VIP Dog

16/06/2025

G'day everyone!

Just a heads up, this is a bit of a long post but it's an important one that impacts all clients, so please take a moment to read it.

Just wanted to pop on here and share a bit of an update from VIP Dog Grooming. On a personal note, I've found I need to step back a little to provide support for both my mum and my Aunty. I love them both dearly, and I really want to be there for them at this time. ❤️

What this means is I've had to reduce my capacity here at the salon. Spots are getting super precious now, even though it's usually my quietest time of year. I'm actually already fully booked for the next few weeks!

To make sure I can still look after all you fur parents and protect your rebooked spots, I've made another little change to the online booking portal. From now on, it'll only allow you to book up to four weeks in advance. 🗓️ This means it'll show any last-minute cancellations, rescheduled appointments, as well as any unbooked spots within that four-week timeframe. Here’s a really important heads-up about that: if you jump online and try to book and I'm fully booked for those next four four weeks, the system will now default to showing 'NO AVAILABILITY'. Don't let that throw you, hey? That just means I'm booked out for the next four weeks. This change is actually to protect my loyal clients who rebook on those 4, 6, or 8-weekly cycles, and especially those who rebook right at checkout.

I'm sure you all understand that this really rewards my clients, most of whom have been with me since I opened. I've forged such strong relationships with their dog or dogs, and with the clients themselves – many of whom I class as friends. 🐾 That's a privilege few businesses get, and these changes are genuinely being introduced to protect them.

I know some people will be disappointed with these changes, and for that, I'm truly sorry. But I do have some good news! A new Petstock Pet store will be opening right next to Bunnings hopefully this year, and I've confirmed they will be offering Dog Grooming services. 🎉 I'm so happy there will be more grooming professionals entering the market. Petstock does ensure their grooming is a good standard, and staff complete regular training to maintain their standards.

The best way to guarantee your dog's spot going forward, and make sure you don't miss out, is to rebook for your next groom when you collect your pup on the day I've finished grooming them. And just so you know, I do offer the option to rebook your grooming schedule for up to 6 or 12 months in advance, whatever works for you, and many of my existing clients already do that, so we can lock in your next visits then and there, and you'll always have your spot secured. And a big heads-up for my existing clients who are already on those 4, 6, or 8-weekly cycles: I've already booked your future appointments, so you don't have to worry about these changes!

I really appreciate your understanding and support while I navigate this change. Looking after your furry family members means the world to me, and I'm doing my best to keep providing the best possible care within my new schedule.

Thanks heaps for all your kindness! 😊

Cheers,
Gil
VIP Dog Grooming

22/05/2025

I've met so many beautiful new owners this week with canines to match. Thank you for bringing sunshine into my life ❤

16/05/2025

A big welcome to all the new pups and some thoughts on their amazing journey!

Hey everyone at VIP DOG,

So many new puppies have arrived this year! In fact, it's probably the most new puppies I've ever had the pleasure of being clients at VIP DOG since my arrival in Bundaberg. I'm so proud of these new fur parents doing their homework and finding the best start for their pups' grooming requirements. Being a fear-free salon, I know the importance of introducing a puppy to grooming and the lifelong impact I make from day one to ensure your puppy has the best experience possible, and I know I do it by how happy the pups are when they leave. Well done to all those new parents, and I wish you all the best with your new companion and lifelong friend!

Getting a puppy is such an exciting time, and understanding their developmental stages is important so you can set them up with the right training, support, exposure, and socialisation at each phase. These stages have a huge influence on shaping a pup's long-term behaviour, especially when it comes to handling stress, fear, and new experiences. The long-term goal of having a ‘well-rounded’ adult dog is to recognise and understand the fear periods puppies go through, and how these can impact their overall development and emotional well-being.

Let's take a peek at their incredible journey through these early months:

Juvenile Period (+- 3–6 Months): Also known as the 'terrible teens' (ha!), they get more independent and curious. Motor skills are better, and they're cementing those behaviours they've learned. They're still developing emotionally though, so keeping up the socialisation and positive training is super important. [2] Some pups might have a second, usually shorter, fear period here, around 4–6 months. They can get a bit wary of new people or places again. Managing experiences carefully is still key to stop long-term fears setting in. [2]

How to Support Your Puppy Through Fear Periods: It can seem a bit daunting, but with the right help from a force-free, positive reinforcement trainer, pups can get through these stages and become confident, emotionally mature adults over time.

You can help heaps by providing a good diet, consistent and predictable environment management, and gentle, positive exposure to new things. This helps them form happy associations and develop calmer ways of reacting.

To wrap up this rather long post, here are some quick tips for managing those fear periods:
Reward the good stuff! Whenever you see your puppy being calm or brave, reward that behaviour!
DO NOT punish fear! This is super important. Punishing a fearful response will only make things worse and damage trust. Remember, a puppy's behaviour isn't them being naughty; it's usually just their natural reaction, often from being overwhelmed or confused.

Introduce new things slowly. Don't flood them with new experiences. Keep interactions positive and manageable so they don't become overwhelmed.
Remember it's temporary. Fear periods pass. Stay calm yourself, be patient, and never force your puppy into situations that genuinely scare them.

I truly hope this helps you understand fear periods and your wonderful puppy (or even adult dog) a bit better. Please reach out if you need expert guidance.

14/05/2025

And you all wonder why I'm single😆

If you would rather hug your pet than talk to your partner after a stressful day, then you're not alone, with more than half of pet owners saying they prefer to spend time with their pet when they’re feeling stressed.

13/05/2025

Right, you know, for me here at VIP DOG, grooming isn't just some way to earn a buck... it's heaps more than that!

Honestly, it's a proper labour of love, packed with so much joy but yeah, sometimes a bit of heartache too. When you drop your furry family member off, and then pick them up later, looking and feeling a million bucks – clean, fluffy, and stoked – you might not see everything that went on behind the scenes in those few hours.

Picture this: my day kicks off, and maybe there's a little one who's absolutely petrified – shaking like a leaf, maybe a little grumble, or trying to become best mates with the underside of the grooming table. My first job is always to stay calm, speak softly, and move super slowly, just to help them feel a bit safer. Believe me, it takes a bit not to get nervous yourself when a dog's scared or feeling a bit bitey. And seeing a dog that anxious... it honestly breaks your heart a little when you can't just scoop them up for a big cuddle straight away.

Then there are those moments, in amongst the shampoo and brushing, when you feel something or see something that just doesn't seem right – a little lump that wasn't there last time, a patch of skin that's red and sore, or an ear that's a bit whiffy. Your heart sinks a bit, and you're already thinking about the best way to tell you, hoping you won't be worried or think it was something I did. In those moments, it's not about making them look pretty anymore; it's all about caring for their overall well-being and hoping you trust that I've got your dog's best interests at heart.

And yep, there are times you have to shave off a really matted coat right down to the skin to finally give a dog some relief from being uncomfortable. You always worry that you might disappoint their human, or they might be upset about how they look. As a groomer who loves these dogs, you never want to let anyone down. You know how much you adore your dog, and all I ever want is for them to feel comfy and well cared for while they're with me.

But then... oh boy, there's just nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a dog walk in looking a bit dishevelled and then bouncing out looking like they've just stepped out of a five-star doggy spa! That tail wagging a million miles an hour as they see you? That's not just a highlight, mate, that's what it's all about!

And the regulars... the ones who might have been a bit timid at first but now their whole body wiggles with happiness as soon as they hit the door. The shy ones who slowly, slowly start to trust you because you've been patient and gentle every single time. Those little victories, building that bond... they honestly mean the absolute world.

Most of us groomers probably don't talk enough about the days we go home absolutely knackered – and not just the physical tired, but the emotional tired too. You've spent hours focusing purely on making an anxious dog feel safe, or maybe you've been worrying quietly about that skin patch you found. You learn to smile and stay calm through the stress of a challenging groom, always remembering it's not the dog's fault they're scared or uncomfortable.

Yeah, sometimes when clients don't quite understand why a groom took a bit longer than expected, or why a coat had to be clipped shorter than planned, it does sting a bit. As the groomer, you know deep down you've made the call that's best for the dog's comfort and safety, but it can feel a bit disheartening when that expertise and care are questioned. You pour so much love and effort into every single groom, and honestly, you just hope that translates and that owners know you're always acting in their dog's very best interest.

But for every tough day or worrying moment, there's always something truly special – a dog snuggling right into your arms after a big bath, a lovely message from a grateful owner who noticed the care you took, or that nervous little soul who finally relaxes enough to trust you completely during a trim.

At the end of the day, why do I do it? Simple. I absolutely love dogs. Every single one. I genuinely care so deeply about the well-being of every dog that walks through the door here at VIP DOG, and I take so much pride in making them feel good, not just look good.

Working with your amazing dogs has honestly changed my life in ways I can't even properly explain. Their trust, their joy, their funny personalities... they are the absolute reason I get up every single day, and I'm just so incredibly grateful that this is what I get to do. Thank you.❤

30/04/2025

G'day Bundaberg dog lovers! 👋

Let's chat about something that can make our furry mates pretty uncomfortable: environmental allergies! 🤧

Just like us, dogs can react to all sorts of things in their surroundings – think dust mites, moulds, and even bits from grasses and plants. These can cause their skin to get irritated or itchy.

Keep an eye out for signs like:

🐾 Lots of scratching or licking (especially paws!)
🐾 Red, raw-looking skin (often on their tummy, armpits, or ears)
🐾 Rubbing their face or body on the carpet or furniture

For most dogs, it's just annoying, but sometimes these allergies can be quite severe and really bother them.

If you notice your pup showing these signs, it's a good idea to have a chat with your vet. Keeping up with regular grooming can also help wash away some of those pesky allergens from their coat! 😉

Stay comfy and itch-free,
VIP Dog TV

20/04/2025

A big hello to all the wonderful new puppy owners who've joined our VIPDOGTV family over the last few months! It's been such a joy welcoming you and your adorable little ones.

For those who don't know me yet, I've been immersed in the animal world for over 20 years now. My journey has taken me from being a Ranger at a Local Council, to a Brand Manager for Hills Pet Nutrition (a part of Colgate Palmolive – and yes, I might have been a bit brainwashed about dry food back then, more on that story another time!), and finally to my true passion: dog grooming. It truly is the love of my life, in a way!

Does anyone else still get that overwhelming, heart-bursting feeling of pure, innocent love when a new puppy comes into their lives? It's like a little bit of magic, isn't it? Our world shifts, filled with so many hopes and dreams for these tiny new family members. But with that joy comes a big responsibility – to give our puppies the best start so they can grow, learn, and feel confident in our ever-changing homes and lives.

That's why introducing your puppy to grooming early on with a gentle routine is so important. Think of it like their first day of school, with all the new experiences and challenges. We guide them step by step until it simply becomes a normal part of their world. I always tell my clients, let's get them feeling safe and happy with grooming first. Then, we can work on giving you the skills to groom at home. But those early experiences in a safe, loving, and guiding environment are key.

A puppy looks to their humans for everything. They learn to predict what we're going to do based on routine, so they can please us and respond in the way we want. All dogs do this! If you're about to do something familiar, chances are your clever pup already knows and is ready to react. It's built right into them, almost like a part of their DNA, this incredible desire to connect with and please us, developed over thousands of years. The same goes for grooming. Slowly, and just like children, every puppy is different, but eventually, grooming becomes a normal part of their life, something they accept. Giving them the best start makes all the difference.

A heartfelt thank you to all the gorgeous new puppies who are bringing so much joy into my salon!

On a different note, I wanted to share a fantastic, free, and independent Australian news source called 'The Conversation'

📰 Great Aussie News for Puppy Parents! Check it out here: ✨ https://theconversation.com/au.

They have a really informative article out today that I think many new puppy owners might find helpful.

About The Conversation: This is a not-for-profit news website where academics and journalists collaborate to create easy-to-understand, evidence-based articles on a wide range of topics. Their aim is to inform public debate with trusted knowledge, free from commercial or political bias. All their content is free to read and republish under Creative Commons.

I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday, just like I have, snuggled up with my furry family and the comfy recliner!

❤
Gil

21/03/2025

The salon door swung open, and in shuffled Pip 🐾, a senior black poodle girl with a cloud of wiry curls and a surprisingly powerful set of lungs 📢. Her human, a kind-faced lady with a warm smile 😊 and a sensible cardigan that just screamed Country Women's Association ☕, trailed behind, a sheepish grin on her face. "She does this every time," she chuckled, in a voice that carried the gentle lilt of the countryside 🌾, "the whole neighbourhood knows when Pip's coming for a groom! Screaming the whole way here, and the same on the way home 🚗💨. Poor thing!" Pip, despite her age, still managed to reach decibels fit for a girl half her age 🎶, even if her legs were a bit wobbly 👵.

As a dog groomer, I've seen my fair share of canine personalities 🐶. Some are shy and reserved, others are stoic and dignified. But Pip? Pip was a seasoned diva 👑, a symphony of dignified grumbles 🐾, and the odd surprisingly loud bark 🗣️. Her human, a regular client 💖, would often recount the saga of their journey to the salon. "Screaming the whole way here," she'd say, with a patient smile 😊, "and the same on the way home. Poor thing!" But despite the theatrics, Pip always left with a happy, if slightly arthritic prance 💃.

And that's the beauty of dogs, isn't it? They're all so different, each with their own unique quirks and personalities 🌟. Some might be the picture of canine composure 🧘, while others, like Pip, are a seasoned veteran of the salon, making sure her presence is known! But one thing's for sure: we humans wouldn't have it any other way 🥰.

Want to see how I handle Pip's senior poodle sass and grooming antics? Watch the arrival and my live today video to find out! 🎬✨

21/03/2025

🐶 Humanity Over Vanity 🐶

In this video, I share my passion for providing a stress-free and humane grooming experience for every dog. I believe that a dog's comfort and well-being should always come first, even if it means sacrificing a perfectly styled haircut. Watch as I explain why I prioritize humanity over vanity in my grooming practice.

I hope this helps!

18/03/2025

Alright, so you lot are lining up for your spa day, yeah? Look at these fluff balls! Meanwhile, everyone else is at work, dealing with Karen from accounts or Steve from sales... I'm here, having deep and meaningfuls with a Shih Tzu about whose turn it is for a groom. Honestly, I reckon I've got the better end of the stick. Who's arguing about spreadsheets when you could be discussing the merits of a perfect paw-dicure? Just sayin'

10/03/2025

They're just dogs, right? But honestly, they've been more than that. Through some of those days when things felt pretty heavy, just having a furry mate around made a difference. No judgement, just a warm presence and a nudge for a walk, even when you didn't feel like it. It's those little things that can pull you through. If you're struggling, you're not alone, and sometimes, a dog's company is the best kind of support.