The Gentle Dog Groomer is a quiet home salon in Birdwood Heights, Swanson, where one dog is groomed at a time and the owner gives each dog full attention. It is aimed at nervous dogs and puppies. The owner says fast-paced salons can mean rough handling, so each dog is groomed at its own pace and given time to learn to trust. The owner has more than ten years of grooming experience. Services are a Pamper Me+ full groom, a full groom with bath, dry, haircut, nails, face wash, teeth clean and paw pad oil, a mini groom with bath, dry, brush, tidy of face, underarms, feet and a nail trim, and a bath, dry and natural tidy. Prices start from a base that depends on coat, length and condition. Large or long-haired dogs need an early afternoon slot.
Customers describe the groomer as gentle, patient and calm with nervous dogs. Several say their dogs came home looking and feeling better, including one timid dog that ended up giving kisses. Haircuts and nail trims get praise, and owners like the text updates during the groom. One owner whose spaniel has had ear problems said they are always confident their dog is in good hands. Directions are posted from Swanson, Massey, Green Bay, Henderson, Glen Eden and New Lynn. Our pick in West Auckland for a nervous dog that needs a patient hand.