Mad-Dog Tail Waggers

08/20/2024

We sent out an email to all of our clients about price changes. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DIDNT RECEIVE IT!! We have a good number of files that don’t have a valid email linked to them.

08/19/2024

To our clients (both with and without a tail)...

As a small town business, our goal is to not only keep our clients and customers happy, but to be as transparent with them as we can. We have no secrets to keep and truly feel that being transparent with everyone has helped create amazing relationships. We also feel it'll be what continues to create relationships with new clients as well. With that being said...

This is a post that we tried to hold off as long as possible, but unfortunately the time has come. We either have to close our doors or change our prices and NO part of me wants to do the first option. With this being said, THERE WILL BE A PRICE CHANGE SEPTEMBER 1ST.

In the past 12 months, the main shampoo we use has gone up 10 DOLLARS- that's ridiculous! And trust me when I say we hate it as much as you do. Unfortunately it's not the only product that has gone up in price. The spray detangler that we offer in the shop has gone from $12 to $30 since we opened in 2022. When talking to another groomer, she said that the shedding shampoo we use was $20 a bottle when she opened and now it's $65!🤯

We use a wide variety of products in the shop to accomodate to the wide range of pets we get in. We firmly believe that using quality products is what allows us to produce the work that we do so we refuse to change to lower quality products.

Over the past year or so, we've also been seeing trends among the dogs we get in, the quality they come in, and how much time they take us to complete from start to finish. With this being said, along with a price change, we are also going to be changing our weight ranges as well.

On a more exciting note, we are also offer a NEW SERVICE! Pet friendly hair dye!! We have hair chalk for a temporary splash of color, or a semi-permanent dye that last longer.

If you have ANY questions as at, please reach out to us. We are more than happy to help you in any way we can!

As always, thank you for your endless support. We can't wait keep those tails wagging!

-MDTW staff🩵

08/18/2024

Madison’s Groomer Growth!!

Meet Marley:)

Marley is near and dear to my heart. She’s been coming to us since opening the shop in 2022 and now comes in every 3 weeks!

It’s CRAZY to be able to look back and see the changes both in Marley as she ages, but in myself as a groomer. Comparing my skills from then to now is mind blowing. While grooming day-to-day you don’t see the changes in your skills until doing comparisons like this. Maybe I need to be humbled, but I have a feeling Marley is going to be even cuter in a few more years👀

08/16/2024

08/14/2024

Let's talk about Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS)!!

Most pets require routine grooming and even if it's not for a haircut, they still need the occasional bath and nail trim. I would say a good 50-75% of the animals that we get through our doors currently has or has formally dealt with FAS. This is EXACTLY why we take pride in providing the most stress-free environment that we can.

Dogs can sense EVERY emotion that not only other dogs are feeling, but people as well. If you, or even us as the groomers, have any sense of nervousness or anxiety about being in the shop, the animals are going to reciprocate that emotion and potentially multiply it due to not understanding what's going to happen while they're here. Due to this, we constantly tell our owners to fake it until you make it. Think of it as teaching a kid to jump off the diving board. You have to fake being confident until it actually happens. Don't let them see (or sense) any fear. This is also why we have the disruptive pet policy. Our FAS clients have enough demons on their shoulder. They don't need the stress of a barking dog waiting to go home to add to the situation. Many of our FAS clients do best in quiet environments where we can solely focus on one another. They can't trust us if we can't trust them. And let me tell you.. non-stop barking is far from a calming noise.

On the contrary, some pets just naturally have their own FAS emotions. Wether it be from traumatic past experiences or just the short straw drawn when it came to the DNA they were given. These are the animals that we end up having to go the extra mile with to show that grooming isn't a scary thing. It isn't fair to them, or us, to have a routine experience continually be dreaded and feared.

How YOU can help your pet overcome FAS:
- Stimulation! If you tire their brains out, you're having them put their energy into something enjoyable rather than the anxiety itself. Try filling and freezing kong toys, Toppls, and lick mats. Invest in long lasting chews. Remember that you get the quality you purchase. The $5 bones aren't going to last near as long as the $20 bones. Try sprinkling their kibble into a towel then rolling it up and twisting it into a knot. ANYTHING to give their brain a workout.
- Socialization! Letting them meet other people and pets, hearing new sounds, and seeing new sights will help them learn that the world isn't as scary as it might seem when stuck within the same 4 walls of the house or backyard fence.
- Thunder shirts/jackets! Just like with people, compression helps relieve anxiety! Utilizing a thunder shirt it a great tool when working through different aspects of your pet's routine that seems to be a little more stressful for them.
- Animal friendly CBD! It's exactly what it sounds like and it's AMAZING. It can take a little bit of trial and error to figure out the dosage that works best for your pet, but man is it a game changer! It comes in treat, powder, and liquid drops. HOWEVER... some pets don't do well on oral calming agents. Their brain knows it's working against them and they fight back causing them to actually do the opposite of what it's intended to do. Always start with a low dose and work your way up.

**Attached is a photo of our sweet girl Heidi. She is currently working through some PTSD that came from a past groomer. On clients like this, we call it a win when they show progress on overcoming what scares them, not if it's a picture perfect groom.

08/13/2024

Just a reminder that Madison will be gone the end of this week for an educational grooming conference in Chicago! Kiley will still be in the shop, but due to manning the fort by herself, responding to calls and messages may be delayed!

07/25/2024

We are in the LAST 48 HOURS of voting!!

You know the drill🫡🫶🏼

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?_gl=1*j5ht3x*_ga*MTE4OTc3NTYxOS4xNzIwNDc5NDU0*_ga_3JT8X8HFGD*MTcyMDkwNjk4Mi4xOC4xLjE3MjA5MDY5OTQuMC4wLjE0MzczMzE2NjU.

07/22/2024

Just another reminder that the shop is closed this week!! These are the current views of our groomers- taking some much needed family time!

Please feel free to message our shop number and leave a message. We will get back to you when we return.

Last few days of voting are this week- last day is July 26.

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?_gl=1*j5ht3x*_ga*MTE4OTc3NTYxOS4xNzIwNDc5NDU0*_ga_3JT8X8HFGD*MTcyMDkwNjk4Mi4xOC4xLjE3MjA5MDY5OTQuMC4wLjE0MzczMzE2NjU.

07/19/2024

HELP!!!

There's ONE WEEK left until voting officially closes and we desperately need your help. We are SO close to officially being named the best groomer in the cedar valley for 2024.

We attached both the website and there's a QR code on the photo to make things as easy as possible. The best part? You don't receive any spam emails when registering to vote so you can use as many emails as you have!

As always, thank you so much for your endless support. We love you guys. Let's keep those tails wagging!!🩵

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR15v0jUnRMb6CH8Pif_-xjxVvZ6M6FCOgoOc1GfZYAYFejw3ZCNBtHZfhw_aem_R391ier_5X6KmIVg49v_cQ

07/18/2024

Just a reminder that we will be closed from July 20th-July 29th!!

All messages will be replied back to once we return!🫶🏼

07/17/2024

Let’s talk pricing and what all goes into it!

Below is a table of fellow businesses that offer services. Due to limited information on their websites, not all prices are available.

Now, we can’t speak for other businesses, but this is how we determined our prices.

- shampoo and conditioner (one gallon of regular conditioner is $56)
- water bill
- electric bill for lights, blower, height adjustable grooming table, A/C or heat, and exhaust fan
- time it takes to perform services
- clippers, blades, brushes, scissors, guard combs, nail clippers, nail file (one singular blade is roughly $30)
- detangling sprays, leave in conditioners, perfumes
- wear and tare on our equipment (shears and blades are routinely sharpened by a professional)
- wear and tare on our personal bodies (my chiropractor gets a good wad of cash from me)
- how long we’ve been in business
- how much education we have gone through (please note that education in this field is not required by state. No where in our laws does it state you have to know what the heck you’re doing! The education we have is all voluntary and we do it to ensure we aren’t harming your pet!)
- what our competitors charge

We’ve heard both sides of the line on our prices. Some saying we’re far too cheap and some saying we’re far too expensive. If I’m being completely transparent with you guys… it kinda sucks having to make that decision! I don’t want to break your bank, but in this economy, it’s hard to get quality stuff without making it an investment.

I truly believe we offer above average work for below average costs. However, I also know that not everyone likes our style of business and that’s okay!!!

All we ask is that you do your research and respect what they devote into the job they do. 🫶🏼

*prices on table are base pricing! Many places charge for each additional service such as nail filing*

07/11/2024

Remember a few weeks ago when we mentioned our two big business highlights…

Well here is #2!!!

There’s something about being a small business owner that is both humbling and empowering. Planting roots in Aplington was the best decision🏠💙

07/11/2024

EDIT: VOTING GOES UNTIL THE 26th, not the 14th! The 14th was the cut off of the last round.

We can’t do this without you!!

Find us under “pet grooming” in the “services” category.

Don’t forgot to use that spam email account too. I know half of you have one😉😂

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?_gl=1*j5ht3x*_ga*MTE4OTc3NTYxOS4xNzIwNDc5NDU0*_ga_3JT8X8HFGD*MTcyMDkwNjk4Mi4xOC4xLjE3MjA5MDY5OTQuMC4wLjE0MzczMzE2NjU.

07/09/2024

Madison did an oopsie..

I have a paper organizer for vet records and I accidentally shredded my "upload" stack instead of the "uploadED" stack.

If you had recently given us paper vet records, could you so kindly send us another copy?😅

07/09/2024

Remember a little while back when we mentioned we have two big business highlights coming up… well.. here’s one!

WE MADE THE TOP 5!!!

We were speechless when we heard we were even nominated and the fact that you all came together to vote us into the next round… OH MY GOSH!! WE LOVE YOU!!

However… we’re not done yet!! We have one more round to get through. Voting is open from July 9-14 and idk about you… but we’re HYPED!!

We’re just a little brick and mortar pet grooming bizz in small town Aplington going against thousands, if not million, dollar businesses. The odds are low, but we’re confident we can do this thing!!!

Click the link below and under “services” and “pet grooming” you’ll find our name!

Voting can be done DAILY!

As always, thank you for your endless love and support. We wouldn’t be here without you guys!🫶🏼🐾

07/03/2024

We have been getting more and more conflicts/questions about our policies. 90% of our policies have been the same since our doors opened over 2 years ago. Below is the only portions that have been added/changed to our policies since we opened.

ALL CLIENTS NEED TO SIGN THE POLICY AGREEMENT FORM ONCE A YEAR.

**I understand that it is my responsiblility to have a ride arranged for drop off and pick up times during my appointment. I understand that Mad-Dog Tail Waggers takes pride in keeping their environment as stress-free as possible. If my pet is not picked up within 30 minutes of being finished and is disruptive to the other clients, I understand that a $15 fee may be applied to my total for every 30 minutes that they are there past my service completion time.

**Failure to show up to the scheudled appointment or give proper notice may lead to a $20 fee.

** Acceptable payment methods are venmo, cash, card, and check.

07/01/2024

Are you ready to help your pet through the holiday??

Plan accordingly and use this as an excuse to place an Amazon prime order! 😋

06/28/2024

TALK ABOUT A GROWING BUSINESS!!

We are so excited to have to expand yet again! We recently sent out a survey to our current grooming clients asking about different aspects of our facility and the results were GREAT! It's clear to us that Saturday appointments are what people want most. However, Kiley and I aren't able to provide enough Saturdays to meet the demand of our clients. So with this being said.... we are looking for a Saturday groomer!!

About a year ago when I first posted about a job opening, I had many people interested except they had never done any sort of grooming before. I LOVE that you all are interested, but in order to continue producing the quality of care and services that we do, we're looking for that PERFECT person to join our team. I'm not saying you shouldn't reach out to us, I'm just asking you not to take it personal if we don't see you as the best person for this position.

On the same token.. I have inside scoop of an individual opening up their own space to offer a private grooming course. If you or someone you know would be interested in this, please reach out to us as well. We would love to help you make that connection!

06/26/2024

Also contains a preservative called BHA that has lead scientist to believe can cause cancer 😭👎🏼🚫

Someone took this picture at the vets office…
About time Veterinarians are acknowledging Purina's Beneful is bad and harmful to your dog.
They should also write:
It may cause cancer, cardiac problems, strokes, blood pressure abnormalities, thyroid, renal failure, hepatic failure, and more!
Glad to see this in a Vets office as they are taking note (finally)!

06/26/2024

READ THE WHOLE POST!!

• last call to fill out the surveys that were sent out. It will be closed at the end of the week.

•book your appointments!! We only have about 8 spots left for the entire month of JULY. We have one small groom spot left on the 9th, a couple spots on the 18th, a couple spots on the 19th, one to two slot on the 30th depending on size, and a couple spots on the 31st. We have two BIG features coming up that we suspect will bring in new clients so plan accordingly! Book out through the rest of the year if you’d like! It’s easier on both you and us

06/26/2024

To our cat owners… what litter do you use??👀

Personally I use the Arm & Hammer Free and Clean. It’s natural clay and unscented.

Side note, having a litter genie has changed the game for owning a cat! My litter boxes are in my bathroom and I haven’t noticed any excess odors!

118.2K likes, 3819 comments. “Curious what cat litter you should use? Here are some cat litters you should avoid and some cat litter types that are recommended! What litter do you use?”

06/12/2024

To our grooming clients, please check your email!! We just sent out a survey to help make our business even better!!

If you didn’t receive it, check your spam/junk folder.

If yo still don’t find us, send us a personal message with your email! Chances are we don’t have a completed file for you in our system!

06/12/2024

It’s the final few days to cast your nominations for who you will see on the voting ballot! Don’t forget to nominates us to move on to the next round! We are found under the “pet grooming” section under the “services” category!

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/?fbclid=IwAR36-Hr2zUqzTnLMA3J-Uy9xdzCN0oNnSE-cMmMlwQUnN0YBArWyozM5CHo_aem_AU9LePnnbmivGPk8_ti5albPZQYZpj27D58kkPiWGtH9UvuDbrDbZg99hBKnvLbFdRxtfk9z-eqCj0VIq3NC8Si8&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120211312324610017&utm_content=120211312324930017&utm_term=120211312324770017&utm_campaign=120211312324610017

06/05/2024

It's summer! With temps getting warmer and warmer, PLEASE, PLEASE keep your dog safe and cool by leaving them at home. DO not leave them in your parked car (unless you plan to leave it running with the air on!!!)

Having the windows cracked DOES NOT make a difference! Be smart and protect your furry friends!

If you see a dog in parked car on a hot day you believe may be in danger, first check to make sure the car isn't running. Then call your local law enforcement and ask them come check on the dog.

06/05/2024

How Ivy feels about mom always being at work..

We have very limited availability left for June! Madison is booking for July and Kiley is booking for the last week in June. Make your appointments before it’s too late!

Remember, we now have an app to make managing your appointments even easier. It’s the MoeGo Parent Portal app (orange box with a white dog outline).

Or book online!

https://booking.moego.pet/ol/MadDogTailWaggers/landing

06/05/2024

3-Peat Winners!!

We’ve been in the parade for the past 3 years and have placed top 3 each time!!