Frequently Asked Questions


What area’s do you service?

I’m based in Chifley and look after dogs in Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse, Matraville and surrounding Eastern Suburbs.


If you’re nearby and not sure if you’re in the zone, just ask – if I can get to you without needing a packed lunch and a playlist, we’re probably fine.

what services do you offer?

I offer calm, one-on-one dog grooming, dog washing and dog walking from my home studio in Chifley, plus Walk & Wash combos for extra filthy fun.

Typical services include:

  • Wash, dry & brush

  • Full body grooms & tidy ups

  • Puppy introduction grooms

  • De-shedding & coat maintenance

  • Group pack walks & solo walks (for dogs who prefer their own company)

Is grooming one-on-one, or is it a busy salon environment?

All grooming at Happy Dog Co is strictly one-on-one.
No conveyor belt, no huge busy salon, no chorus of high-stress barking. Just your dog, calm handling, and enough time to go at their pace.

Do you work with Anxious dogs?

Yes, I work with plenty of anxious, sensitive and “I’m not so sure about this” dogs.

Sessions are:

  • Kept calm and low-stimulus

  • Adjusted to your dog’s tolerance

  • Stopped if they’re getting overwhelmed

If your dog has a bite history or is very reactive, let me know before booking so we can chat about whether grooming here is the right fit and how to keep everyone safe.


Do you offer puppy grooming? When should my puppy start?

Absolutely. Puppy grooms are one of my favourite things.

Most puppies can start light grooming around 16 weeks, once vaccinations are underway and they’re used to a bit of handling at home.

Early sessions are all about:

  • Short, positive visits

  • Gentle introductions to the bath, dryer and table

  • Lots of reassurance and breaks

The goal is a dog who thinks “grooming is normal”, not “grooming is terrifying”.

How often should my dog be groomed?

How often should my dog be groomed?

It depends on their coat and lifestyle, but as a guide:

  • Cavoodles / oodles / non-shedding coats:
    Every 6–8 weeks for a wash, tidy and/or clip, plus regular brushing at home.

  • Short-haired or double-coated breeds:
    Every 8–12 weeks for a good wash, blow-dry, de-shed and nail trim.

  • Active beach / park dogs:
    More often. Sand, salt and muddy puddles are fun… until they’re in your couch.

If you’re not sure what’s best, I can suggest a grooming schedule at your first appointment..

My dog is very matted. Can you still groom them?

I’ll always choose your dog’s comfort and welfare over keeping length.

If a coat is lightly knotted, I can gently work through it. If it’s badly matted:

  • Brushing it out can be painful and stressful

  • The kindest (and safest) option is usually to clip shorter and start again

We’ll chat through options when I see your dog, but I won’t force painful de-matting just to hang onto a fluffy look.?

Can I stay with my dog during the groom?

Short answer: usually no, and it’s not because I don’t like you.

Most dogs settle much faster once their person leaves – they stop worrying about protecting you and focus on me and the process.

You’re welcome to stay for drop-off, we’ll go through what we’re doing, and then I’ll text when your dog is ready to head home.?