Dogs Only Grooming

Dogs Only is a cage-free dog grooming salon on Mitchell Road in Brookvale, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, that has been working with local dogs since 2009. The approach is deliberately unhurried: one dog at a time, plenty of soothing chatter and the occasional peanut-butter bribe, built on the idea that a calm pup gets the sharpest cut. The salon runs entirely without cages. Dogs who enjoy company spend the day mingling on open floor space with the regular pack, while those who prefer their own quiet corner are given a separate fenced area, with water bowls throughout. The team of groomers leans on precision scissoring and hypoallergenic products, and the salon has groomed enough generations of local dogs to read each one's temperament. Most breeds are welcome, with short-haired dogs such as Staffies, Vizslas and Greyhounds offered a wash, nail trim and ear clean rather than a clip. The salon is upfront that it does not take on the very largest breeds. It suits owners who want a patient, individual session over an assembly-line groom.