Prickly Dog Grooming Academy

Todd Madeksza 2 years ago

First time customer. The business was very easy to schedule and our family loved the result. Our dog is so much more comfortable. One additional thing: our dog came home happy and relaxed. He’s completely at home at Prickly - I think it’s related to the enthusiasm with which the groomer viewed our pet and her happy demeanor. I *highly* recommend prickly Dog grooming.

Emily C 2 years ago

This morning I attended a one on one, learn to groom your own dog class, that I saw advertised. I'm sharing my experience in hopes you will be better informed and not find yourself in the same situation. First, I will say that I am under no delusion that my dog is an easy groom. He is a rescue with an unknown history and is very stressed by body handling. I use The Cooperative Care approach to gradually desensitize and build trust in handling. I communicate upfront that my dog is a bite risk, and that I expect professionals to put my dog's emotional needs AND THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY above finishing a groom. When I called and inquired about the class I had shared all this history, and I was reassured and encouraged that it would be a positive experience. In hindsight, I did not reiterate my cautions this morning, but I also feel that wouldn't have made a difference. Sarah claims to use only "positive reinforcement" methods while adding and tightening physical restraints. If she even recognized the early signs of stress my dog was displaying she didn't make any attempts to slow down or reward him for tolerating the handling. She repeatedly tried to reassure me by saying things like,

Melissa Daniel 3 years ago

Thank you so much for taking such great care of my very nervous mini Bernedoodle puppy. Kassie did a great job with her, and not only does my puppy look so adorable she warmed up to Kassie right away. So happy to have found a groomer!

susan thompson 3 years ago

Sarah is the best groomer I have found in the Phoenix valley. She is excellent with my samoyed, despite his resistance to grooming. She relates so well with animals and my dog specifically, and takes her time to work through both of his coats of hair. He looks perfect when she finishes with him. I highly recommend her and this business for your grooming needs.

Breanna Adams 3 years ago

Sarah is the only groomer I allow to groom my Alaskan Malamute. She consistently does a fantastic job and truly takes her time with him! He’s even come to enjoy his time with her and all the attention and scratches he gets, despite his feisty attitude! I’m very particular about the way his hair is cut (due to the high possibility of it never growing back) and she is very knowledgeable about his entire coat and she doesn’t mind putting up with his malamute attitude. I have only taken him to one other groomer in the valley, and I was absolutely appalled at how his hair turned out - luckily Sarah was more than happy to fix the other groomers mistakes. She never disappoints!