Dog Behaviour Clinic

Mr. Murphy's spa day

Murphy has long fur and it is important to avoid matts and tangles for his health and wellbeing. During the winter months it can get very dirty and tangled so we took Mr. Murphy off for his very first spa day!

As with all things, it was important to find a force free groomer who understands dogs needs. Grooming, bathing and interactions should always be choice led. Force is just going to compound problems later on.

We were so lucky to find TLC Grooming who really do understand dogs and make every consideration for them possible. They have custom built facilities that support those dogs who are either too large for a bath or need a helping hand due to a physical impairment or even have anxiety.

We headed off from the kennels on our short road trip. When we arrived, Murphy was able to wander off lead round the enclosed garden to sniff, pee and do any other important jobs!

Due to his long thick coat, Murphy needed quite a lot of brushing but when he needed a break he was able to move away. Of course, after short while he came back for some more.

Then time for his shower. The facilities allows dogs to walk in - no lifting and no restraining - dogs can just walk in to the shower area in their own time.

After his shower, shampoo and massage and rinse, time for a good shake off - Mr. Murphy does like to share! Plenty of treats and liver paste were available. He then enjoyed a nice towel dry.

Many dogs can be afraid of blast dryers and blowers so we took our time with him. Murphy watched me being blasted by the dryer and then I moved closer to him, eventually standing just in front so he got the benefit too. Before long, he was happy to have the dryer on him.

Next an ear clean, a trim of the long fur underneath to help keep him cleaner and time to remove a couple of matts behind his ears and another brush all over.

Murphy decided it was time for a snooze and roll around while having the blast dryer pointed towards him.