As part of the Management Team at Certified Doodle we have spent several years building our brand, developing our marketing strategies, and working diligently towards our grand opening in September.  We’ve spent countless hours in meetings discussing all aspects of the operation, to ensure a successful launch.

Without question, the single most difficult strategy discussed during these sessions is the answer to perhaps one of the most fundamental business decisions of all time.  How to price our product.

How do we respond to the easiest business question of all-time, “What’s your price?”

Shouldn’t we just have our prices prepared to easily answer the question?

Should we have a price menu in our shop and on our website?

Isn’t the customer expecting us to just deliver that magical number?

Do most dog grooming shops reply to the question with a number?

Is the customer shopping us around?

Shouldn’t we have the lowest prices in town?  We’re a specialty grooming company, maybe we are supposed to have the highest prices in town?

Maybe we should have a “our prices start at” response?

These and hundreds more questions have been stewed upon for hours, days, weeks, months.  How do we differentiate?  How do we set ourselves apart, so we don’t look the same as the others?

Then it hit us.  The a-ha moment was finally upon us.  

Remember the word VOX.  We’ll come back to that term in a few minutes.

We needed to deliver a price while keeping in mind that every dog is different, every haircut is unique, and that every degree of matting coming into the shop is different.  There are also a lot of coat types.  How do you make a price to cover all coat types?  What about the preferred style required by the customer?  Wont some customers want a fluffy look, while others prefer a sportier look?

We needed help, we needed some kind of tool that would take in all that information (data) and output a resulting price.

It was nowhere to be found.  We looked high and low, it didn’t exist.  It had to be created.

So, we created it!

It had to intelligently process data it was fed and create a unique outcome for a unique customer.  It had to use Artificial Intelligence (AI).

It also had to revolve around the customer’s input.  The customer’s voice must be heard and used to develop the proper results.  It couldn’t just be our technicians entering data into a computer and spitting out that result.  The customer’s voice must be heard.

Remember that word we discussed earlier, VOX?

We did it.  We created the tool, and we call it the VOX!

The VOX is the world’s first and only AI driven price calculator for dog grooming.  What used to be the most subjective process is now the easiest, most intelligent tool for creating a unique price based on the condition of the dog as it comes in, and the desired outcome when it leaves.

We’ve said our good-byes to price guessing.  Adios to subjectivity.  No fixed price menus and de-matting fees.  No more prices starting at…

We invite you to experience the VOX, only at Certified Doodle in Jensen Beach Florida.

Stay tuned for more information on our Grand Opening in September, where the VOX will be demonstrated live at our shop.  We will also be streaming our VOX demonstrations live during the grand opening.

Coming up with a name is always part of the fun of being a pet parent. Naming your dog is the first step towards creating a bond with your new pet. Your dog’s name should reflect its unique personality.

Where to start

A good place I like to start when choosing a name is deciding if its going to be a human name or not. Some people are “human name” people, some not. If you don’t like the idea of naming your dog Mike or Penny, begin to think about how the dog came into your life, the actual place you acquired the dog, or funny actions the puppy does that touches your heart and begins the imprint phase. Don’t limit yourself to nouns. Adjectives and adverbs will make your name more unique.

When a dog doesn’t like their name

Admittedly, I’ve chosen names for two dogs in my life in which they did not like them. The first one was Ivy, my working Belgian Malinois that asked a local animal communicator to please change her name to either Rachel or Popcorn (I really tried to rename her Popcorn but it doesn’t roll off the tongue). The second one was Ox, but for the first month I was calling him T-Bone. I thought maybe I got a dog of lower intelligence seeing as in that month he had never responded to his name. But when I started calling him Ox he understood it right away. The takeaway here is that if the dog isn’t responding right away you may need to reconsider their name. Also if you have a puppy that has a high activity level, you may want to consider a name with an Eee sound at the end, as this sound is the most likely to capture your dog’s attention.

The most commonly seen names today

As groomers we see it all, including every name of every dog that comes our way. Here’s a list of the most commonly seen dog names amongst local grooming shops:

• Bella
• Daisy
• Chanel
• Gucci
• Charlie
• Teddy

The secret groomer’s compilation of unique never-before seen names!

Ok so maybe these aren’t so secret anymore. Here’s a list of fun names we’ve thought of throughout the years that could match the perfect dog. Give us a shout out if you end up using any of these fun dog names!

• Soda
• Friday
• Fuse
• Scooter
• Flex
• Mochi
• Pinot
• Nerd
• Loofah
• Neo
• Ninja
• Breeze
• Special
• Shrimp
• Capo
• Davy
• Vegas
• Taco
• Masa
• Crush
• Grimace
• Cakey
• Homie
• Nilla
• Fox
• Ruff

The Healing Powers of Mud

Humans have been using mud medicinally dating back to around 2000BC. It’s no secret that the use of Diatomaceous Earth, Peppermint, Aloe Vera and other organic materials can alleviate commonplace ailments such as arthritis, allergies, and sun damage. Typically for most pet owners, the thought of their dog being covered in mud is an absolute nightmare. Let’s walk through our process of treating several frequent health problems using the power of mud, and then we can provide the mud treatment for you.

Common ailments alleviated by our mud treatments

Each mud treatment is massaged into the coat for 20 minutes and then rinsed 3xs with rice water. Currently, we provide hypoallergenic and organic mud treatments to address 4 different needs of today’s Florida pet:

• Seasonal and perpetual allergies
• Muscle aches and joint pain due to inflammation and age
• Coat damage and color loss
• Excessive Shedding

Allergy Relief Mud Treatment

When dogs suffer from allergies, it affects their entire well-being. Atopic dermatitis can cause a range of side effects from mental stress to constant licking to an unpleasant sour odor. Our organic mud treatment helps restore your dog’s skin’s epidermis layer. This is the ultimate defense against allergies. We create a healthy lipid barrier by absorbing and adsorbing elements into the skin such high-concentrate colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, lavender, green tea, and aloe to soothe skin irritations such as hotspots and other irritations.

Mobility Mud Treatment

We all get aches and pains due to activity and age, including our pets. This mud treatment offers a cooling sensation to promote healthy circulation and flush the buildup of toxins in our dog’s muscles and joints. The power of cold therapy is used to stimulate the nerve receptors to immediately relieve pain and stiffness. After the mud is rinsed, homeostasis occurs naturally as the body creates heat, and stored toxins are released.

Restorative Mud Treatment

We all love those rich, deep, colors of the puppy coat. Unfortunately, over time those colors fade due to factors such as long exposure to sunlight and environmental pollutants. This restorative mud treatment is vitamin-rich and packed with antioxidants and beta carotene. The mud creates a barrier from external exposure by saturating the hairs with moisture. After the mud is rinsed, sunscreen is applied while the hair follicle is still open, providing maximum protection.

De-Shedding Mud Treatment

Keeping an overload of dead hair locked in your dog’s healthy coat could potentially hold in body heat, causing it to overheat quicker than normal. The De-Shedding Mud treatment quickly stimulates and opens the pores, in which our staff immediately begins a deep exfoliation and dead coat removal process. A power-packed blend of niacinamide, panthenol, and natural alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin to release dead hair. The coat is left aerated to keep your dog as cool as possible.

Share your mud stories!

Now that you’re up to speed on the powers of mud as an excellent treatment strategy for your pet, we would like to hear about your “mud” experiences.  Please share your amusing tales and muddy pics with us here!

Doodle breeds have captured the hearts of many due to their low-shedding coats, friendly temperaments, and adorable looks. Behind these adorable looks are the Professional Pet Groomers that work hard to create a haircut per the owner’s requests, while making sure their dog is safe and sound. As the Doodle population continues to grow, how does that impact your local pet Dog Groomers? Bridging the gap between Professional Dog Groomers and Doodle owners is crucial for developing a standard in grooming results throughout the pet care industry.

The Doodle Explosion

The Cockapoo is the OG of Doodles, and the popularity of Doodle mixed breeds has skyrocketed. Breeds like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Bernedoodles have become household names. This surge in popularity, particularly after Covid, brings new challenges for grooming shops to work smarter rather than harder. Inefficiency can quickly lead to interference in scheduling. Breed-standard grooming quite simply doesn’t happen as frequently as it once was, giving Professional Dog Groomers more creativity in their styles. To top it all off, not all groomers equate their time to dollars. All, it is more important than ever to consult with owners in a detailed and professional

First-Time Dog Owners

Interestingly, many Doodle owners are first-time dog owners. Drawn by their reputation for being cuddly and cute dogs, some owners may not fully grasp the grooming and training demands that come with their new pets. Regular grooming is essential for maintaining skin and coat health, as well as overall happiness during grooming. Without proper socialization and training, it can cause unnecessary anxiety and more time spent on the grooming table. We have lots of great tips to prepare your dog for the groomer.

Transparency from Breeders

We are now seeing more mixed dog breeders delivering solid information to customers about the necessity of routine grooming. However, when Doodle owners aren’t properly informed about the time and financial commitment required for proper coat care, it falls on the Professional Dog Groomer to deliver that message, which can cause confusion and misunderstanding between the owner and the Groomer.  

Education in Doodle Grooming

Two challenges the grooming industry has faced are both a lack of customer- service focused training and standardized education of the grooming and proper handling of Doodles. This can lead to inconsistent grooming results and potential injury and mental harm to pets. This applies to the groomers as well. For Doodle owners, this inconsistency can be particularly problematic, as improper grooming can result in more matted fur, skin issues, and a more stressed pet.

Bridging the Gap

Addressing the stress on the grooming industry as the result of the Doodle boom and understanding that many Doodle owners are newbies or novice pet owners, we can become the means towards achieving standardization in the grooming of mixed breeds, and specifically Doodles. This market segment is consistently the fastest growing, according to national pet owner data sources.  In addition, there are many professional breeders who do incredible work regardless of their specialty in mixed or full breeds.  In other words, this market is here to stay.  To support the ongoing education required to bridge this gap, a specialized tool had to be developed for owners and groomers to collaborate around.  Enter the VOX. The Certified Doodle Price Vox is the only price design tool that allows the Doodle owner to share their grooming requirements with their groomer, using AI generated images to capture the perfect groom parameters. Say good-bye to subjectivity, and hello to VOX!

By focusing on education, transparency, and collaboration, we can bridge the gap between dog groomers and Doodle owners, ensuring that these beloved pets receive the care and attention they deserve.

What is a Covid Dog?

From social distancing guidelines to working from home, the pandemic was a perfect time to get a puppy or dog for many Americans . During the pandemic, 14% of Americans acquired either a dog or cat. According to Rover.com, in 2021 the Mixed breed and the Goldendoodle were both ranked in the top 5 most popular dog breeds. Assuming that “Mixed breed” is mostly shelter dogs, we can also assume that means Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, etc. While we were staying home to save lives, families and singles now had cuddly new dogs to fulfill a nationwide need for companionship.

During that time many dog training and grooming shops were temporarily closed. Owners relied on the internet for guidance. Months of time together at home created co-dependency in many dogs and humans. Unfortunately for us humans, this conundrum got us some dogs with apprehensive social behaviors and quirky living habits. This is what some groomers refer to as a “Covid Dog” or “Pandemic Puppy”.

The Pressure on Local Shops

Once businesses started opening up again, grooming shops started to see an influx in Doodle mixed breeds on top of overall number of dogs in general. The need for more groomers in the industry became apparent very quickly. The schedules were now adding dogs that require a high level of skill, which equates to more time per client. Doodles can also get quite large, posing logistical problems on where to safely house them during the grooming process.

The Pressure on Local Groomers

This is where co-dependency and apprehensive social habits come into play, specifically during the grooming process. Groomers needed to groom a larger volume of dogs and at a high level of grooming skill. Insert limited training during adolescence, limited social engagement and limited time on a grooming table, and you have a job that can only be executed by a masterful professional. Groomers quickly needed to learn patience, acceptance, and create goals for these special clients.

Conclusion

Every person went through the same life-changing event, and we went through it together. Now all of our “Covid Dogs” are getting a little older. It’s not about where you start, its about where you finish.  Has your dog gotten better at the groomer? If so, your groomer can take some of that credit! Are you getting charged a Handling Fee? Maybe your dog needs more time or perhaps a different strategical approach to its grooming process. In the end, your Covid dog is very special because it helped you through a life-changing event that hopefully no dogs or humans see again.

Hair Matters

As animal lovers, we are proud to be a part of Matter of Trust, a global network of groomers, farmers, and hairstylists that donates hair to be collected and manufactured into mats and booms for the purpose of cleaning water at water treatment facilities and removing oil in emergency situations. On average there are 2,500 oil spills each year. Joining with HUMSUM allows us to find local recipients in need through their global social network.

Collecting your dog’s hair

If we are clipping an inch or more off of your dog, most likely your dog’s hair will be used to either create a boom to soak up oil along a coastline, or a mat to help keep storm drains and waterways clean. After we’ve collected a considerable amount, we box it and ship it to whoever needs it most and first. Typically after oil spills, collected oils are burned- creating hazardous materials. After the mats and booms are saturated with oil, they are then broken down into compost, a process that takes 18 months and the power of oyster mushrooms and worms!

Local drop-off

If you are a local owner of a dog grooming business or hair salon and would like to drop off a donation to our location in Jensen Beach, please follow these guidelines to allow the hairs to be safely guided through needle felting machines:

Hair must be clean and debris-free (ponytails must have rubber bands removed)

At this time hair must be at least 1″

Do not include hair under tail

Take a photo of the collected hair and then place in a box that can be easily shipped, please no plastic. Send us your photos and we will tag you with updates!

Different coat types

If you have a furnished Doodle, Poodle, or any other dog that is low or non-shedding, chances are that a previous groomer has recommended that you brush your dog at home. Brushing is the main way to prevent hair in the coat from knotting together and forming mats. These breeds naturally hold onto dead hair and debris (i.e. dirt, burrs, twigs and sand) … and you know what happens when too long of time goes by in-between appointments; pesky de-matting fees or even the ever-feared shave.

If you have a double-coated breed or unfurnished Doodle, without brushing its dead hair will release and end up all over the floors of your home and your clothes.  Sometimes these breeds can also develop matting, although its usually superficial and easier for a professional to remove than you think.

Wire-haired breeds and Doodles have a unique coat that generally mats the least. We always recommend “stripping” these coats to preserve the dog’s natural texture and color. Click here for details on how to hand strip at home.

So, does your dog need brushing in between grooms? The easiest answer is NO.

Put the brush DOWN

What?! Why?! We just explained that all dogs require brushing!

YES, all dogs require brushing. If you are a member of CD Society, we will give you a bespoke haircut that is tailored to the length of time you prefer in between grooming services. Our staff will ensure that in most cases, you do not need to brush at home to maintain the look you desire. That’s our job. If you like your dog as long as possible, you may still need to brush based on your dog’s lifestyle to prevent mats.

Pick the brush UP

Brushing your dog at home is still an excellent way to desensitize your dog to handling its paws, legs, tail, and face (the areas more sensitive to brushing) in preparation for a lifetime of grooming. It’s also a nice way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Brushing your dog with love and compassion is what we do here. Brushing at home it will help reduce anxiety during the grooming process. Here are a few quick tips to ease anxiety while brushing at home:

• Using a slicker brush, the best way is to start is at the paws and work your way up, always brushing in the direction of the way the coat grows. It’s much less stress on your dog to brush into an already brushed coat. If your dog’s coat is crunchy or dirty, add cornstarch to each section and brush it through until you don’t feel friction.
• Be mindful of how much time you are spending on a concentrated area. Repetitive strokes in one place may damage the skin. Travel around each section of the dog, brushing in “lines” so you can see the progress as you work.
• If your dog is biting you for brushing, that means they are asking you to stop. They are asking you to stop because they are either in fear or pain. Take a second to think about the reasoning. Have you hit a mat? Are you holding your dog in a restrictive or unnatural position? Not reacting emotionally to your dog for showing adversity towards brushing helps establish trust. Instead, remain calm and encourage them with intention rather than words. A quick break while you pet them or asking for a kiss may help calm them as well, as it takes their mind off of the brush.
• Positively reinforce calm behavior while brushing by rewarding with treats or praise. Careful giving too much “high-pitched” praise, as this can make them excitable.
• If your dog is super wiggly, trying raising their elevation to a safe but comfortable level. Placing your dog on an ottoman or washing machine might be enough incentive to keep them still. This is also a good way to have a better visual of the coat and what you are working with.
• NEVER attempt to cut mats out of your dog with scissors, especially behind the ears where mats naturally occur from the abundance of movement and petting in that area.
• Finish by combing with a medium/coarse comb. Combing is essential to guarantee that you have successfully brushed through the clumps of hair and mats. If your dog is resistant to the comb, this almost always means that you need to go back and be more thorough with the slicker brush. If your dog is still intolerant, call us for further consult and we will be happy to talk you through the process.