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A shaggy dog story

The Irish News
6th July 2003


Writing about what really matters
Women Talk

Joanna Brannif puts dog groomer Colin Angus’s skills to the test with the ultimate challenge of taming the locks of two reluctant pooches.

The first thing that hits you when you walk into Canine Design ltd grooming parlour in Donaghadee is the smell. Not the usual unpleasant mix of wet dog hair and disinfectant, but the soothing aroma of Ylang Ylang and Cedarwood. The whole atmosphere in the salon is calm and relaxed and little aromatherapy scented candles gently flicker all around the reception and grooming area.

Canine Design Ltd owner and Chief Groomer to the stars, 35 year old Colin Angus, welcomes all his customers, human and canine alike, with a terrific smile. All of a sudden you realise that this is no ordinary dog-grooming salon. Colin has worked with animals for over 20 years, firstly managing a vet’s practice for 12 years and then branching out to establish Canine Design ltd eight years ago.

He really loves animals and his caring nature shines through from the moment he is first introduced to your dog.

Colin says: “The unique appeal of Canine Design Ltd is the very personal relationship that we have with our customers and the fact that we care deeply about the pets that people entrust us with.

I demand the very highest standards in customer care cleanliness in the salon and the welfare of the dogs that come here to be groomed is paramount.

We must be doing something right as I have customers who travel from as far afield as Coleraine and even a lady who travels over from Scotland to have her dog groomed!”

Initially, he studied his grooming skills in London and he was one of the first people in the North to qualify from the London Academy of Grooming.

Colin’s famed skills have extended to many pets owned by celebrities including two beautiful red setters owned by Alex and George Best. Colin himself owns two pampered puppies, a miniature Schnauzer and a Cairn Terrier, called Eva and Nelson who are the envy of the neighbourhood because of their beautifully coiffeured locks.

There is never a dull moment in Canine Design as the five-staffed deal with the clipping needs of up to twelve dogs a day from 9.30am to 5pm. The walls of the salon are covered in pictures of satisfied customers and their well-groomed pets and I must admit I was a little embarrassed to turn up with my two bedraggled mutts.

Colin did day that he liked a challenge so I decided to take him up on his offer and presented him with the ultimate fur-taming project. I own two highly-strung Bichon Frise who have a keen interest in amateur gardening and a serious aversion to brushes and baths. When we arrived I was a little sceptical that even such an experienced and well-intentioned groomer could do anything with these little terrors. On presentation of my two leaf-covered scruff-bags Colin took a deep breath but gracefully accepted the challenge to him.

As he started the marathon process of transforming my dogs I was keen to discover what breed was the most difficult to groom. Immediately, I was sorry I asked! “Bichon Frise are notoriously more difficult to groom because of their hair is more like wool” exclaimed Colin. “It gets matted ver easily so they take a long time to get right.

In the end it is well worth the effort because, if properly groomed, their hair is very nice.” But undeterred by the mammoth task ahead he started, vigorous brushing and nail trimming on two very reluctant Bichon Frise. Colin says his business has gone from strength to strength over the years as attitudes to pet care has changed and developed. “Business has increase in the grooming salon over the years because we have real relationships of trusts with our customers. We always get lots of repeat business because people feel at ease leaving their dogs with us because they know that we care deeply for animal welfare.
“Dogs are often like part of the family. They fulfil important functions of companionship and they actually can reduce stress for owners. “They actually can reduce stress for owners. “ They give love unconditionally and as such their status has risen so taking your dog to be groomed is no longer seen as an indulgence or extravagance, it’s more like a trip to the hairdressers. The products available for dogs are almost as good as those you get for humans,” he says.

I actually began to think that the treatment and products my ungrateful mutts were getting was actually better than the treatment I was getting when I go to the salon.

Yet grooming goes far beyond the cosmetic benefits because certain breeds of dogs really need to have their coats kept in tip top condition.

Between snips, shaving and flying fur Colin cheerfully chats away and tells me “Grooming does have huge benefits for your pet because if they are not groomed properly it cab cause skin irritations or make infections worse. “Since we get to know the dogs very well, we are often the first to spot abnormalities and can recommend a trip to the vet if we feel something is wrong.”

Colin says: “ I think the dogs find the grooming very therapeutic because they naturally enjoy human contact but of course some dogs are more keen than others.
“Like humans, each dog has it’s own unique personality and sometimes you get dogs who might snap at you. Small dogs tend to be worse than bigger dogs when it comes to aggression and this is another reason why you should get them used to the process when they are young. “Of course my dogs were the absolute models of good behaviour and there was no need to break out the bandages. Thankfully!
After an initial brushing, a good trim with a pair of scissors, a pedicure and an over all shave, my dogs were treated to an aromatic foam bath and blow dry.

Colin recommended a fairly extensive shaving for my dogs because their hair was thick and not very well maintained due to my ignorance and he has invited them back in 12 weeks to get the classic ‘Bichon’ cut. This man is a glutton for punishment.

As well as grooming services, Colin offers advice on training to all owners in maintaining the coat between cuts and I personally picked up a number of valuable tips – although I think I might just avoid his advice on how to brush your dogs hair into a mohican and how to apply artificial colouring, apparently styles favoured by dog owning fans of David Beckham.

Colin’s fame has already spread outside of County Down and he is currently preparing for a starring role in a new telephone series called Posh Pets due to be screened on Channel Four this September.

Colin’s salon is located at 2a Shore Street Donaghadee and prices range from £22 to £35 for the full salon treatment. At Canine Design your pets can also have Frontline Flea prevention treatment and microchipping to help trace your pet in the event of it going missing.

So if your are planning to pamper your pooch and transform it from a smelly embarrassment to an aromatic ambassador for doggy kind, give Colin a call
Because he was able to work his magic on my mutts he can tackle just about any challenge.

For an appointment call this very friendly grooming salon 02891 883356 or for more information check out the website www.caninedesign.uk.net.

Canine Design ltd recently featured in Ireland's magazine with Colin providing Grooming advice.


Colin from Canine Design Ltd says; "Grooming is no longer seen as a luxury treatment for your dog, in many instances groomers are the first to notice physical abnormalities in the dogs they groom; this is especially true with dogs seen on a regular basis."

The groomer, therefore has an obligation to notify the customer of any potential difficulty of abnormality discovered. Although, in most instances, groomers should not dispense medical treatment their role is to advise the owner if the pet needs medical attention.

Skin problems are a constant source of aggravation for both groomer and dog, it is difficult to turn out a perfectly groomed dog if skin and coat irritations exist. Very often skin problems are caused by:

* hormonal imbalances, which cause hair loss or a change in coat texture

* some dogs are allergic to various chemicals in shampoo

* any changes in dogs diet can also cause allergies

All the above can manifest themselves in skin irrations that are annoying to the dog who may scratch at the affected area - serving only to exacerbate the problem.

Any type of external parasite will leave evidence on the skin and coat. The most ferquently found by the groomer include fleas, ticks, mites and lice. The groomer, will use an externally applied medicine,can treat flea and tick infestations; though more serious skin problems should be treated by a veterinarian.

So it is vital that your dog receives regular grooming at home and at a salon not only for a more attractive look, but also to maintain a healthy, happy dog.


Colins top tips for a perfectly groomed dog


* Start grooming your pet from an earlly age

* Invest in a good quality grooming tool to suit your dogs hair type

* Check your dog for parasites, ear and eye infections, and seek advice if in doubt

* Regular visits to a good salon are a must - at least every 6-8 weeks


The Beauty Snarler

By Joe Oliver


Pampered pooches just follow their noses when they're feeling a bit ruff.

For they know the deluxe treatment awaits them at Ulster's leading canine grooming centre.

There, they can put up their paws, relax and enjoy:
· A shampoo and set
· A vigorous skin massage
· And even a manicure.

By the time they're through, the spruced-up mutts are ready to face the world again.

The doggie beauty parlour is owned and managed by Colin Angus in Donaghadee, Co Down.
His pals thought he was barking mad when he opened his doors for business for the first time six years ago.
But he quickly built up an impressive client base and now attracts owners from throughout Ulster, the Republic and Britain.

Colin, who previously managed a veterinary practice and boarding kennels, said: "You just have to look at the number of celebrities who have pet dogs.
"Geri Halliwell has a shih-tzu; Noel Gallagher owns a rare Anatolian Karabash mastiff while both Patsy Kensit and Liz Hurley have Alsatians.
"So their pets have to be well groomed because they also have an image to live up to."

Colin's favourite client is Alex Best, wife of soccer legend George, and the couple's Irish setter, Red.
He not only grooms Red but even house sits him while George and Angie make regular trips abroad from their Portavogie home.

Colin, who is thinking of expanding and has been asked to groom celebrities' pets in London, said: "It's not just as simple as a shampoo and set.
"When a dog comes in it has to be assessed - the condition of the hair, age and the breed.
"There are breed standards which dictate how they should be groomed.
"For example, some wire haired breeds of dogs like miniature Schnauzers and terriers needs their thinned out which involves taking away the undercoat with a stripping knife without removing the length.
"I also have to talk to the owner and find out what type of environment the animal lives in, if it's an outdoor or indoor dog, and discuss what way owners want the hair cut."


Colin, the proud owner of miniature Shnauzer Eva, and Cairn Terrier Elsa, also admits he likes nothing more than a good natter with his dogs.
"They can't answer you back. You can also tell a dog all your troubles and know that he'll never repeat a thing."

And the man who makes sure every dog has its day, added: "People often laugh when they hear what I do, but I think good canine care is vital and not just for cosmetic reason.

"Grooming is an important method of maintaining a dog's appearance and health, especially in old age," he said.