Dog Grooming - Experience Exceptional Care with Emily
Emily Stephens has been training animals and handling dogs since 8 years old! And it shows. Her clients become family and they wouldn’t have anyone else groom their beloved furry companions. She has a special way about her because she spent a great deal of time figuring out how best to motivate and properly discipline different personalities in dogs, cats, and even horses. With her extensive experience studying veterinary medicine, handling rescues, working in doggie daycares, and being around dogs with anxiety and aggression issues, she can maneuver through the varying needs of her doggie clients. She can also help pet parents set boundaries and deal with less-than-ideal behaviors. Emily’s relationships with her four- and two-legged customers lasts for years. She takes special care to ensure she gives back to animals.
Because of her popularity as a skilled groomer and stylist, plus the loyalty of her patrons, her calendar fills fast. Book soon!
Bonus! - Discounts are offered to Dog Dayz daycare and boarding pets!
Emily Stephens
CERTIFIED PET STYLIST - “Before Dog Dayz, as a dog daycare leader, I was told so many horror stories about mistreatment when it came to getting their pet groomed. After some research on dog grooming, I saw an opening to become a professional bather and pet stylist-in-training. Many of my clients wanted to help their pet and have been very open and receptive to any ideas I had about what may help. It feels good being able to show our fur babies that grooming doesn’t have to be a bad experience. I really love creating a positive atmosphere for the pets. It can be so much fun and I can help the pet have a healthier life, free of matts and grease!”
What to Expect
I believe in doing the absolute best that I can for every pet that comes into my care. If the pet allows it, I start by blowing out the coat, getting rid of excess hair and dander, and separating the coat so the shampoo can do its work. If any mats cannot be worked out due to tightness or cooperation, I shave them out before the bath.* I always try to make a plan with pet parents to prevent any future matting.
Next, I provide a luxury bath in Hempz, Chi, or Earthbath shampoo. If your pet is blowing their coat or shedding a lot, I use Furminator shampoo and conditioner to release that coat! I soap every single part of the dog, twice if I find that they still feel dirty. It is incredibly important to make sure all the shampoo and conditioner (if added on) gets washed out or the pet will be itchy or can have hotspots.
Finishing Touches
I fully brush out every tangle and make sure I got shedding under control. I try to get the nails trimmed as short as possible where the dog allows and I include nail grinding in every bath service! Nail grinding is essentially an electric nail file that helps bring the nail shorter than a standard nail trim and rounds out the edges. If used correctly, it is completely painless but can be a bit scary at first because of the sound it makes and the vibration on the nail. I will shave the sanitary areas, paw pads, and trim the hair around the feet to give it a nice uniform finish.
Next - Drying
The drying process can be difficult, it’s loud and scary for our timid friends. I will try to help the dog understand that it’s safe and they can trust me. They will often be scared around the face and the ears because, if used improperly, it can go into their ears or up their nose, which doesn’t feel great! I take extra caution around those areas by closing the ear or blocking the zone with my free hand. If the velocity dryer is too scary, I use wraps around their ears to reduce the volume, different nozzles, and power levels. If all else fails, I will use a brush dryer or light air kennel dryer for anyone too nervous! If you find your pet is butt-scootching a lot, I can also do an external anal gland expression. This is not necessary if your dog isn’t experiencing any problems as they should be expressing themselves every time they poop.
If the pet is getting a haircut, I make sure all my blades and equipment are sanitized before each cut. I love to do fun styles and will work around what the parent has asked. I have a lot of experience working with dogs that are aggressive or just don’t like the haircut portion of the service. Every dog is an individual with their own history so I lead with empathy and compassion. If a dog is struggling with letting me do any part of the service, I take the time to build trust over what I am asking them to do. I will not praise a dog over trying to bite but I will not traumatize them over it. Over time, the aggression will dissipate and the trust will form.
I also offer hair coloring! It does take significantly longer for semi-permanent hair dye. I also have washable hair dye with blow paint and stencils! Great for short-haired dogs that want a pop of something fun! I can also do nail polish!
