Policies & FAQ - Grooming

Arrivals are currently scheduled for 7:30-8am, and 11:30am-12:00pm. We use specific times so that the groomer is there to check in the dogs personally.

Groom times vary greatly. You will receive a text message when your dog is finished. He/she must be picked up within 45 minutes of that text. If that's not possible, we offer "Spa Days" so they can stay and play.

A deposit of 50% of your estimate is due at the time of placing a grooming appointment. Appointments must be cancelled a minimum of 48 hours in advance or the deposit will be forfeited (except in the case of an emergency). If you cancel with at least 48 hours notice, the deposit will be refunded.

Prices will vary depending on the dog's size, coat type and condition, and temperament. Prices are subject to change at any time.

Your visit to our Lodge should be a great experience for you and your pup. We will always strive to make you happy with our service. If we ever miss the mark, please let us know within 2 days so that we can fix our shortcoming.

Yes, however unaltered females will not be allowed to groom while in heat.

It depends on how aggressive they are. If we feel that we cannot safely groom them, or we are causing them too much stress, we will discuss other options with you. Please note: We charge an extra fee for "difficult dogs".

Stop by with your dog any time our groomer is in (call to make sure). Or, you may call and she can give you a price range over the phone.

For first time clients, you must fill out our "new client info", send in your dog's vaccines, and then call to book your first appointment.

For existing clients, you may email the groomer directly at groom@dogwoodslodge.com to request an appointment time. Or, you can call (515) 986-7387.

Most short-haired dogs and smooth, long-haired dogs: Slicker brush
Most double-coated dogs: Slicker brush plus a rake to get the undercoat
Most doodles: slicker brush with long tines for the body, plus a comb to get the facial fur

Depends on many factors including how quickly your dog mats, how short you want to keep the hair, how quickly your dog starts stinking, how often you brush them at home, etc. The average for a hair cut is every 6-9 weeks.

Depends on how quickly your dog starts smelling/looking bad or how often they roll in dead stuff! You can have them bathed up to once/week, if using a gentle shampoo, but usually that is not needed. The general recommendation is once/month.

It depends! As often as is needed to keep your dog’s coat from matting. Some doodles and mountain breeds need daily or weekly brushing to prevent mats in problem areas. Most short coated dogs never need to be brushed (although it can be helpful for shedding).

Deshedding treatments include a blow out (high powered blower to blast excess fur out) and specialty brushing (different tools are used for different coats to grab excess fur). They are great for any dog who sheds regularly, but especially double-coated breeds who shed so much, you can’t keep up with the vacuuming!

No. It simply gets the CURRENT excess fur out—so, the fur lands in our grooming room, and not on your floor. The more often you do them, the less fur there will be to drop in your house.

It takes a LOT more time to dry, de-mat, and brush a double coat compared to a single coat. Think Husky vs Lab. A lab can be blow dried in a matter of minutes, where a really thick husky could take an hour.