Why should
I wash my dog at a dog wash?
This is probably the most-asked question, and we always
hear it from folks who have never used a self serve dog wash before.
The reason? Because once you try it, you'll be hooked. Let's
count off the benefits..... 1) less stress for your dog, 2) no mess for
you to clean at home, 3) less expensive than paying someone else to do it,
4) no supplies to buy, 5) one quick stop, rather than two trips to a
groomer, 6) no appointment necessary, 7) no aching back and sore knees
from your bathroom tub, 8) spending quality time with your 4-legged friend,
9) no more hair-clogged drains or backed-up septic tanks at home, 10)
quality time with other family members, 11) teaches children about
responsible pet ownership, 12) professional facilities make
the job easier, and finally, because it's
FUN. Oh yeah, and we are the ONLY Tehachapi
dog shop open on Sunday when you're on your way home from the
beach, camping, the river, or grandma's farm with a stinky dog!
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When is
the best time to visit so I don't have to wait?
We usually have the most bathing traffic from 10am to Noon during the week, and
all day on the weekends. The slowest times are generally mid-day,
particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. However, as we have four tubs
and two grooming tables, a long wait is unlikely at any time. If you
have the ability to come during the week, its best to avoid Saturday and
Sunday,
which can be rather hectic at times. We also tend to be quite
busy the week before any major holiday. While we don't hold tubs by
reservation, you can call in advance to see how busy we are before you
come in. Our number is (661) 822-0307.
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What is the
Clean Dog Club, and how does it work?
The Clean Dog Club is a frequent bathers reward system. After
every 9th paid bath, you'll receive your 10th bath free. The number
of baths is counted on a per FAMILY basis (not per dog), so every visit
counts towards the total, regardless of which dirty dog gets washed.
We keep track of your baths, so you don't have to worry about having a
punch card, accumulating receipts, or anything along those lines. If
we forget to ask your name upon check-out, please remind us that you have
a card on file, so you receive credit for that visit.
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I've never washed
my own dog. Can you help me?
We are happy to offer advice and bathing suggestions, but we do not
provide full-service bathing at this time (maybe some day soon!). If
you do not think self-serve will work for you, we are happy to provide
recommendations to a full-service groomer.
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My dog is
aggressive. Is he welcome at your shop?
In most cases, yes, but under certain conditions. If your dog
exhibits the tendency to bite we may require you to
muzzle him, or make a special appointment outside normal business hours.
Please contact us to discuss the situation prior to bringing your dog into
the shop.
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Can I leave
my dog at the shop while I run errands?
Unfortunately, no. Our business insurance is similar to that of a
retail pet store, and we are not covered for "care, custody and control"
as a full-service grooming shop would be. Therefore, your dogs must
be with you, and in your control, at all times -- they cannot be left in
the shop unattended for any period of time.
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How do I get my
big dog into your raised tubs?
We offer metal steps and a rubberized ramp to help get large dogs up into
the tubs. Generally speaking, a dog that balks at one will usually
be OK with the other. If your dog won't go for either the ramp or the steps, we are happy to
assist with a lift into the tub, provided it is safe for everyone involved
to do so. Please note, however, that we do not require our staff to
handle customer's dogs... assisting with lifts is completely at their
discretion, if they feel safe and comfortable handling your particular
dog.
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Do you
allow animals other than dogs?
Yes, but usually not during normal business hours. Most small domestic pets,
such as cats, ferrets, rabbits, etc are welcome, but please call the shop
first to check if your pet type is allowed, and if the "coast is clear". Advance appointments are
REQUIRED for animals other
than dogs in order to keep the peace, and make the shop safe for all
visitors.
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Can I bring my
own supplies?
Yes. We have all the supplies you'll need
to get your dog clean, but you are free to bring along anything you'd like
from home. Please note, however, that we do not discount the fees if
you bring your own supplies.
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Why isn't
the water hot? Can I adjust the temperature?
The temperature is set at our water heater, and re-circulated to the
tubs by an electric pump, to keep it at a constant level. Because
dogs tend to overheat when they are nervous (is Fido panting?), the
lukewarm water may seem a bit cool to you, but it will be more comfortable
for your dog. As all four tubs are on the same system, the water
temperature cannot be adjusted individually. Using this automated
temperature system is safer, as it prevents owners from inadvertently
burning their dogs (or themselves), with water that is too hot.
Generally speaking, we keep the water temperature a bit higher in winter,
and cooler during warm weather months.
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The
shampoo doesn't lather much. Is it getting my dog clean?
Yes! The professional grooming shampoos we use are specifically
formulated for dogs and cats. They are PH balanced for pet's skin (which is
different from ours), deep clean without
drying out the coat, are safe for puppies and kittens, and contain no harsh additives that build up. They do not lather like human shampoo, nor do they need
to. Lather is nothing more than air bubbles, and bubbles don't get
the dog clean..... the shampoo ingredients do. And, don't worry....
we'll supply you with as much shampoo as you feel you need to get the job
done. We don't want anyone leaving dirty! Want to know more?
Read this book excerpt by David A. Grass,
author of "Start Your Own Self Serve Dog Wash".
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Will
you clip my dog's toenails for me?
We don't offer this service, but we do have nail clippers available for
your use in the shop, and we also sell them in two sizes for home use.
If you don't know how to cut your pet's nails, or prefer not to do it
yourself, we suggest you take him to a full service groomer or a
veterinarian. As of January 2006, we began offering a monthly
in-store shot and nail trimming clinic, which is held on the first
Saturday of each month. See the
Shop News
page for current information on our clinic schedule.
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How does the dryer
work?
Our 2-speed dryers are made especially for pets. They offer a
high-velocity, forced air stream that literally "blasts" the
water out of
the dog's coat.
They have no heating element so they
dry even heavy-coated dogs without drying out the coat or skin. The
dryer output is approximately 60 degrees above room temperature, so the
temperature will vary slightly during the day, and will run warmer
when the dryer has been used for prolonged periods of time. Because of the noise
level and high velocity of the airstream, the dryer nozzle should never
be pointed directly at the dog's eyes or ears.... a towel is best used on
these sensitive areas.
Want to know more?
Read this book excerpt by David A. Grass,
author of "Start Your Own Self Serve Dog Wash".
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What if my dog is afraid
of the dryer?
Most dogs don't particularly like the dryer, but are willing to
tolerate the process if you are gentle and encourage them to be calm.
Dogs that are noise sensitive can usually be calmed by putting cotton
balls in their ears to muffled the sound of the dryer. We have some on hand, so please ask if you need them. If you don't want to use the dryers, we are happy to supply all the clean
fluffy towels you need to get the job done, but the dryer is definitely
quicker and more efficient.
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There is water on
the floor. What should I do?
Notify a staff member as soon as possible, and we will mop
up for you. Please do not use the white pet towels on the floor, as
the concrete paint can stain them. If your dog is hanging his head
or legs over the side of the tub (the most frequent reason for a flood)
the tub tie-down you are using is probably too long. Ask a staff
member for a shorter one -- they are available in two sizes.
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Need assistance?