age. We see pups from as early as 4 months and suggest a Wash & Dry service to start off with. We take the whole process very slowly, give treats at very regular intervals and keep a calm environment. They are likely not to love it at first but once they know that its just water.. or only air and it wont hurt them they relax a little and tolerate the pampering. The more frequently they experience the sounds and even the height of the grooming table the more comfortable they become. We always want out dogs relaxed when they leave.

I’m brushing but my dog always comes back from the groomer like a new born lamb!

Many believe they are brushing their dog’s correctly. But are you doing it right?! Were you ever taught by your groomer how to do it correctly? Our Dog Daycare staff at Darlo Dogs are groomers too! We encourage and teach those who want to learn how to keep their dog’s coat long and knot free by brushing and combing from the root. When you separate your dogs fur can you see their skin? This is a good indication that you’re doing a great job!

Most owners think they are brushing but are only catching the top layer of hair, leaving the layer closest to the skin matted. Once you’ve visited us for a grooming service your dog will be knot free and we suggest to begin brushing straight away. Don’t be complacent! If you begin daily brushing from the moment they have stepped out of the salon, not only will your dog begin to enjoy being brushed – because there are no knots, you will get into a habit of doing it before that tipping point. We all know that feeling….yesterday it was fine and today you can’t get the comb through!

At Darlo Dogs we never shave a dog unless its absolutely necessary and will always call and discuss if deemed the best way forward for your dog. We will always put your dogs wellbeing first over what is requested if the coat is matted. Removing knots and mats is painful and no one wants a dog to suffer for beauty! The only way to keep your dogs coat long is regular brushing or combing.

I have a double coated dog like a Sheltie or a Border Collie, wont they get hot if I don’t cut their hair?

Dogs such as German Shepherds, Collies, Golden Retriever, Huskies, Pomeranians etc have a double coat. These dogs have two coats because of the purpose for which they were originally bred. The top coat is made up of tougher coarse guard hairs and their undercoat is a fine thick and often downy plush hair. The insulating undercoat would have kept a dog alive in the deepest of winter and this undercoat are the hairs you find around your house! Their double coat helps them regulate their temperature.

The best way to keep your dog cool in summer is to ensure they are groomed regularly and have a de-shedding at the beginning of each season to remove all of the dead hair. Then the outer coat can work as it is intended. Protecting from the sun and insects yet allowing the air to get to the skin and cool them down.

Regular brushing to avoid tangles and mats is also recommended. To avoid snow storms of hair throughout your house a good Blowing Out groom at the change of season is the type of service they need. With our powerful hydro bath and dryers then a thorough combing you’ll be amazed at the difference. Trust us! Once you’ve seen our grooming room after a double coated dog has been blown out you’ll be jumping for joy its not your house!

Wouldn’t shaving my double coated dog help with the shedding?

No! In fact if you shave a double coated dog you are merely cutting both the guard hair and the undercoat to the same length. You’re not removing the undercoat. The shedding will be the same and the dogs skin wont be able to breath hence remaining hot.

Shaving a double coated dog is rarely done and recommended only if coat is truely neglected. There is a possibility the hair wont grow back or in patches.

In summary;

In summer, your dog will shed the soft undercoat, leaving behind the guard hairs. Without removing the undercoat, the air can’t circulate beneath the outer hair and keep the skin cool. The top coat with the tougher guard hairs protects your dog from the sun’s rays and insect bites.
Blow Out grooming and thorough combing to remove undercoat is advised every few months.
Daily brushing is advised to keep hair shedding hair at bay and no tangles.
Double coated breeds only grow their fur to a certain length. Shaving a double-coated breed may result in patchy hair or it simply doesn’t grow back.
Shaving a double coated dog does not reduce shedding. When you shave the guard coat and the undercoat together its only cutting them both to the same length. The undercoat will still remain on the dog and your lounge!

Want to know more or have a chat? Please call Darlo Dogs on 0498 035 999 or hop online, set up your profile and book online.

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