Big Dog Grooming

Big Dog Grooming is a specialist large-breed grooming salon set on a ten-acre property at Postmans Ridge, in the Lockyer Valley between Brisbane and Toowoomba. Founded by Rachael, a certified Fear Free groomer with a diploma in dog grooming, the business is built around one idea: that grooming a big dog should be calm, considered and breed-appropriate rather than rushed.

The salon works exclusively with medium to large breeds weighing 15kg and over, from Labradors and Golden Retrievers through to Great Danes and Newfoundlands. The approach is science-based and neuro-informed, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing as much as a clean coat. Dogs are worked at their own pace using positive reinforcement and calm handling, which makes the salon a sensible fit for anxious dogs, rescues and first-timers who find a busy shopfront overwhelming. The purpose-built space is laid out to give larger dogs room to settle, and the salon deliberately avoids clipping double-coated breeds, favouring de-shedding and coat maintenance that protects the coat's natural function.

Beyond grooming, Rachael runs puppy school and dog training, and offers boutique boarding to existing clients. Walter, her Great Dane, is the dog who inspired the whole thing.