If you’re new to professional dog grooming or just moved to the Cheddar area, you might be wondering what actually happens during a grooming appointment. At Little & Large Paws, we believe every dog—from tiny terriers to gentle giants—deserves a stress-free, tailored grooming experience. Whether your pup needs their first trim or you’re looking for a new local groomer, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect when you visit our salon.
What Dog Grooming Services Are Available in Cheddar?
At Little & Large Paws, we offer a range of grooming services designed to suit every dog’s needs, coat type, and your preferences. Our most popular services include:
Full Groom – Our comprehensive service includes everything from bath to breed-specific styling. Your dog will receive a warm bath with premium shampoo selected for their coat type, a thorough blow-dry and brush-out, a haircut styled to your preference or breed standard, nail trimming, ear cleaning, paw pad and sanitary trims, and a finishing fragrance spray. It’s the complete package for dogs who need a full makeover.
Bath & Brush – Perfect for dogs who don’t need a haircut but could use some freshening up. This includes a bath with appropriate products for their coat, blow-dry, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and light tidying of paw pads and sanitary areas.
De-Shed Treatment – Ideal for double-coated breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies who shed heavily. This intensive treatment helps remove loose undercoat, leaving your home cleaner and your dog more comfortable.
Puppy Intro Groom – Designed specifically for puppies under 6 months, this gentle introduction to grooming uses positive reinforcement, quiet equipment, and plenty of breaks to help your puppy feel safe and build confidence for future visits.
Add-On Services – Sometimes your dog just needs a quick nail trim, ear cleaning, or teeth brushing. We offer these services individually, along with specialized treatments like flea and tick baths or medicated shampoos for sensitive skin.
You can find the full list of what’s included in each service on our Services page.
What Happens During Your Dog’s Grooming Appointment?
Understanding the grooming process can help ease any worries you might have about leaving your furry friend with us. Here’s what a typical appointment at Little & Large Paws looks like:
Drop-Off and Consultation
When you arrive at our salon in Cheddar, we’ll have a chat about your dog’s needs. We’ll ask about any health concerns, behavioral quirks, coat condition, and what style you’re hoping for. This is the perfect time to mention if your dog gets anxious, has sensitive areas, or has any preferences. We tailor every groom to suit your individual dog.
Health and Safety Check
Before we begin, we’ll do a quick check of your dog’s coat, skin, ears, and paws. This helps us spot any tangles, mats, skin issues, or areas that need extra care. If we notice anything concerning, we’ll let you know.
The Grooming Process
Depending on the service you’ve booked, your dog will go through various stages. For a full groom, this typically includes:
- A warm bath using shampoo and conditioner selected specifically for their coat and skin type
- A thorough blow-dry using a high-velocity dryer to remove excess water and fluff the coat
- Complete brush-out to remove any tangles and loose fur
- Haircut or styling based on breed standards or your preferences
- Nail trimming and filing for smooth, safe edges
- Ear cleaning (and plucking if needed for certain breeds)
- Paw pad trimming to remove excess fur between the pads
- Sanitary trim for hygiene
- A light spritz of fragrance spray as a finishing touch
Throughout the process, we use calm handling techniques and give breaks when needed, especially for anxious or older dogs. For puppies, we go extra slow and use positive reinforcement with treats and praise.
How Long Does It Take?
Most grooming appointments take between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, and temperament. A full groom for a large, heavily matted dog will naturally take longer than a bath and brush for a small, well-maintained pup. We’ll give you an estimated time at drop-off.
Pick-Up and Aftercare
When you collect your freshly groomed dog, we’ll let you know how they did and mention any concerns we noticed (like ear issues or skin irritation). We’re always happy to give you tips on maintaining their coat between appointments, too.
Preparing Your Dog for Their Grooming Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your dog has a positive grooming experience. Here’s what you can do:
Share Important Information
Let us know if your dog:
- Gets anxious or stressed around new people or loud noises
- Has any health conditions, injuries, or sensitive areas
- Has had a bad grooming experience in the past
- Dislikes specific parts of grooming (like nail trimming or having their face touched)
- Takes any medications
The more we know, the better we can tailor our approach to keep your dog comfortable.
Consider a Puppy Introduction
If your dog has never been professionally groomed, or if you have a puppy, our Puppy Intro Groom is designed to create a positive first experience. Early, gentle exposure to grooming helps prevent fear and anxiety in the future.
Brush Before You Come (If Possible)
If your dog is heavily matted, a quick brush at home can help, though we understand this isn’t always possible. Don’t worry if you can’t manage it—we’re experienced in dealing with tangles and mats safely.
Why Choose a Local Cheddar Dog Groomer?
When you choose Little & Large Paws, you’re not just getting professional grooming—you’re supporting a local, independent business that genuinely cares about your dog’s wellbeing. Here’s what makes choosing a local groomer in Cheddar beneficial:
Personal, Caring Service
Founded by Niamh, a lifelong dog lover with a passion for keeping pups happy and healthy, Little & Large Paws offers a friendly, stress-free environment. We get to know you and your dog personally, remember their preferences, and build trust over time.
Convenience
Located in the heart of Cheddar on Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, we’re easy to reach for regular appointments. No long drives or stressful journeys—just a quick trip to your local grooming salon.
Familiarity with Local Dogs
We work with dogs of all breeds and sizes commonly found in Somerset, from working breeds to family pets. We understand the specific needs of local dog owners and can recommend grooming schedules that suit the climate and lifestyle in this area.
Supporting Your Community
When you choose a local groomer, you’re investing in your community and helping a small business thrive. We’re grateful for every dog we get to pamper!
How Often Should Your Dog Be Groomed?
The frequency of grooming depends largely on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Here’s a general guide:
Long-Haired Breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus, Poodles, Cockapoos, Yorkshire Terriers)
Every 4-6 weeks for a full groom to prevent matting and keep their coat manageable.
Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies)
Every 8-12 weeks for a de-shed treatment, especially during shedding seasons in spring and autumn.
Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Beagles, Boxers, Staffies)
Every 8-12 weeks for a bath and brush to keep their coat healthy and remove loose fur.
Puppies
Start with gentle intro grooms every 6-8 weeks to get them comfortable with the process early on.
Signs Your Dog Needs Grooming:
- You can’t easily run a brush through their coat
- Their fur is visibly matted or tangled
- They’re scratching more than usual
- Their nails are clicking on hard floors
- You can see dirt or debris in their ears
- They’ve developed an odor despite regular baths at home
Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking good—it’s essential for their health and comfort, too.
Book Your Appointment Today
Whether your dog is due for their regular groom or you’re looking for a welcoming, professional groomer in Cheddar, Little & Large Paws is here to help. We work with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and personalities, and every pup is treated with the love and care they deserve.
Ready to book? Get in touch with us via our Contact page or give us a call on 07795 573361. We’re located at Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar BS27 3RP, and we look forward to meeting you and your furry friend!
Got questions? Check out our FAQ page for answers to common grooming queries.