Dalilove Dog Grooming

Dalilove Dog Grooming Dog grooming and washing

31/08/2026

🐾 A little grooming tip…

Have you ever noticed how puppies seem to go through "fear periods"?

One week they're happy to explore the world. The next, the vacuum cleaner is terrifying, a stranger is suspicious, and the rubbish bin they've walked past twenty times suddenly looks dangerous!

That's completely normal.

It's also why those early grooming visits are so important.

A puppy who only comes to the groomer when they're matted and desperately need a full haircut has to deal with everything at once. A bath, the dryer, clippers, scissors, nail clipping, being handled by a stranger... it can be overwhelming.

Instead, I like to introduce grooming in small, positive steps.

A quick visit to say hello.
A gentle bath.
Standing on the table.
Learning that the dryer isn't scary.
Having their feet touched.
Lots of praise, patience and breaks.

Every positive experience builds confidence for the next one.

That's why I always say I'm not just grooming the puppy in front of me—I'm helping create the dog they'll be for the next 10 to 15 years.

If you're bringing home a new puppy (or you've recently adopted a young dog), I highly recommend this course from iGroomSchool. It walks you through exactly how to prepare your dog at home before their first professional groom.

🐶 Preparing Your Puppy for Professional Grooming

A little preparation now can make a lifetime of grooming easier—for both you and your dog. 🐾

🐾 Sunday Story – Part 3How my approach to grooming changed over the years...If you had asked me twenty years ago how to ...
29/08/2026

🐾 Sunday Story – Part 3

How my approach to grooming changed over the years...

If you had asked me twenty years ago how to groom a dog, my answer would probably have been very different to what it is today.

Not because I didn't care.

But because, like many groomers, I was taught that the goal was to get the groom done.

Over the years, the dogs taught me something different.

They taught me that every behaviour has a reason.

A puppy that won't stand still isn't being naughty.

A dog that pulls their paw away isn't being difficult.

A dog that growls isn't trying to be dominant.

They're communicating.

The more I learnt about dog behaviour, the more I realised that slowing down often achieved far more than pushing through.

That doesn't mean every dog loves grooming. Some never will.

My goal isn't to make every dog love being groomed.

My goal is to help them feel safe.

Safe enough to trust me.

Safe enough to cope.

Safe enough to come back next time without fear.

A few years ago I started learning even more about behaviour-informed grooming. I've spent countless hours reading, watching webinars, learning from others and, most importantly, learning from the dogs themselves.

Most recently I completed the Modern Principles of Behaviour-Informed Dog Grooming course, and it confirmed something I'd already discovered through experience...

Kindness isn't a soft option.

It's often the most effective one.

These days, some of my proudest moments have nothing to do with the finished haircut.

They're the puppy who stands still for a few extra seconds.

The nervous rescue dog who walks through my gate with a wagging tail.

Or the owner who says,

"I never thought my dog would actually enjoy coming to the groomer."

Those are the moments that remind me I'm on the right path.

Because at Dalilove, I'm not just grooming dogs.

I'm building confidence...
..one groom at a time. 🐾

🐾 Friday Did You Know...?Did you know that a wet coat mats much faster than a dry one?It's something I see quite often.A...
27/08/2026

🐾 Friday Did You Know...?

Did you know that a wet coat mats much faster than a dry one?

It's something I see quite often.

A dog goes for a swim, gets caught in the rain, or has a play with the sprinkler. They dry naturally, everyone carries on with their day... and a few weeks later, those little knots have turned into mats.

When hair gets wet, it stretches and tangles much more easily. As it dries, those tangles tighten, especially if your dog has a long, curly or double coat.

If your dog gets soaked, try to:
🐾 Towel dry them as much as possible.
🐾 Brush them once they're almost dry.
🐾 Pay extra attention behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits and around the tail—these areas tend to mat first.

A little extra effort after a swim or rainy walk can save a lot of brushing (or shaving!) later.

After all, it's much easier to prevent a mat than it is to remove one. 🐾

🐾 A little grooming tip…One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is…“We’ll wait until he needs his first haircut before ...
24/08/2026

🐾 A little grooming tip…

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is…

“We’ll wait until he needs his first haircut before taking him to the groomer.”

It sounds logical, but it’s actually one of the hardest ways to introduce grooming.

Your puppy’s first visit shouldn’t be about getting the perfect haircut. It should be about building confidence.

Imagine your very first visit to the dentist included fillings, X-rays and a tooth being pulled. Chances are you wouldn’t be excited to go back!

Puppies learn best when everything is introduced in small, positive steps. Meeting a new person, standing on the table, hearing the clippers, feeling the vibration, having their paws touched, a warm bath, a gentle blow dry… they’re all big experiences for a little puppy.

When we take the time to build confidence first, grooming becomes something they’re comfortable with instead of something they simply have to endure.

That’s why I love seeing puppies before they need a full groom. Those first few visits aren’t about creating a beautiful haircut, they’re about creating a dog who is happy to come back for the next 10–15 years.

After all, confidence starts long before the first clip. 🐾

🐾 Sunday Story – Part 2Where did the name Dalilove come from?One question I get asked quite a bit is..."Why Dalilove?"Th...
22/08/2026

🐾 Sunday Story – Part 2

Where did the name Dalilove come from?

One question I get asked quite a bit is...

"Why Dalilove?"

The answer is actually pretty simple.

I've always had a soft spot for Dalmatians.

The "Dali" comes from Dalmatians, and the "love"... well, that speaks for itself.

Long before Dalilove Dog Grooming existed, I was breeding Dalmatians under my registered kennel prefix, Dalilove. Although I haven't had a litter for around ten years, I'm still a registered breeder and the name has always been close to my heart.

So when I started my own grooming business from home in 2022, there was never really another name to consider.

Dalilove already represented everything I wanted my business to be.

A genuine love of dogs.
A calm, caring environment.
And treating every dog as an individual.

Over the years, I've learnt that grooming is about so much more than making a dog look nice.

It's about trust.

It's about patience.

And it's about sending dogs home feeling just as good as they look.

Every dog that walks through my gate becomes part of the Dalilove story, and I feel incredibly lucky that so many families trust me with their four-legged family members.

I think the name still suits me perfectly.

Because at the end of the day...

It's always been about the dogs. ❤️🐾

🐾 A little grooming tip…Have you ever brushed your dog and thought…“Wow, I’m getting so much hair out!”That’s actually a...
20/08/2026

🐾 A little grooming tip…

Have you ever brushed your dog and thought…

“Wow, I’m getting so much hair out!”

That’s actually a good thing.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that shedding and matting are the same thing. They’re not.

Shedding is completely normal. Healthy hairs reach the end of their life, fall out and make way for new ones. Breeds like Labradors, Border Collies and Dalmatians shed all year round, with bigger seasonal sheds in spring and autumn.

Matting is something different. Mats happen when loose hair doesn’t come out. Instead, it gets trapped in the coat and tangles tighter and tighter. Over time those tangles become little knots, and little knots become one big mat.

Think of it like this… shedding is your dog changing clothes. Matting is wearing the same jumper for months without ever brushing it.

Mats aren’t just untidy. They pull on the skin every time your dog moves, trap moisture and dirt, hide grass seeds and parasites, and can even make it difficult for the skin to breathe. They can become painful long before you notice them.

The good news? Regular brushing at home, combined with professional grooming, removes the loose coat before it has a chance to turn into mats.

If you’re not sure whether your dog is shedding, matting, or both, just ask. I’m always happy to show you what to look for and the best way to manage your dog’s coat.

After all, it’s much easier to brush out loose hair than to shave out painful mats. 🐾

🐾 A little grooming tip… 🐾One of the things I often hear is…“Oops… he just did a wee when we got here!” 😅Don’t worry, it...
17/08/2026

🐾 A little grooming tip… 🐾

One of the things I often hear is…

“Oops… he just did a wee when we got here!” 😅

Don’t worry, it happens more often than you think!

Going to the groomer is exciting. New smells, new sounds and lots to take in. Just like us, many dogs feel the urge to go to the toilet when they’re a little excited or nervous.

That’s why I always recommend arriving about five minutes early and taking your dog for a short walk along the street, rather than just letting them sniff around my letterbox or driveway.

A quick walk gives them the chance to have a wee or poo, stretch their legs and arrive feeling much more relaxed and comfortable for their groom.

And if your dog does go to the toilet during the walk, please remember to clean up after them. It helps keep the neighbourhood clean and is appreciated by everyone.

Those extra few minutes can make a surprisingly big difference.

A comfortable dog is a calmer dog… and a calmer dog makes for a happier grooming experience for everyone. 🐾

🐾 Sunday Story with MelPeople sometimes ask me why I spend so much time with each dog.The simple answer is... because th...
15/08/2026

🐾 Sunday Story with Mel

People sometimes ask me why I spend so much time with each dog.

The simple answer is... because that's how I believe grooming should be.

My grooming journey actually started a long time ago. Back in 1998, I became an APM franchisee and spent almost 24 years working in the business. For a few years I even worked in their support office, helping other groomers.

During that time, I also developed a real interest in dog behaviour. It started years ago in the Netherlands through my own dogs, my wonderful "dog lady" and training with Martin Gaus Dog School. I became fascinated by how dogs learn, communicate and experience the world.

Over the years, something changed in me.

I became softer.

I realised that while every dog eventually gets groomed, not every dog has the same experience. Some leave the salon relieved it's over. Others leave feeling safe and confident.

I know which one I'd choose for my own dog.

When I decided to leave the franchise and start grooming from home in 2022, I now had the freedom to do things my way.

One dog at a time.
No rushing.
No trying to fit every dog into the same mould.

I don't claim to know everything. In fact, I'm still learning. Most of what I know about behaviour has come from years of observing dogs, reading, studying and continually asking, "How can I make this a better experience?"

Most recently I completed the Modern Principles of Behaviour-Informed Dog Grooming course, and it confirmed something I'd already discovered through experience...

A calm, patient approach doesn't just make dogs happier.

It makes them feel safe.

Seeing a nervous dog relax, or watching a puppy walk back through my gate with a wagging tail instead of dragging its owner the other way... that's the part of my job I'm most proud of.

A beautiful groom lasts a few weeks.

A positive grooming experience can last a lifetime.

❤️ Mel

🐾 I have a few grooming spots available this Tuesday & Thursday!Whether your short-haired dog just needs a good bath, bl...
15/08/2026

🐾 I have a few grooming spots available this Tuesday & Thursday!

Whether your short-haired dog just needs a good bath, blow-dry and nail trim, or your longer-haired dog is ready for a full haircut, I’ve got a spot waiting for them. 🐶✂️

And don’t forget the shedders! If your house, clothes and car are currently wearing more of your dog’s coat than they are… a good de-shed might be exactly what’s needed. 😂

I offer one-on-one grooming, so your dog gets my full attention without a busy salon full of other dogs.

📩 DM me now for more information or to grab one of the available spots.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone! 🐾❤️

🐾 Friday Did You Know…?A lot of people use the words fleas and ticks interchangeably, but they’re actually very differen...
13/08/2026

🐾 Friday Did You Know…?

A lot of people use the words fleas and ticks interchangeably, but they’re actually very different—and so are the problems they cause.

Fleas are tiny insects that jump from one animal to another. If your dog has fleas, you’ll often notice lots of scratching, flea dirt (little black specks that turn red when wet), and sometimes irritated skin or hair loss. They multiply incredibly quickly, so by the time you see one flea, there are usually many more eggs and larvae hiding around your home.

Ticks are different. They don’t jump or fly. They wait in long grass, shrubs or leaf litter and climb onto your dog as they brush past. Once attached, they feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases. Here in Queensland, paralysis ticks are a real concern and can become life-threatening if they’re not found and removed quickly.

Just last week I found a tick on my own Dalmatian, Annie. She had only been in our backyard the evening before. It was a good reminder that you don’t need to go bushwalking for your dog to pick up a tick.

That’s why I recommend doing a quick hands-on check every day. Run your fingers over your dog’s entire body—especially around the head, ears, neck, armpits and between the toes. It only takes a minute and could save your dog’s life.

And remember, prevention is always better than treatment. Chat with your vet about the best flea and tick prevention for your dog and lifestyle.

After all, finding a tick is much easier than dealing with a very sick dog. 🐾

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Brendale, QLD
4500

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 1pm

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