The Stables is a small, family run dog grooming business with a simple philosophy — every dog is an individual and deserves to be treated as one.

For us, grooming is about much more than achieving a lovely finish. How a dog feels during their appointment matters just as much.

Together, we bring different backgrounds, experience and areas of interest to The Stables, but share the same commitment to gentle handling, continued learning and putting the welfare of the dog at the heart of everything we do.

Meet Claire

Claire came to professional dog grooming following many years working with people and dogs, including time with a national   assistance dog charity. After completing her professional grooming qualifications, she continued to develop her knowledge and has a particular interest in skin and coat care, canine nutrition and canine massage.

Claire is interested in the connection between a dog's skin, coat, nutrition and overall wellbeing, and how changes in one area can sometimes be reflected in another. This interest has encouraged her to continue developing her knowledge beyond  traditional grooming.

Her interest in skin and coat health also influences the products and treatments used at The Stables, with an emphasis on  choosing appropriate products for the individual dog's coat and skin rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

For Claire, a good groom isn't simply about achieving a beautiful finish. It is about understanding the dog underneath the coat and adapting their care to suit their individual needs.

Meet Rachel

Rachel brings many years of experience working with animals, including time working within veterinary practices and her work with RSPCA Mount Noddy, alongside her role at The Stables.

Her experience has given her a strong understanding of animal welfare, handling and the importance of recognising when a dog may be uncomfortable, worried or struggling to cope. Rachel has developed a particular interest in canine behaviour and the emotional side of grooming and is studying an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) Level 5

This developing knowledge supports the way we work with nervous, sensitive and fearful dogs at The Stables — recognising body language and stress signals, understanding potential triggers and adapting grooming sessions to help dogs feel safer and more secure.

Rather than expecting every dog to fit into a standard grooming routine, Rachel believes in working with the dog in front of us.

For some dogs that might mean a quieter appointment or a little extra time. For others it could mean breaking a groom into stages, gradual introductions to equipment or simply spending time building trust before asking anything more of them.

Different Strengths. One Approach.

Our different areas of interest complement each other.

Claire's focus on skin and coat care, nutrition and physical wellbeing combines with Rachel's focus on behaviour, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Together, this helps us consider the whole dog — their skin and coat, but also their age, health, comfort, behaviour, confidence and previous grooming experiences.

It means we ask not just “What groom does this dog need?” but also: “How can we make this groom work for this particular dog?”

That difference is at the heart of The Stables.

Qualified, Insured & Always Learning

We are professionally qualified dog groomers  ( C&G L2 & Ipet Diploma)  and continue to undertake additional training and professional development.

Our training and areas of continued development include:

L3 dog grooming and salon management

L3 Canine emergency first aid

L3 Canine oral hygiene

Canine behaviour and body language

Welfare-focused and low-stress handling (Fear Free)

Senior and comfort grooming

Canine nutrition

Canine massage, anatomy and movement

Skin and coat care

We regularly attend professional training days, seminars and workshops to continue developing our knowledge and skills.

We are also proud Clipit Grooming Ambassadors, working alongside a professional grooming brand that shares our commitment to education, high standards and canine welfare.

Our Approach

Whatever your dog's age, breed or grooming history, our aim is the same:

To provide high-quality professional grooming without losing sight of the dog underneath the coat.

We don't expect every dog to behave in the same way or cope with grooming in the same way.

Puppies may need time to learn.
Nervous dogs may need time to trust.
Senior dogs may need time to rest.

And sometimes a dog is simply having an off day.

We listen, observe and adapt.

Because a successful appointment isn't just about sending home a beautifully groomed dog.

It's about sending home a dog who has been treated with patience, kindness and understanding.