Regency Grooming

25/03/2026

Most people think dog grooming is just cute haircuts and playing with dogs all day.

But behind every groom is a job that’s physically demanding—and comes with risks.

From bites to long-term injuries & conditions, groomers deal with a lot more than people realise.

24/03/2026

They never look the same after their first groom 🥹

From fluffy puppy chaos… to this

A puppy’s first groom isn’t about perfection — it’s about:
• Building confidence
• Creating a calm experience
• Setting them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming

At around 6 months your 'Doodle' will need its first hair cut but before then they need to be accustomed to the grooming salon and be getting the idea of standing still on the table; which is why 2 to 3 'puppy sessions' are required before this time.

Based in Gotherington, near Cheltenham
If you’ve got a puppy, start them early — their future self will thank you

23/03/2026

Most dog owners are making at least ONE of these mistakes… and they often don’t even realise it

The problem is, these small things can lead to:
• matting
• discomfort for your dog
• more stressful grooming appointments

And I see it all the time in the salon.

The good news is they’re all fixable once you know what to look for.

This is exactly the kind of thing I guide my regular clients on, so their dogs stay comfortable, well-maintained, and happy between grooms

If you’re local and want your dog on a proper grooming routine (instead of waiting until it’s a mess), I’ve got you.

Based in Gotherington, near Cheltenham
Message me if you’re unsure what your dog needs
Or book in advance to avoid waiting weeks for an appointment

Save this so you don’t make these mistakes

20/03/2026

1) Before you get your puppy, find a groomer you like and ask about costs.
2) As soon as you get your puppy, book in with the groomer for a 'Meet & Treat' for when they've finished their vaccinations (around 12 weeks of age)
3) Book at least 2 puppy bath & dry sessions - normally around 4 and 5 months of age
4) Get their first haircut booked for around 6 months old. This is typically when their coat is starting to get out of hand.
5) Book them in for a trim every 4-6 weeks until they're over 18 months and their coat change has finished. You might then be able to stretch sessions to every 8 weeks

18/03/2026

I always say, that not many dogs LOVE the process of grooming (it's boring for them!) but they shouldn't need to HATE it. If they HATE it, there's a reason for that, that can normally be worked on and overcome, or at least improved. Sometimes this requires work with a behaviourist and the owner at home; but for the majority of dogs, a lot of it can be improved by how they are handled, and by whom, and the equipment that is used on them in the grooming salon. I nearly gave up dog grooming during my training, after seeing the stress the dogs were in in the busy salon, being groomed by different people each time - each using different techniques, brushes, handling, energy, confidence. I couldn't do that to them. Dogs need consistency. They need to build trust. They need to know what's coming next. They need someone with confidence to guide them. Someone to tailor their techniques to reduce any stress. If they don't like that brush, try a different one. That dyer is too loud - OK I'll turn it down. I've hit a knot - let's snip it out rather than cause pain by brushing it out. A moment to connect when they turn to look at you.

16/03/2026

I’m Holly, the owner of Regency Grooming in Gotherington, established in 2014.

I’m a qualified dog groomer with a Level 3 Diploma and Dog First Aid training.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and over 10 years’ experience helping run a puppy training school.

Before grooming, I ran an eBay business selling edible cake photos and worked in horse care.

I live with my husband, two children, our Havanese River, two guinea pigs, and have two horses Mino & Archie.

I’ve had Mino for 25 years and we previously competed nationally in dressage!

16/03/2026

15/03/2026

One-to-one, low-stress grooming: Every dog is groomed individually in a calm environment where their comfort and wellbeing come first.

Experienced, qualified care: Over a decade of professional grooming supported by formal training, dog first aid, and a strong background in animal care and behaviour.

Patient, compassionate handling: Especially suited to puppies starting their grooming journey, nervous dogs, and seniors who need extra understanding.

Quality results with attention to detail: A focus on achieving the style owners want while always prioritising the dog’s comfort and coat health.

Clear, friendly communication: Working closely with owners so they feel confident their dog is in safe, knowledgeable hands.

A genuine love of animals: Grooming isn’t just a job — it’s a lifelong passion for caring for animals and helping every dog look and feel their best.

14/03/2026

A rare glimpse of sunshine on the dog grooming pod 😎💐
I realised I hadn't uploaded a pic of the pod since I moved over from the van....so here it is! I'll get some of the inside put up too

13/03/2026

To pluck or not to pluck inside ears? A long standing debate. Ears should self clean and remain healthy, even with excess hair as seen in these pics. Normal ear wax colour is the same as for us - light yellow. These are healthy ears and as such I don't interfere by removing any hair from within the canal.

12/12/2025

Doodle coats are beautiful, but they definitely come with their own quirks.
As a groomer, I see so many owners doing their absolute best — they just haven’t been given the right information early enough.

So I’ve put together a Doodle Coat Care Guide to make things easier for anyone who shares their life with a Doodle, whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or already have an adult dog at home.

Inside, I’ve included:
> Practical ways to prevent and manage matting
> What to expect during the “coat change” phase
> How to introduce a puppy to brushing and grooming in a positive way
> A simple kit list with the tools that genuinely help day-to-day

My aim is to give owners clear, realistic guidance so grooming becomes less stressful — for both you and your dog.

If you’d find it helpful, you can read the guide here

Here I've created a free downloadable PDF guide on Doodle coats, with recommended kit lists and tips on preventing matting as well as getting your puppy used to being groomed and info on the dreaded coat change! You can read it here or click on 'Download' at the bottom of the page Doodle Coat CareDo...