GROOMING
THE BETTER
WAY
Accepting small, medium, and double-coated breeds (e.g., golden retriever,...)
oh for the
love of dogs
Everything started over 15 years ago.
Meeka (hugging her in the pic) was my very first dog. I adopted her from a local rescue. Then, I fostered Harry (the other in the pic) who I ended up adopting. A senior, he became my shadow and instilled the love for the older ones. That's when the world of dog rescue became a huge part of my life and that of my husband.
know-how
Fostering and being a guardian of so many dogs and for over a decade are great teachers. You learn to deal with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and behaviours.
My interest and thirst to learn grew. I read, watched tons pf instructional videos. Finally, I signed up to become a professional dog trainer using the "positive reinforcement" technique thought by Kim, owner of Best Friends Dog Training, thought the power of the .
All of this goes a long way, for me, and my guests!
"Dos and donts" of double coated breeds
My husband and I have since fostered over 45 dogs. Of course, also guardians to a few, thirteen and counting to be exact (all rescues, mostly seniors). It even lead me to create a group: CARe – Canine Adoption + Rescue Education to raise awareness of benefits of adoption versus buying.
Then several years ago, I yearned for a more fulfilling career and if possible, involved dogs. A canine stylist was the perfect shift.
How do you create
a calm Zen experience?
In an environment with minimum distractions and a great space.
My business model centres around the dog. I build trust hoping you turn grooming from being dreadful to an experience that is a little more relaxing with every visit.
And "one-on-one" grooming is the best way to get there. Unlike other grooming outfits like the box stores, there is only me and one guest. Always.
With COVID-19 still affecting us, isn't this the safer experience, for everyone?
RELAX
Quiet environment, entirely relaxed atmosphere
(no crowded spaces with flurries of dogs barking, running around)
FOCUS
No distractions,
Guests are more focus, calm
(they are less fidgety and follow my cues much better)
SAFE
One-on-one grooming, with no other dogs in the salon
The risk of injuries from other dogs is practically eliminated
Beauty is Skin Deep
A good groom begins with a great clean coat. And a great coat can lead to healthier skin.
Loooking Goood
Regular grooming plays a key role in your pet’s overall health and comfort, not to mention looking wonderful.
our services
THE ZEN
Everything I do is unique, like your dog. No straight shave here. Professionally tailored to suit. And it all begins with a well water bath & blow dry.
REJUVEE
Perfect for short hair, or for those in between sessions when all they need is a nice bath and tidy to look rejuvenated.
q & a
-
Why don't you shows your prices ?Like any professionals who perform custom work, I'm an hybrid hourly base system. And because all my dogs are groomed to meet individual needs and never ever just do straight shaves, I don't have a set fee. With so many factors, like size, type of coat (e.g., short v. long hair), breed, age, type of cut, temperament, general condition, there just can't be standard prices.
-
Do you accept walk-ins, even for a nail trim?"No, I do not. Zen is an atypical grooming studio: I only groom on a "one-on-one" basis on a very timed and set schedule. Only one Guest is groomed at a time for a calmer environment. My attention is all one Guests, and leaves no room for interruptions.
-
Do you do complete "shave downs" - even for the summer?"No I don't! Well, generally. There are two reasons why I don't follow this practice: 1. Shave downs are terrible and damaging for double coated breeds - Priority is always given to the dog- no exception. Double coats like Pomeranians, Huskies, Rough Collies, etc. must never be shaved. Ever. See this page for on why double coated should never be shaved. 2. Pride in my craft Zen Grooming is not a styling factory. I groom and trim every dog individually in a style that best suits them. I operate the same way I like to be treated for my own hair treatment: one made just for me! ***Exception*** The only exception to this rule is if the Guest has too many mats or are too large to treat. Mats are painful and can harbour bad bacteria causing skin issues. Shaving them is the most efficient way possible to offer immediate relief.
-
Can I stay while you groom?No, with some rare exceptions. Guardians are a huge distractions. Seeing you makes grooming practically impossible. Also, it is common for a Guest's behaviour to be different with the Parent around, even protective, endangering my work. Finally, with no distractions, they tend to concentrate on my cues making the whole experience smoother and faster. Unless there is a safety concern about your Dog, it is always better, for everyone, that you not be in the studio,
-
Do I really need to fill out and approve the Registration and Consent form?Yes. To be part of the Zen village, you must fill it out completely. Please read it attentively. The form serves several purposes. 1) It identifies you and your pet and all important contact details. I need to make sure we are an ideal fit since my environment may not suit everyone. 2) I need to know the state of your dog to estimate correct appointment time. 3) Lastly, it is a question of safety for me, my own Dogs, and my other Guests. I need proof of vaccinations to be sure everyone is protected.
become zen
new customer wait list
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CUSTOMERS UNTIL :
*** Winter 2023***
This is not a wait list for upcoming free spots.
It's a waiting list to accept new customers.
What One-on-One Means to You
I am the only groomer in the salon and care for a single dog at a time.
Zen is atypical - appointments are adjusted exactly for your dog without added buffers.
What does this mean to you?
I'm One-on-One with a tight timeline. Dogs that stick to a regular grooming schedule. This way, I know the appointment fits perfectly the dog's coat condition without surprises such as painful matt removal or other repairs.
If this sounds like you, then I'd love you to join Zen.
Laurie
LOCATION
1095 Bosque Cres.
Cumberland, Ontario