5 Signs It’s Time for Your Dog’s Next Grooming Appointment

Life can get busy, and it’s easy to forget when your pup is due for their next grooming session. But don’t worry! Your dog has ways of showing you that it’s time for a little pampering. Here are five telltale signs that your furry friend is ready for a trip to the groomer!



Has your dog’s coat lost its shine? If their fur is starting to look dull, tangled, or matted, it’s a good sign that it’s time for a professional touch. Regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat shiny and healthy, and removes dead hair that can get trapped in the fur. Matted fur, in particular, can be uncomfortable for your dog and even lead to skin irritation, so don’t delay if you notice knots or tangles forming!



When was the last time you heard that telltale click-clack of your dog’s nails on the floor? Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect their posture, and even lead to long-term issues with their paws. If your dog’s nails are getting long, it’s definitely time to schedule a grooming appointment. At The Dapper Dog, we make nail trimming quick and stress-free!



Even the cleanest dogs start to get a little “doggy” smell after a while. If your pup is starting to carry a lingering odor, no amount of air freshener is going to fix that! A bath at The Dapper Dog will not only leave your furry friend smelling fresh, but we also use dog-safe, skin-friendly shampoos that help maintain a healthy coat. Bonus: no more wet-dog smell in your bathroom!



Is your dog constantly licking or scratching themselves? This could be a sign of dry skin, allergies, or irritation. Regular grooming helps keep your dog’s skin and coat in top condition, preventing itchy skin or the buildup of allergens. If your pup can’t stop scratching, a grooming session with our soothing treatments might be just what they need to feel more comfortable.



Every pet parent knows the struggle of shedding, especially during seasonal changes. If your home is starting to look like it’s covered in fur, it’s time for a professional groom. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur before it ends up on your couch, and we’re pros at handling those heavy-shedding breeds. We’ll help keep your home fur-free (or at least, fur-reduced!).

Book Your Dog’s Next Grooming Appointment Today!
If your pup is showing any of these signs, don’t wait! Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking their best, but it also ensures they stay healthy and happy. At The Dapper Dog, we treat every dog like family, giving them the care and attention they deserve.

Call us to schedule an appointment – (605) 214-5597.

1. Fur Starting to Look a Little “Ruff”?

2. Overgrown Nails? Time to Snip!

3. Is Your Dog Smelling a Little… Doggier Than Usual?

4. Excessive Licking or Scratching

5. It’s Shedding Season

The Dapper Dog Grooming: More Than Just a Haircut

At The Dapper Dog, grooming is an experience designed to support the overall well-being of your pet. While a fresh haircut is important, grooming is about so much more. Here’s how The Dapper Dog provides a unique, holistic grooming experience that nurtures your dog physically, mentally, and emotionally.

1. Building Trust and Comfort
When you bring your dog to The Dapper Dog, it’s not just about achieving a stylish new look—it’s about fostering a relationship built on trust. Every interaction between our groomers and your pet is handled with care, using gentle techniques that prioritize your dog’s comfort. We understand that grooming can be intimidating for some pets, so our approach is centered around creating a calm, stress-free environment.

Our team knows that trust takes time, and that’s why we treat each dog like family. Whether your dog is visiting for the first time or is a regular, our goal is to make grooming a positive experience, not a chore. From soothing words to gentle touches, we work to build a bond that helps your dog feel safe and relaxed, making future visits even smoother.

2. Promoting Physical Health
At The Dapper Dog, grooming isn’t just about appearances—it plays a vital role in maintaining your pet’s physical health. Regular grooming helps to remove loose hair, dirt, and oils that can cause skin irritation. A clean coat allows the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall skin health.

Beyond the surface, routine grooming at The Dapper Dog helps prevent matting and tangles that can lead to discomfort or even pain for your dog. Our expert groomers are trained to spot potential health concerns, such as skin infections, abnormal lumps, or parasites, before they become more serious. This proactive care ensures that your dog not only looks great but stays healthy between vet visits.

3. Supporting Emotional Well-Being
A well-groomed dog is a happy dog! Grooming plays a key role in your dog’s emotional wellness. Just like humans feel refreshed after a day at the spa, dogs feel more relaxed and confident after a thorough grooming session. At The Dapper Dog, we offer a range of spa services that go beyond basic grooming, providing a luxurious experience that leaves your dog feeling pampered and loved.

The tactile aspect of grooming—whether it’s brushing, bathing, or massaging—helps to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. The positive reinforcement they receive from our team creates a sense of security. We carefully monitor your pet’s body language to ensure they are comfortable, adjusting our approach as needed to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free.

4. Tailored Grooming Services
Every dog is unique, and so are their grooming needs. At The Dapper Dog, we provide personalized care that caters to the specific needs of your pet. Whether your dog requires a specific haircut for their breed, a special coat treatment, or a relaxing spa package, we tailor our services to meet their individual requirements.

Our groomers are skilled in handling dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. From playful puppies to older dogs who may need extra patience and care, we ensure each grooming experience is customized to make your dog feel their best. Our goal is to leave your pet not only looking fabulous but feeling refreshed and cared for, from head to paw.

5. The Dapper Dog Experience
At The Dapper Dog, we don’t just groom your dog—we provide an experience that enhances their overall well-being. From the moment they walk in the door, your dog is treated with the utmost care and attention. Our state-of-the-art facility is designed to create a peaceful, welcoming environment that both you and your pet will love.

Grooming is more than just a haircut. It’s a loving, caring experience that keeps your dog healthy, happy, and stress-free. Our mission at The Dapper Dog is to make every visit enjoyable and beneficial, giving your dog the best care possible.

Book Your Appointment Today
Ready to pamper your pup with the ultimate grooming experience? Call us to schedule an appointment and see how grooming can make a difference in your dog’s life – (605) 214-5597.

Paw-sitively Moving Up: From Rented Kennels to Owned Territory!

At The Dapper Dog, we’ve been wagging our tails in excitement about a new chapter in our journey! After nine pawsome years of grooming, we’ve gone from starting in a garage (yes, you heard that right) to renting a space that allowed us to spread out like a Great Dane on a couch. Now, we’re ready to mark our territory for good!

A Fur-midable Start
We began by setting up shop with just myself and one assistant. Back then, it felt like we had enough space to host a pack of St. Bernards. But, as our grooming family grew and we welcomed more talented team members, the space began to feel more like a Chihuahua’s dog bed—cozy but tight! That meant remodels, and the challenge of sinking money into a place that wasn’t truly ours.

After our last remodel in 2022, I decided to stop paws-ing for temporary solutions. It was time to dream big—custom build big. So, I took the leap and started hunting for the perfect spot to build a home for The Dapper Dog that would suit our every need.

A Bark Load of Challenges
Building from scratch has been a journey, and to call it a “ruff” process would be an understatement. Between gathering a $150,000 down payment, working with architects, contractors, engineers, and even the city—let’s just say there have been more hurdles than an agility course! 🐕💨 But my determination kept me motivated, not just for myself, but for my family, my amazing team, and the fur-tastic pets we groom.

To make it all happen, I had to sacrifice a few things—like remodeling the rental space further or giving myself a more luxurious salary. But hey, I’ve never done this for the bone-us checks. My true focus has always been building a business that enriches our community and provides a pawsitive impact.

Why Own? Fur-tunately, There Are Perks!
Owning our new space means paw-sibilities are endless. Not only will we be able to groom more pets, but we’re also creating jobs! We’ll double our team, providing flexible, well-paying positions that offer an amazing work-life balance. For our clients, this means we can now offer even more services for their beloved pups. From doggie daycare to personalized grooming, we’re crafting a space that will cater to every dog’s wildest treat dreams.

Fur the Love of Learning
I’ve learned so much throughout this journey, from working with real estate professionals to city officials. And though this process has been an overwhelming chew toy at times, it’s all been worth it. Every step brings us closer to creating a space that our clients, our team, and their furry friends can truly call home.

A Woof-tastic Thank You!
From the entire Dapper Dog family, we want to send a huge thank you to all our loyal clients—both two-legged and four-legged—who have been with us through every step of this journey. Your trust, support, and love have been the foundation of our success, and we couldn’t have done this without you. We’re so excited to continue serving you in our new, custom-designed space, where the tail wags and belly rubs will only get better from here! Be sure to follow along as we share updates on this exciting new chapter—because the best is yet to come! 🐾✨