The core step of a low-distraction environment is having one dog in the room at a time. This will help the dog focus on the groomer, and the tasks and funny noises, treats, and butt and belly rubs will grab the dog's attention, keep the dog still, and concentrate on grooming.

When there are no distractions and the dog is exercised, it is much easier to keep their attention on us, the care providers, and groom them off-leash/off-loop on the grooming table. Some prior training is necessary to introduce the table to the doodle and knowledge of "grooming table manners for dogs and humans" for the care provider to understand how their behavior influences the dog's and what makes them stay still or move along them.

When a dog gets overstimulated, Betty either takes a break or starts working on a different body part to ease the dog's worry. When necessary, the grooming gets split up. At any time the dog shows sensitivity signs (early or late), it is discussed with the pawrent at the time of the pickup or mid-grooming over the phone when necessary, and a new plan gets created to suit the need for comfort and to finish the trim in a timely manner.

Betty uses tools that are gentle on the coat and skin and are effective on mats. She uses long-pinned, sparse slicker brushes (Big K from Chris Christensen - not the coral Big G!), long-pinned, metal, coarse combs, human hair-dryer for puppies and for the face area to dry, and high-velocity blow-dryer only when the coat requires it and the dog is used to it. Betty does not use dematting rakes or dremels.

When it comes to picking a method or a strategy, the dog's comfort is taken into account, along with safety and efficiency. Betty does not use goatee grabs or chin grabs; instead, she uses the power of low distraction atmosphere, training, exercise, and a more respectful method, like the "C hold" on the muzzle for performing haircuts on the head safely.

Teaching pawrents to exercise their doodle before the spa day, helping them overcome training difficulties when getting used to grooming tools, etc., will provide significant help to have a cooperative doodle on the grooming table and at home for hair maintenance as well.

Before and after potty breaks are implemented in the care plan. Potty breaks are arranged as needed for longer appointments and provided at least hourly.

Betty uses the Earthbath brand to get the coat clean and smelling natural, to be shiny and get ease with brushing, and to keep the tangles away. Her preferred favorites are the Fragrance-free hypoallergenic shampoo and the Oatmeal-aloe conditioner. Earthbath products are animal cruelty-free and are free of soap, gluten, DEA, parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or phthalates.

Let it be summer or wintertime; nothing beats the hug of a warm towel after a shower. If only we had someone to warm it up for us, right? Doggies appreciate the cozy transition in a warm towel from the tub to the ground. The "after-bath rolls, rubs, and shake-shakes" have a special vibe when they are carried out on "warm clouds."

Betty removes ear hair with her fingers (no hemostats), and she uses new exam gloves on each ear to keep the ears safe and prevent bad bacteria from being transferred from one ear to the other and from one doggy to the other. (Using gloves for ear care might sound self-evident, but unfortunately, oftentimes, it is not the protocol salons advocate for or follow.)

Betty files doggy nails right after trimming to make them rounded and smooth. That way, we can avoid scratches on dogs and humans alike. Betty uses a dog nail file (she does not use nail grinders) to provide the most comfort for the dog and to give zero chance of tearing out the coat with the fast-working drum of a nail grinder machine.

Betty checks the anal glands, and when something is going on, she will tell the details, and you all together come up with a plan. Full anal glands are a symptom of an underlying cause. Just expressing the gland won't fix the root cause. Routine anal gland expressions do more harm than good, so Betty does checkups only and discussions for plans in case there are signs of issues with the anal sacs.

Cages are very confined spaces that Betty finds heartbreaking, especially for high-energy level dogs. She does not have any cages. Betty finds cage dryers straight-up cruel and endangering to dog lives. It is very hard to breathe in a setting like this; she tried it herself how it feels. Because of her unpleasant experience and since there are no cages, there won't be any cage drying at Betty's either.

If kids can get a haircut without pulling their ears to keep them still, so can dogs get a haircut without pulling on the hair on their chin or cheeks! Betty uses the power of training, exercise, a low-key atmosphere, and gentle methods like the C-hold to keep dogs safe and still for grooming.

When the groomer-doodle relationship is built on trust, the dog is trained and exercised. The environment is focused on eliminating distractions; grooming loops are only in the way of harmony.

It is incredibly hard to find products without harsh chemicals in them. Hair dyes are no exception. Betty does not see the benefit of hair dying or nail painting from the dog's perspective, plus she has yet to come across a product she finds safe without chemicals or vague language in the descriptions. Based on these, Betty does not offer hair-dying or nail painting services and passionately advocates for removing the products from the market.

Soft claws promise scratch-free furniture, yet they forget to advertise how it adversely impacts the dog's ability to wear off his/her nails. The quick will grow down with the nail way faster with the caps on, generating serious and constant discomfort for the dogs due to too long nails. There are other ways to rounded nails and keep furniture, corneas, and thighs safe from scratches. Betty does not offer soft claw services and passionately advocates for removing the product from the market.

ToeGrips get stuck by the thicker base of the nail when the dog walks on soft surfaces, and it keeps constant pressure on the toenail, preventing natural blood flow. Betty does not offer ToeGrip services and passionately advocates for removing the product from the market.

Based on the aforementioned safety issues with products, especially applicable to whitening and darkening shampoos, Betty does not offer using darkening or whitening products.

A dog's coat is for protection from the elements and for blending in with Mother Nature. A spa day's purpose is to care for that coat in a way that respect's the coat's purpose and keeps the dog comfortable for the spa day without adding purposeless tasks from the dog's perspective. Out of respect for the above, Betty does not offer designer haircuts.

Dog noses are incredibly sensitive to smells. Perfumes and colognes are unpleasant from the dog's perspective since they overstimulate one of their most valued senses. When a dog is healthy, they have a natural dog scent that Betty embraces and would like to inspire others to do so as well. Perfumes and colognes encourage dogs to roll in Mother Nature's camouflage as another reason to avoid them. Betty does not use perfumes or colognes; she makes dogs smell great after a spa day without them.

Bows create mats in the hair and oftentimes constant discomfort for the wearer due to the rubber band pulling on the hair and, as a result, on the skin. Betty does not offer bow services in her practice.

When it comes to teeth cleaning, doing it once will not do the trick. If you are looking for deep teeth cleaning, it needs to be done by a trained professional. Betty is offering neither general teeth cleaning nor deep teeth cleaning services.

Betty will give you a mat assessment in the form of a Doodle Mat Map. Betty will visually show you on paper drawing your doodle's coat quality after checking it. In case there brushable, they will be brushed out. If there are smaller bunches of tight mats close to the skin, they will be cut out and blended in, most likely not visible. In case there are enough tight patches of mats close to the skin that would alter the desired haircut, you will discuss ways to resolve it comfortably. If a short shave is needed, you will be notified about it before leaving your doodle with Betty, so you can get a second opinion. If you choose to go with the shortcut at Betty's, you will receive images and videos as proof of the assessment, so you will see this was the only humane option. You will also receive coat care handouts, so you will never need to see your doodle naked again!