Paws Post December 2025
- lornapawsperfect
- Dec 23, 2025
- 5 min read
Welcome to our final Paws Post of 2025! Its been a great year we've got to see lots of new faces and some return customers. We hope everyone is all ready for Christmas and has a fabulous New Year! Amidst the chaos of it all - why not grab a cup of something warming and maybe a biscuit and have a read;.
Breed Focus: Dachshund (all types)
For this editions breed focus we decided to choose a breed that comes in lots of sizes and coat types and that we see often in the salon - the Dachshund! The Dachshund comes in two sizes Standard and Miniature and three different coat types - Wire Haired, Smooth and Long Haired. All of these sizes/coat types share the same breed standard with variations only in size and coat.
Dachshunds originated in Germany and their name translates roughly to 'Badger Dog' which describes their job which was to go to ground to flush out badgers and rabbits. They were also used for tracking wounded game.
Despite their small size Dachshunds are known for their bravery, confidence and independence.
BREED STANDARD INFO:
SIZE: Standard (9-12kg) Miniature (4-6kg)
Exercise Needs: Low - Medium (30 mins - 1 hour per day)
TRAITS: Playful, Stubborn, Independent, Clever, Devoted, Courageous, Lively, Loyal
COAT TYPE: Smooth - Short (Low-Medium Shedding), Wire Haired - Medium/Long (Low-Medium Shedding), Long Haired - Medium/Long (Low-Medium Shedding)
Lifespan: 12-16 Years
GOOD FOR FIRST TIME DOG OWNERS? Maybe - Dachshunds do make good family pets, if their owners have done their research on the breed. They may present challenges due to their independent nature, barking and health issues.
GROOMING NEEDS:
Smooth - Low
Require a bath, light deshed and nail trim every 10-12 weeks - their nails may need clipping in the interim to prevent them from becoming excessively long.
Long Haired - Medium
Weekly brushing to prevent knotting and matting, bathing, desheding, outline trim (optional) and nail trim every 10-12 weeks, their nails may need clipping in the interim to prevent them from becoming excessively long.
Wire Haired - Medium
Weekly brushing to prevent knotting and matting, handstripped every 5-6 months or clipped every 8-10 weeks. Their nails may need clipping in the interim to prevent them from becoming excessively long.
ACCEPTED COLOURS
The following colours are those accepted for showing by the British Kennel Club.
Black & Tan
Black & Tan Brindle
Chocolate Dapple & Tan
Chocolate & Tan
Chocolate & Tan Brindle
Red
Red Brindle
Red Dapple
Shaded Red
Silver Dapple & Tan
NON-ACCEPTED COLOURS
The following colours exist within Dachshunds but are not accepted by the British Kennel Club.
Blue & Tan
Isabella & Tan
WASHATHON UPDATE: BELLAS MASSAGE
Recently our Bella had a little treat - with the cold weather closing in and her old joints suffering she paid a much deserved (for all the helpful supervising she does of us all here at Paws Perfect) visit to Ruth at Calmer Canine for a massage! Calmer Canine are an amazing local business who specialise in canine massage therapies. They have been kind enough to support us two year running at our Charity Washathon - although they were unforuntately unable to attend this year they did donate a generous prize to our raffle in support of Forest Dog Rescue!
Bella loved her session with Ruth and is feeling much more relaxed and comfortable (she even had a quick nap!)
Grooming Focus: Getting your Pets Used to Grooming
Whether they are a puppy or an old dog - your dog can learn to get used to the grooming process! There is lots you can do at home to help ensure their experience at the groomers is as stress-free and safe as possible!
Always start with short, positive sessions and include lots of praise and rewards! This should never be about punishment we want our dogs to see grooming as a positive experience! Here are some things you can do to help your dog get used to grooming:
PICK UP AND PLAY WITH THEIR FEET OFTEN
One of the more common issues dogs have with being groomed is having someone touch their feet - this is needed to be able to clip nails, check for problems or even just wipe muddy paws! Its incredibly helpful to play with your dogs feet at home often to get them used to the sensation and reward them for allowing it.
INTRODUCE GROOMING TOOLS EARLY ON
Things like bathing, brushing, combing and the hairdryer can all be introduced at home with lots of praise and reward for good behaviour to enable dogs to have a more positive experience when they come to us. By slowly introducing them at home in a safe environment this can make some of the experiences of coming to the groomer less intimidating for your dog.
LIFT THEIR LIPS AND TOUCH THEIR TEETH
A common (and often expensive) health issue we come across with many dogs is poor dental health. This can be prevented with frequently at home brushing and dental hygiene aids. We also provide Emipet Ultrasonic Cleaning along side grooming to help keep your dogs teeth in good condition. However, many dogs struggle with having hands near their mouths. So its important to get them used to having their teeth checked and cleaned. To do this you can (if its safe to) lift your dogs lips and run your fingers over their teeth and reward them for good behaviour. This will also get them used to having their faces handled.
TOUCH THEM ALL OVER AND REWARD THEM FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR
Getting them used to being petted on all parts of their bodies including lifting their tails and ears will help them get used to being examined at the vets and when being groomed.
KEEP UP WITH REGULAR AT HOME MAINTENANCE IN BETWEEN GROOMS
The best way to ensure your dog has a stress free experience at the groomers is to keep up with regular at home maintenance between grooms. These prevents matting and knots from developing which can cause discomfort.
WHY NOT BOOK UP FOR THE NEW YEAR?
Our 2026 diary is already filling up! Did you know we offer the ability to book up all your appointments for the year in advance? A lot of people find this helpful if they require a certain time/day or would like specific dates around holidays. We also recommend booking up for the year if you have more than one dog and like to bring them together. Pop us a message now to book!
AND THATS A WRAP FOR 2025!
As 2025 comes to a close we'd love to thank all our wonderful customers new and returning for all your wonderful support throughout the year. We have loved having you (and squeezing in some extra cuddles with your dogs!). We hope to see you all in the New Year!
CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS:
Open - 22nd December 2025 - 23rd December 2025
Closed - 24th December 2025 - 2nd January 2026
Open - 5th January 2026
Please feel free to leave us a message over the Christmas period but we wont be able to respond until the New Year.
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